We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Skunk Oil?

By Britt Archer
Updated: Feb 20, 2024
Views: 19,777
Share

Skunk oil is very different from what most people might think when they hear about the product. It is not the same as a skunk's spray, which is foul-smelling and produced by a live skunk when it feels threatened. It is actually the oil obtained by frying the fat from the animal's body. For many years this oil has been said to have medicinal properties, although its effectiveness is questionable.

The most commonly touted use for skunk oil is to relieve or cure the common cold. Proponents say that rubbing this oil balm on a person's chest will cure a cold as quickly as possible. While there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim, many remedies that warm the skin and organs beneath, including this type of balm, open the passageways of a congested system by causing everything to expand and relax. This allows obstructions, such as mucus, to easily pass through the body and be harmlessly digested, easing the discomfort.

Skunk oil liniment is also used as a moisturizer to cure dry and chapped skin. Because skunk oil is essentially grease, it penetrates the skin a small amount at a time. It also forms a protective barrier to keep cool or dry air from doing further damage or irritation to the skin.

Skunk oil is reputed by some to have very little smell, while others report that it has a slight odor. Still others claim that it has a very distinct and unpleasant smell. Those who persist in using this old home remedy often add a drop of wintergreen or mint oil to their preparations to ward off any smell, or to aid its purported decongestant qualities.

Products are commercially available through a number of smaller retailers, mostly those who cater to people seeking holistic care. The easiest way of obtaining skunk oil remains the same as it was in past centuries — hunting and processing your own skunk. Before using a home remedy, even one as mild as skunk oil, the help and advice of a qualified medical professional should be sought. It should also be noted by anyone using a home remedy that if symptoms persist or become worse, or if an adverse reaction is noted, immediate medical attention from a qualified medical professional should be sought.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-skunk-oil.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.