Dick Johnson’s Snake Oil Beard Oil draws inspiration from the miracle cures sold in 19th-century industrial America, which claimed to remedy any ailment.
Placebos, scams, and empty promises—snake oil has, since the days of the Wild West, symbolized a miracle cure offered by someone whose intentions might not be entirely pure.Yet, at the same time, the snake also appears in symbols like the Rod of Asclepius, a symbol of modern medicine. A snake coiled around this rod is commonly seen on medicine cabinets or the side of an ambulance. So where does this connection between snakes, medicine, and healing originate?
In ancient times, snakes’ ability to shed their skin was seen as a symbol of rebirth and regeneration.
Asclepius was the Greek god of healing and well-being, and according to legend, a snake coiling around his staff granted him the power to raise his son from the dead.
The temples of Asclepius formed the foundation of healthcare in ancient Greece, and the snakes that roamed freely in these temples were considered integral to the healing of the sick. Even today, a snake drinking from the cup of the goddess Hygieia, the goddess of health, serves as the symbol of pharmacies.
But where did snake oil itself originate, and why is it associated with fraud and false promises?
In traditional Chinese medicine, oil from the Chinese water snake has been used for centuries to treat various inflammatory conditions. Proper snake oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which effectively relieve joint inflammation, among other ailments.
Although Chinese snake oil was initially a potent and versatile remedy, by the late 1800s, it had acquired a reputation as an ineffective scam. This miracle cure, originally brought to North America by Chinese laborers, was appropriated by a man known as the “Rattlesnake King,” Clark Stanley.
In the late 19th century, patent medicines surged in popularity in the rapidly industrializing United States. These miracle potions and liniments—marketed without scientific evidence—promised relief for ailments like kidney issues, headaches, or “women’s complaints.”
Chinese water snakes don’t inhabit the Americas. Stanley’s snake oil was produced following the teachings of the Hopi Native Americans, using rattlesnakes, which contain far fewer beneficial fatty acids than Chinese water snakes.
Due to the unregulated medicine and liniment markets, forgeries flooded the market, and it was customary to add the producer’s name and picture on the label as a mark of authenticity and quality.
In 1906, the U.S. passed a law for the promotion of purer food and drugs to restrict the sale of miracle cures. A 1916 study found that Stanley’s snake oil contained primarily animal-derived mineral oil, capsaicin from chili peppers, and turpentine.
Because of the Rattlesnake King, snake oil sales took on a derogatory meaning, becoming synonymous with deceptive, unproven miracle cures. Even today, “snake oil” is often mentioned in the context of U.S. domestic politics.
Dick Johnson’s Snake Oil Beard Oil was created to clean up the problematic reputation of snake oil. From the beginning, mystique, deceit, and the deepest aspects of human nature have fascinated us, but we wanted to create a genuine miracle cure for every beard. Snake Oil Beard Oil is handmade in Tuusula, Finland, using high-quality argan, jojoba, and almond oils.
With over 1,500 reviews, this time, snake oil truly does work wonders!