Kohl was an outsider in politics, much like Reagan and Thatcher were. He inherited the legacy of center party conservatism, but also developed his own brand of reform.
Traditional kohl is a black cosmetic used as eyeliner. It is often based on antimony, called stibnite (Sb2S3). It is mixed with a variety of other inorganic and organic compounds, including soot.
What is Kohl?
Kohl is a pencil-like eyeliner typically used to achieve a smudged or blown-out look. It is often combined with other makeup, including kajal and mascara to create a smoldering smoky effect. Kohl has been in use for over 4,000 years and has been used by women and men across parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It has also been used as a medicinal tool for eye ailments.
However, traditional kohl contained dangerous ingredients like lead sulfide. While a single application may not increase lead levels in the blood, prolonged use can result in permanent brain damage. To combat this, modern kohls are made from safe ingredients and have been designed to be safe for the eyes. Many are also formulated to be long-lasting.
Origins
The kohl eyeliner has been in use for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian queens and nomads wore it around their eyes to prevent diseases and to ward off the evil eye. They also used it as a ceremonial item and buried containers of it with their dead.
Kohl was made from the mineral galena or lead sulfide and mixed with almond oil, soot and herbs to achieve the right consistency. Lead is toxic, and regular kohl application could build up to dangerous levels in the body.
However, modern research shows that this ancient ingredient did more than just beautify the eyes – it actually tricked the immune system into dispatching bacteria-fighting cells around the eyelids. This is why it was so effective against eye infections and conjunctivitis.
Ingredients
In ancient times, black kohl was not just used for cosmetic purposes but was also considered to have religious and medicinal properties. It was believed to repel the evil eye, protect against the harsh sun’s glare and even cure diseases. The recipe for kohl varied greatly and was made from both organic and inorganic ingredients. Galena (lead sulfide) and stibnite (antimony sulphide) were commonly used but other minerals and substances such as charcoal and soot could also be added to the mix.
Unfortunately, many of these traditional formulas contained lead – an element that is highly toxic and harmful to children’s health. Thankfully, there are some modern artisanal companies who have developed kohl that is free from harmful heavy metals. These products are handmade and painstakingly crafted from natural ingredients including olive pips, cloves, dried rose petals, lavender and soot.
How to Use
In rural Bengal, kohl is made from a leaf of the “Monosha” plant (Euphorbia neriifolia). This succulent spurge can be found in many Indian homes and has natural black pigment. The leaves are placed over DIY mud lamps and covered with oil to form a paste which is then applied on the eyes.
Kohl is used to darken the lashes and eyebrows. It was traditionally applied with fingers or a small brush known as a “stimmi”.
In modern times, many western-manufactured kohl pencils contain mineral-based lead, which violates European laws on cosmetic products. Physicians treating patients from third-world countries should be aware of the possibility of lead uptake from unassumed traditional cosmetic items. Kohls that do not contain lead are often made with amorphous carbon and organic charcoal powders and plant oils.
Final Words
Kohl’s legacy is firmly rooted in Europe. He forged an uneasy alliance with Mitterrand and convinced Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to let Germany back into the fold. He also pushed for European monetary union, even though many Germans were wary of the idea at the time.
His wife, Hannelore, who had a debilitating allergy to light, was buried in her family’s grave in Ludwigshafen, the industrial city on the Rhine that was most bombed during World War Two. She was interred alongside Kohl’s parents and grandparents.
Kohl was also known for using the strategy of wearing down opponents by ignoring them, a tactic mimicked by Merkel. He also liked to quote an old Mitterrand chestnut about the slowest boat in the EU convoy not having a right to hold up the rest of the fleet, a comment that sparked a backlash in the UK. kohl uk
