Uses for Snake Oil

Snake oil originated from China, according to HealthMad. The Chinese used the oil from the Chinese water snake as the main ingredient for this alternative medicine for joint pain. Snakes found in the United States and other countries do not have the same properties as the water snake, so, outside of China, snake oil has turned into a negative term over the years for an ineffective medicine.

Pain Killer

• Traditionally, the original Chinese snake oil heals arthritis joint pain. The snake oils found in China contain anti-inflammatory properties. Health Mad states that the snake oil has high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, which gives it the anti-inflammatory properties. The website states that China sells the oil in pharmacies for joint pain.

Hair Growth

• In China, snake oil is added to other oils for hair re-growth products for men. HealthMad states that it is mixed with fats from other animals, such as crocodiles. However, there are no specific studies to prove the effectiveness against baldness.

Protecting Wood and Metal

• The snake oils that the United States produced and used, usually made from rattlesnakes rather than Chinese water snakes, were ineffective for medical uses. Though the snake oils found in the U.S. proved ineffective and the "cures" made from mixing the oils with other items did not work, Old West Snake Oil claims that the oil is useful for wood and metal protection. The oil is rubbed into the wood or metal object to help maintain the object.