by Kathi Thimsen RN, MSN, WOCN
Why do we have the FDA
In the late 1800s the government saw the potential danger that “snake oil” salesmen posed to society. Potions and elixirs were said to calm women prone to hysteria during the pre-menstrual cycle or cure headaches. Some of the most dangerous elixirs claimed to calm colicky babies and irritable children. These potions and elixirs were formulated with water, alcohol, and in some cases, poisons like toxic herbal extracts and tar.