How Snake Oil Got Its Reputation

Snippet from the article:

These days, “snake oil” is synonymous with quackery, the phoniest of phony medicines. A “snake oil salesman” promises you the world, takes your money, and is long gone by the time you realize the product in your hands is completely worthless.

But get this: The original snake oil actually worked. Save this one for the next cocktail party; it will blow your friends’ minds.

Read the full story — How Snake Oil Got a Bad Rap (Hint: It Wasn’t The Snakes’ Fault)

I had thought “snake oil” was synonymous with “medical scam” in most of the world, but I still get emails from people in various parts of Asia that truly believe snake oil will cure what ails you and want to know where to buy it. Sorry, snake oil doesn’t regrow hair.