The term “snake oil” is often used to describe products that are fraudulent misleading or of poor quality. The expression is thought to have originated in the early 1800s when snake oil was sold as a cure-all medicinal tonic.
Since then the phrase has been used to describe all sorts of false or dubious products ranging from health supplements to investment schemes.
In recent years “snake oil” has been used to describe the widespread promotion of unproven or pseudoscientific health claims. This is often done by people with a financial interest in the products such as supplement manufacturers and purveyors of alternative therapies.
The term is also used more generally to describe any product or service that is overhyped and of dubious quality.
So what exactly is snake oil?
Snake oil is a clear yellowish liquid that is extracted from the fat of snakes. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for a variety of ailments.
In the West snake oil came to prominence in the early 1800s as a so-called miracle cure-all. It was sold by traveling salesmen who would often give dramatic presentations of its purported health benefits.
Despite its name snake oil does not actually contain any snakes. The term is thought to have originated from the practice of adding snake meat or venom to the oil to make it more potent.
Over the years the term “snake oil” has come to be used more broadly to describe any product that is fraudulent misleading or of poor quality.
So if you’re ever tempted to buy a product that seems too good to be true beware! It might just be snake oil.
What is snake oil?
Snake oil is an oil derived from the Chinese water snake.
It’s historically been used as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments including joint pain inflammation and bruises.
How is snake oil used?
Snake oil is typically rubbed on the affected area.
What does snake oil do?
Snake oil is claimed to offer a range of benefits including reducing pain and inflammation boosting joint function and aiding in the healing of bruises.
Does snake oil actually work?
There is no scientific evidence to support the use of snake oil for any of the aforementioned purposes.
What are the side effects of using snake oil?
There are no known side effects of using snake oil topically.
Is snake oil safe to use?
There is no evidence to suggest that snake oil is unsafe to use.
What are the ingredients in snake oil?
The ingredients in snake oil vary depending on the manufacturer but typically include a carrier oil and various essential oils.
What is the best snake oil?
There is no evidence to suggest that one snake oil is better than another.
Where can I buy snake oil?
Snake oil is available for purchase online and in some health food stores.
How much does snake oil cost?
The price of snake oil varies depending on the manufacturer and the size of the product.
Who should use snake oil?
There is no evidence to suggest that snake oil is effective for any purpose so it is not recommended for use by anyone.
Can snake oil be used on animals?
There is no evidence to suggest that snake oil is safe or effective for use on animals.
Is snake oil safe for pregnant women?
There is no evidence to suggest that snake oil is safe for pregnant women to use.
Can snake oil be used on open wounds?
There is no evidence to suggest that snake oil is safe or effective for use on open wounds.
How long does snake oil last?
Snake oil does not have a shelf life and does not expire.
