Chinese Snake Oil - 2oz Jar

Introducing Hempstock Pharms True Snake Oil: 

Honoring Tradition, Delivering Purity

Woodstock, IL — Hempstock Pharms is proud to announce the launch of our newest product: Hempstock Pharms Snake Oil, a testament to the timeless value of nature’s remedies and a bold statement against the misinformation plaguing both the hemp and wellness industries. This is no ordinary “snake oil”—it’s the real deal.

Centuries ago, Chinese migrant laborers brought a powerful secret to America: oil derived from the Chinese water snake, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and revered for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Unlike the fraudulent concoctions of unscrupulous salesmen who hijacked the term “snake oil” in the late 19th century, this traditional remedy was authentic and effective. Over time, however, the term became synonymous with fraud, much like how Delta-8 THC—a hemp-derived cannabinoid with real therapeutic potential—is now misunderstood and maligned.

At Hempstock Pharms, we’re reclaiming the truth. Our Snake Oil is crafted from sustainably sourced Chinese water snakes, working with a trusted vendor in China who upholds the highest standards of purity and quality. Each 2-ounce bottle contains genuine snake oil and nothing else, delivering the real benefits that have stood the test of time.  Our founder and CEO, Stacy McCaskill, has lived and worked in Mainland China and speaks Mandarin Chinese.  She has thoroughly researched this supply chain as she does for all Hempstock Pharms products.  We honor a farm-to-label focus knowing our farmers and processors.  

Priced at $40 per bottle, we’re ensuring this powerful remedy is accessible to everyone. What’s more, $5 from each purchase will go directly to the Illinois Hemp Growers Association to support their vital work in advocating for reasonable legislation to ensure safety, purity, potency, and testing of our hemp-derived products.

“Our mission has always been to provide products that are real, true, and effective,” said Stacy McCaskill, CEO and founder of Hempstock Pharms. “We are healers and truth tellers. That is the only way to truly ‘unlock the healing power’ of plant and animal based medicine.”

Just like the original Chinese water snake oil makers, Hempstock stands by the integrity of our hand crafted products. Unfortunately, as the cannabis market has expanded, it has become peppered with some misbranded, untested, and unsafe products—many of which give the entire industry a bad name. Hempstock Pharms Snake Oil is our way of leading by example.

Hempstock Pharms Snake Oil is more than just a product—it’s a powerful symbol. It represents our commitment to honoring tradition, fighting misinformation, and ensuring that the wellness industry delivers on its promises. In a world where “snake oil” and “Delta-8 THC” are used as punchlines, we’re here to remind people of their true potential.

We invite our customers to try Hempstock Pharms Snake Oil for themselves and experience the difference that comes from a product that is real, true, tested, and effective. Together, let’s rewrite the narrative—one bottle at a time.

For more information, please visit HempstockPharms.com or contact us at 815-200-8869.

Snake oil began as a genuine remedy in traditional Chinese medicine, made from Chinese water snakes rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and pain. When Chinese immigrants brought it to the United States in the 19th century, it gained attention for its effectiveness. However, its reputation was soon tarnished as opportunists in America exploited its popularity, replacing the real product with ineffective or even harmful substitutes.

One of the most infamous figures was Clark Stanley, known as the "Rattlesnake King," who captivated audiences with dramatic demonstrations at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where he slaughtered snakes on stage to promote his so-called miracle cure. Despite his theatrics, investigations revealed that Stanley’s snake oil contained no actual snake oil, only mineral oil and other cheap fillers. His fraudulent claims, along with those of other patent medicine hucksters, turned snake oil into a symbol of deceit, undermining trust in alternative remedies and spurring public demand for regulation.

Yet, the true story of snake oil reminds us that even something tainted by fraud began with a foundation of real value. Its original purpose—healing and alleviating pain—stands as a testament to the power of nature and tradition. Snake oil’s journey from authentic remedy to cautionary tale challenges us to seek truth, demand integrity, and embrace the potential for rediscovering forgotten wisdom in our pursuit of progress.

This product does NOT contain cannabinoids.

DOSAGE & USAGE RECOMMENDATIONS

Hempstock's Chinese Snake Oil can be ingested or applied topically.  For joint and muscle inflammation reduction, apply snake oil to the area of pain.  Apply every 4-6 hours.  For the EPA benefits simply consume 1-2ml per day.  A small spoon is supplied with each jar.  Take 1-2 spoonful orally per day.  

Reported Benefits

1. Rich Source of Omega-3 (EPA)

Chinese water snake oil stands out because it contains high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). A 1989 analysis found Chinatown-sourced snake oil contained about 20% EPA, significantly higher than many fish oil sources.  This rich omega-3 content underlies most of its observed benefits. The Pharmaceutical Journal

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Thanks to its EPA, snake oil is traditionally used to relieve inflammation—especially for joint pain, arthritis, and bursitis. This aligns with its long-standing use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and was one of the original reasons it was brought to the American West. Pharmacy Times. Modern sources also reinforce these traditional uses, citing its   anti-inflammatory properties and potential to support skin and joint health. Ranker

3. Cardiovascular and Cognitive Support

Some modern research suggests that omega-3s may help:

• Lower systolic blood pressure

• Improve cognitive function

• Reduce dementia risk

• Help with mood and depression

These benefits mirror what’s often attributed to fish oil, owing to the same omega-3 mechanism.

American College of Cardiology

4. Enhanced Physical Endurance (Preclinical)

In a Japanese animal study, mice fed sea-snake oil showed improved swimming endurance and better performance in maze tests—compared to lard or even fish oil. This suggests potential energy or cognitive benefits—though these are early, non-human findings.  

Japanese Research – National Food Research Institute & Nobuya Shirai

• Background: Researchers at Japan’s National Food Research Institute, led by Nobuya Shirai, studied the oil from the Erabu sea snake (used historically in traditional medicine).

• Findings:

  • Omega‑3 content (like EPA and DHA) in sea snake oil did not vary significantly based on where the snakes were caught in the Pacific or South China Sea. Scientific American

  • In follow-up animal studies, feeding mice sea snake oil (versus lard) significantly improved swimming endurance and maze-learning ability, as reported in Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism (2007). Scientific American

Specific Paper on Endurance (2007):

Title: Effect of Erabu Sea Snake (Laticauda semifasciata) Lipids on Endurance of Aged Mice

Published in: Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 2007

Findings: Aged mice fed sea snake lipid diets showed improved swimming endurance compared to those fed fish oil or lard. This was tied to better lactate metabolism and glycogen maintenance. J-STAGE

Summary Table

Caveats & Considerations

• Limited human clinical trials: While the anti-inflammatory properties are plausible due to EPA, there's a lack of controlled trials specifically investigating ingestion of snake oil in humans.

• Traditional vs. Modern Claims: Many modern claims—like improved mood, hair health, immune boosting—come from general health narratives or historical usage, not rigorous human studies.

• Safety Profile: There’s limited data on ingestion safety, dosage guidelines, or potential contaminants. Most literature focuses on topical use or traditional applications.

Bottom Line

Ingesting 1–2 mL per day of genuine Chinese water snake oil likely delivers a meaningful dose of EPA-rich omega-3, which traditionally helps with inflammation, joint pain, and potentially cardiovascular and cognitive health. Animal studies show possible endurance benefits, but those are preliminary.  

Please consult your personal physician before adding any supplements or before making any significant dietary change to your routine. We encourage you partnering with your health care professional for yourself and your loved ones and your veterinarian for your companion animal friends. 

The statements made regarding Hempstock Pharm products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. Hempstock Pharm products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.