Colognes: The Medicinal Benefits And Scents Explored

Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, is a perfume that originated in Cologne, Germany, in 1709. It has a range of uses, from deodorising to disinfecting. But can cologne be medicinal? The original Eau de Cologne was believed to ward off the bubonic plague. Its high alcohol content, at about 85%, gives it disinfectant properties, and it can be used to sanitise surfaces and hands. It can also be used as a deodorant, and to cool the skin. However, it should not be consumed as a medicine. There is also a herb called Eau de Cologne Mint, which is used as a domestic herbal remedy, and has antiseptic properties.

The antiseptic properties of cologne

Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, has been used for various purposes since its creation in 1709 by Giovanni Maria Farina. Beyond its strong scent and deodorizing power, it has also been used for medicinal purposes.

Cologne is highly effective in disinfecting surfaces and hands due to its high alcohol content, which can be as much as 85%. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its popularity surged in countries like Turkey, as it is able to destroy the lipid membrane of the coronavirus. This is due to its high alcohol content, which, at 70-90%, is strong enough to break down the virus's hard shell.

Prior to its mass commercialisation, cologne was used by doctors and paramedics as an antiseptic. In the 19th century, Eau de Cologne was introduced to the Ottoman Empire by Sultan Abdülhamit II, who blended the traditional rose water used to cleanse oneself and welcome guests with the novelty of foreign alcohol-based fragrances to create kolonya, or Turkish cologne. This became an indispensable product in Turkish hospitality, with it being offered to guests in homes, shops, offices, and cabs, as well as being used in hospitals and restaurants.

The high alcohol content of Turkish cologne, which is around 80%, is what gives it its antiseptic properties, making it as effective as handwashing with soap at destroying the coronavirus. The ethanol-based scent is made by first creating pure ethanol through the fermentation of barley, grapes, molasses, or potatoes, which is then mixed with distilled water. A natural fragrance such as magnolia, lemon, or rosemary is then added, and the mixture is left to mature for three weeks before being bottled.

In addition to its hygienic qualities, kolonya is believed to have other health benefits. It is said that sprinkling a few drops of it onto a sugar cube can aid digestion, and rubbing it onto your temples can relieve a headache.

The use of cologne to treat fevers

Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, has been used for centuries not only as a perfume but also for its medicinal properties. Originating in the German city of Cologne in 1709, the original Eau de Cologne was created by Italian perfumer Johann Maria Farina (or Giovanni Maria Farina) and was hailed as "miracle water" or "miraculous water".

The effectiveness of cologne in treating fevers may be due to its high alcohol content, which is typically around 70-90%. Alcohol has disinfectant properties and can help destroy the lipid membrane of viruses. This could explain why cologne has been traditionally used to treat fevers, as it may help kill the underlying viral or bacterial cause of the fever.

In addition to its medicinal properties, cologne has also been used for its refreshing and deodorizing abilities. It can be used to enhance the scent of homemade cleaning products and to refresh laundry, sofas, curtains, and other upholstered items.

Today, cologne is still widely used as a perfume or fragrance, with the term "cologne" often referring to perfumes marketed towards men. However, its historical use as a medicinal treatment for fevers highlights the versatility and enduring utility of this centuries-old creation.

Cologne as a deodorant

Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, is a perfume that originated in Cologne, Germany, in 1709. It has a strong scent and deodorizing power, and it was once used for medicinal purposes. In modern times, cologne is often marketed towards men, and it can be used as an alternative to deodorant.

When using cologne as a deodorant, it is important to consider the application method. Unlike deodorant, cologne should not be sprayed all over the body or clothes. Instead, it should be applied to the wrists and neck—areas where a heartbeat can be felt. This helps carry the scent and allows it to mix with your natural pheromones, creating a unique fragrance. Applying cologne after a shower is also recommended, as open pores will absorb it, making the scent last longer.

It is generally advised to avoid mixing multiple scented products, as different fragrances may clash and create an unpleasant smell. Therefore, when using cologne, it is best to opt for unscented or neutral-scented deodorants and other grooming products. This ensures that the cologne's fragrance remains the dominant scent.

While cologne can enhance your scent and provide deodorizing benefits, it is important to note that it does not have the same antiperspirant properties as deodorant. Deodorant contains chemicals that reduce sweating, while cologne is primarily made of alcohol and water. Therefore, when using cologne as a deodorant, be mindful that it will not prevent perspiration in the same way as a dedicated antiperspirant product.

In conclusion, cologne can be used as a deodorant alternative, providing a pleasant fragrance and deodorizing effects. However, for the best results, it should be used in conjunction with an unscented or neutral-scented deodorant to manage perspiration and odour effectively.

The dangers of cologne poisoning

Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils. It has been used for medicinal purposes, such as disinfecting surfaces and hands, but it can also be dangerous if consumed. Cologne poisoning occurs when someone swallows cologne, which can be accidental or intentional. The toxic ingredients in cologne include ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). These alcohols are found in various types of cologne and can cause severe health issues if ingested.

Symptoms of cologne poisoning may include a decreased level of consciousness, including coma, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting (which may be bloody), trouble walking, low body temperature, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, seizures, and uncoordinated movement. In children, cologne poisoning can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can be life-threatening. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if cologne poisoning is suspected and to have the following information ready: the person's age, weight, and condition; the time the cologne was swallowed; and the type of cologne consumed.

The faster medical help is administered, the better the chances of recovery from cologne poisoning. Treatment may include blood and urine tests, breathing support, ECG, endoscopy, fluid intake through a vein (IV), and medication to address specific symptoms. It is important not to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.

To prevent cologne poisoning, it is crucial to keep cologne out of the reach of children and to seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs. Additionally, it is worth noting that cologne manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients on the packaging due to trade secret laws, so consumers may not be fully aware of the potential toxic ingredients in the product.

Cologne as a natural insect repellent

Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a medicinal aid. One of its earliest uses was to ward off the bubonic plague. People would drink the cologne, and the citrus oil scent would exude through their pores, repelling fleas.

Today, cologne can still be used as a natural insect repellent. Many commercial perfumes and colognes are marketed as such, with added ingredients that help repel insects. For example, the Coqui Coqui Mosquito Repellent contains geranium and citronella, and the Aromaflage Purser fragrance has been tested at a top university and found to be just as effective as leading insect repellent brands.

Citrus-based colognes are particularly effective as insect repellents. The citrus scent, derived from oils of lemon, orange, tangerine, clementine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, and more, is naturally unpleasant to insects. This makes colognes with strong citrus notes ideal for keeping bugs at bay.

In addition to commercial perfumes, you can also create your own natural insect repellent cologne by mixing essential oils with a carrier liquid such as vodka or water. For example, a mixture of lavender, geranium, patchouli, cedarwood, bergamot, and oregano, as found in CB I Hate Perfume 610 Outside, is an effective bug repellent. Similarly, Kinfield's Golden Hour bug repellent combines citronella with lemongrass, vanilla, and clove to create a pleasant scent that also keeps insects away.

So, the next time you're looking for a way to beat the bugs, consider reaching for a bottle of cologne. Not only will you smell great, but you'll also be naturally protected from unwanted insect bites.

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