The expression "snake oil" often refers to an ointment whose supposed uses are a deceptive. However, this oil, used in traditional Chinese medicine, was not devoid of healing properties; they were just disappointing compared to the miraculous effects that were extolled. It was in the 18th and 19th centuries that European entrepreneurs began selling paraffin oil mixed with useless herbs under the fraudulent label of snake oil. It was a double scam, and their clients dupes twice over, as a big part of the swindle was based on a smaller half-swindle.