Patent Medicines

Patent medicines are commercial products that were historically marketed directly to consumers, often claiming to treat, cure, or prevent various ailments. Despite the name, they are not necessarily patented inventions; rather, the term refers to their branded, often elaborate packaging and widespread advertising. Many contained complex ingredient combinations, sometimes with little scientific evidence of effectiveness, and occasionally included harmful substances. Over time, regulations improved transparency, requiring ingredient listing and safety standards. Today, the term is mostly associated with historical products, though some modern supplements and herbal remedies similarly rely on branding rather than rigorous clinical validation.