1. a medicine or remedy that is not proven to be effective, especially one that is sold with exaggerated claims
Usage: often derogatory
2. a scheme or remedy for bringing about some social or political reform or improvement, especially one that is impractical or simplistic
Usage: often derogatory

Examples

• The traveling salesman peddled his nostrum as a cure for everything from headaches to heart disease.
• She was skeptical of the herbal nostrum advertised in the magazine.
• The politician’s economic nostrum promised to solve unemployment overnight.
• Many people fell for the nostrum that claimed to restore youth.
• The doctor warned against relying on unproven nostrums instead of seeking proper medical care.
• His nostrum for fixing the education system was overly simplistic.
• The company was fined for marketing their nostrum with false health claims.