Kohl is more than just a cosmetic item, it has various benefits for the eye and one’s health. It has been endorsed by the prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam in several ahaadeeth.
Real ithmid kohl is made of natural grey galena (lead sulfide). The kohl powder has microscopic particles that absorb the UV rays from the sun.
Benefits
Ithmid kohl is recommended by the prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam as a means of enhancing and maintaining good eye health. It absorbs UV rays and protects the eyes from harmful dust particles. It also helps to lengthen the eye lashes.
In addition, itthmid kohl is known to reduce the skin flap on the eyelid, relieves headaches and relaxes eyestrain. It also helps detoxify eye moisture, and soothes inflammation in the tear ducts.
It also stimulates the production of nitric oxide which improves blood flow to the eyes and brain. Increased blood flow to the eyes is a positive prophylactic against ocular diseases such as macular degeneration, and it also helps to lower intra-ocular pressure (IOP), which is a risk factor for glaucoma. It is also known to protect the eyes from the ill effects of smog and pollution.
Applicator
Pure ithmid kohl comes in a tube with a long wood applicator that is bluntly pointed on one end and rounded bulbously on the other (think a miniature pool stick). The best kohl will easily stick to the application wand without any further effort. This is a good indication of its quality.
Some people apply kohl as eyeliner, but others say that it is only for applying above and below the eyelashes. It really depends on the mineral used to prepare the kohl, and in particular the size of the particles formed. If the particle size is too large, it could scratch and irritate the eyes.
To use the kohl, simply dip the tip of the application wand in the kohl and then apply along the water line of your eyes. Close your eyes and gently glide the wand across your waterline. You can repeat this for each eye. You may find that the kohl is very dry and won’t stick to the wand for the first couple of applications, but it should become easier after the 2nd or 3rd.
Application
Kohl is usually applied to the waterline of the eyes and above & below the eyelashes. It is a sunnah to apply and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) has encouraged its use.
Ithmid kohl/surma cleans the eye and is said to protect it from harmful substances such as dust, dirt and germs. It also helps to nourish and grow eye lashes. It is recommended to splash your face with water and dry it off with a towel before applying kohl as this helps the kohl stick and makes it easier to remove if necessary.
It is important to do your homework before purchasing kohl online. It is best to purchase kohl from sellers who have already proven themselves by their honesty and integrity to sell genuinely pure ithmid kohl. A good seller will be able to provide answers to some of your questions such as where their ithmid came from and how it is made.
Ingredients
Kohl is a finely crushed natural mineral (stibnite, antimony) that has been made into a powder and used to line the eyes. It can also be applied to the lips and other areas of the skin for beauty purposes. It is a natural cleanser for the eyes and has medicinal properties that protect against various desert elements such as the intense sun, dust, sand, and bugs. It increases the growth of eye lashes and keeps them healthy. It protects from many diseases that can be caused by these factors and it acts as a moisturizer.
Historically families in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia and North Africa used homemade kohl that was traditionally referred to as ithmid. Ithmid is actually a name for a type of galena which is composed of lead sulfide. However, the exact chemical make-up of any rock can vary greatly and not all rocks that correpsond with a specific chemical name are suitable for use as ithmid.
