Cologne's Medicinal Properties: Exploring The Benefits

Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, is a perfume originating from Cologne, Germany. It was originally mixed by Johann Maria Farina in 1709 and has since become a generic term for scented formulations with a typical concentration of 2-5% fragrance oils. Beyond its strong scent and deodorizing power, it was also used for medicinal purposes.

The Original Eau de Cologne was believed to have the power to ward off the bubonic plague. By drinking the cologne, the citrus oil scent would exude through the pores, repelling fleas. In modern times, cologne is also used as an underarm deodorant, a cooling agent, and a disinfectant.

There is also a herb called Eau De Cologne Mint, which is often used as a domestic herbal remedy, especially for its antiseptic properties and beneficial effect on digestion.

Cologne's medicinal past

Colognes Medicinal Past

Cologne or "Eau de Cologne" (French for "Water from Cologne") is a perfume originating from Cologne, Germany. It was originally mixed by Johann Maria Farina (also known as Giovanni Maria Farina) in 1709. The perfume was inspired by an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain, as described in a letter to his brother Jean Baptiste in 1708. Farina named the fragrance Eau de Cologne after his new hometown.

The original Eau de Cologne was a spirit-citrus perfume with a typical concentration of 2-5% essential oils or a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water. It contained a mixture of citrus oils, including lemon, orange, tangerine, clementine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, blood orange, bitter orange, and neroli. It could also contain other oils such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, and jasmine.

At the time, Eau de Cologne was believed to have medicinal properties and the power to ward off the bubonic plague. People would drink the cologne, assuming that the citrus oil scent exuding through their pores would repel fleas, which were known to carry the plague. This belief in the medicinal properties of cologne is reflected in its Latin name, "aqua mirabilis", meaning "miracle water". A single vial of this "miracle water" was highly valued and cost half the annual salary of a civil servant.

The success of Eau de Cologne led to it being delivered to nearly all royal houses in Europe. When free trade was established in Cologne by the French in 1797, countless businessmen began selling their own fragrances under the name of Eau de Cologne. Today, the term "cologne" has become a generic term for scented formulations, typically with a lower concentration and a more affordable price point than perfumes.

Cologne's use as a disinfectant

Colognes, or "Eau de Cologne", have been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. Originating in Cologne, Germany, the original Eau de Cologne was created by Italian Giovanni Paolo Feminis in 1709. It has since become a generic term for scented formulations with a typical concentration of 2-5% essential oils, as well as a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water.

The high alcohol content in colognes, typically ethyl alcohol, is what gives it its disinfectant properties. When applied to the skin, the ethyl alcohol vaporizes, providing a refreshing feeling. This alcohol content also makes colognes effective disinfectants, capable of killing pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including highly resistant species.

To effectively disinfect the hands, a solution containing 70-80% ethyl alcohol by mass should be used, and the hands should be rubbed until dry. It is important to note that solutions with a higher concentration of ethyl alcohol, such as pure alcohol, are not recommended for disinfecting the skin.

While colognes can be used as a disinfectant in a pinch, it is important to consider the potential presence of other chemicals in these fragrances. In a survivalist or emergency situation, cologne could be a suitable alternative to traditional disinfectants or hand sanitizers, especially those with a high alcohol content.

Cologne's herbal remedy properties

Colognes, particularly Eau de Cologne, have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. The original Eau de Cologne was created in 1709 by Giovanni Maria Farina, an Italian perfume maker based in Cologne, Germany.

Originally, Eau de Cologne was believed to have the power to ward off the bubonic plague. The citrus oils in the cologne were thought to exude through the pores when ingested, thus repelling fleas. Today, many flea shampoos for dogs are based on these same citrus oils.

The medicinal properties of Eau de Cologne Mint (Mentha x piperita citrata) have been compared to lavender. It is often used as a domestic herbal remedy, especially for its antiseptic qualities and its beneficial effect on digestion. A tea made from the leaves has been used to treat fevers, headaches, digestive disorders, and various minor ailments. The leaves and flowering plant are also said to have anodyne, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, refrigerant, stomachic, tonic, and vasodilator properties.

However, it is important to note that large doses of Eau de Cologne Mint can be toxic and may cause an abortion, so it is not recommended for use by pregnant women.

Cologne's use as a deodorant

Colognes can be used as a deodorant, but they are not the same thing. Deodorant is designed to prevent body odour, while cologne is designed to make the wearer smell better.

Deodorants are typically made with chemicals that prevent sweating, whereas colognes are made with a mixture of alcohol and water. Deodorants are applied to the armpits, while colognes are typically applied to the neck and wrists, where the pulse can be felt.

Some people choose to use both cologne and deodorant. If you are going to use both, it is recommended to use an unscented or neutral-scented deodorant so that it does not clash with or overpower the scent of the cologne.

It is also recommended to apply cologne after a shower, as the open pores will absorb the cologne, making it last longer.

Cologne's cooling effect

Colognes are often associated with a cooling effect, and this perception has a long history. The original Eau de Cologne, created in 1709, was believed to ward off the bubonic plague. The citrus oils in the cologne were thought to exude through the pores, repelling fleas. This cooling effect is now a common feature of many colognes, providing a refreshing sensation, especially during hot weather.

The cooling effect of colognes can be achieved through various ingredients, such as menthol, which activates the cold-sensitive receptors in the skin. Other ingredients that provide a cooling sensation include mint, peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus. These ingredients create a refreshing and rejuvenating experience, making them popular choices for colognes.

The perception of cooling can also be influenced by the imagery and colours associated with a fragrance. For example, images of pure white snowflakes, frozen icicles, and glacier blue can evoke a sense of coldness. Similarly, colours like light blue, white, and grey can have a cooling effect. Fragrance creators draw inspiration from these visual cues to develop colognes that evoke a sense of coolness.

Colognes with cooling properties are particularly sought after during warm seasons, such as summer. The refreshing sensation they provide can enhance one's comfort and create a pleasant sensory experience. The cooling effect of colognes can be a welcome respite from the heat, offering a feeling of relief and revitalisation.

In addition to their cooling properties, colognes are also valued for their ability to provide a sensory escape and enhance one's mood. The combination of refreshing scents and evocative imagery can transport individuals to a different setting, providing a brief escape from their surroundings. This aspect of colognes adds to their appeal, especially during times when physical escapes to cooler climates or environments may not be feasible.

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