Medicated Cigars ?

Recently we posted an article about a cigar stamping machine that was patented in 1888. However while we were searching we discovered the “Improved Medicated Cigar” patented in 1869.

 From the 1869 patent:

The diseases which the medicated cigar is most sure to relieve, are catarrh, bronchitis, dyspepsia, consumption, whooping-cough, and affections of the kidneys and urinary organs.

The most fascinating part is that this patent dated from 1869 was referenced in another patent published as recently as 2010.
The undisputed fact is that modern medical companies have used this patent as a basis for modern medicine.

“Medicated cigars” never became a legitimate thing, but we have to admit snake oil salesman existed. Take this advertisement for example:

A while back we found this Gem:

“Liver Regulator” is one of many health-related cigar front-marks that were part of a popular late-1800′s marketing trend based on claims that some cigars actually held medicinal benefits for the smoker. Other “healthy” smokes of the period were labeled “Doctor’s Favorite”, “Cure-All”, and the none-too-subtle “Health Brand Cigars.”

It’s fascinating to dig though the history of cigar and cigar marketing. Cigars are great stress relievers, They are perfect for celebrations, they are perfect for many situations but marketing them as healthy or a way to dispense prescription medicine is less than honest in the majority of cases.