Ithmid kohl is a black mineral powder worn around the eyes. It carries many health benefits and beautifies the eye area in ways that are unique from other types of kohl.
It is also known for its gender-neutral physical traits that make both men and women appear beautiful. However, kohl can also be dangerous if it contains lead. In a study of twenty-one kohl samples, researchers found that two thirds contained significant levels of lead!
Health Benefits
Traditionally, kohl was made from either Galena (lead sulfide) or Stibnite (antimony sulfide). It is still popular in North Africa and the Middle East, where it may be a pervasive source of lead poisoning among people living in these regions and their descendants who have moved to industrialized nations.
This is particularly concerning because the presence of lead in kohl has been linked to anemia, which can result in a range of adverse health effects, including stunted growth, low IQ, convulsions and death. Moreover, the use of traditional handmade lead-based kohl is a serious health threat to children, owing to their low dietary intake and heightened susceptibility to lead intoxication.
Fortunately, Ithmid kohl is free from lead and the other harmful elements mentioned above. Hence, not only is it permissible to use but the prophet Sly llh lyh wslm both praised and commanded its usage. This is because Ithmid kohl carries health and beauty benefits that no other type of kohl possesses.
Beauty Benefits
Ithmid kohl has a number of beauty benefits and it is a well known and taken for granted benefit that it makes eyelashes grow longer. This is a benefit that has been affirmed by the prophet Sl llh lyh wslm.
The majority of kohl products available today are made from Galena (lead sulfide, PbS) or Stibnite (antimony sulfide, Sb2S3). These are not the same as the original kohl ithmid – khl or kajal that is used in Morocco, Mauritania, Pakistan, India and Saudi Arabia.
However, these kohl products often contain high levels of lead which may be harmful for some users. In addition, traces of the toxic element Cadmium have also been found in many kohl samples. These kohls are sold in shops and via internet sales which make them difficult to regulate. Fortunately, there are a number of kohl brands that are made from natural ingredients and free of harmful substances. These kohls are also sold in the West and have been approved for sale by cosmetic safety bodies.
Gender-Natural Physical Traits
Many people don’t realise that the Prophet recommended Ithmid kohl for its eye health benefits. It is also a beauty aid and a talismanic item that enhances the eyes in a beautiful and unique way.
Unlike the kohl of the ancient Egyptians which was made from Galena or Stibnite (antimony sulfide, Sb2S3), most of the kohl available nowadays does not contain antimony, but rather lead. This leads to higher blood lead levels and possible poisoning.
In a study, energy dispersive X-ray analysis of twenty-one kohl samples purchased in Saudi Arabia, India and the Middle East were done. It was found that two thirds of the samples contained high amounts of lead. This is a major concern as the Prophet
Sun Protection
In addition to protecting eyes from the sun’s UV rays, kohl also protects the skin around the eyes from dust and debris. This is a well-known benefit and one that is taken for granted by many people who use kohl on a regular basis.
Ithmid (antimony) kohl has been used since ancient times, and is known for its beauty, health, protection and healing benefits for the eye area. It is the only eye makeup that has been directly ordered by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) to be worn on a regular basis.
Galena, the mineral that is the main ingredient of authentic Middle Eastern kohl, contains Lead Sulfide and provides some of the same benefits as antimony. However, studies on kohl samples from Morocco, Mauritania, Great Britain, and the United States have found that most samples had no antimony present and only small amounts of lead. These lead ions stimulate the production of nitric oxide in the blood which in turn lowers intraocular pressure and acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow to the eye. antimony kohl