Carmex, a popular lip balm brand, has been touted as a miracle cure for various skin ailments, such as dry lips and cold sores. However, rumors have recently surfaced that suggest using Carmex in a certain way can cause a high similar to that of marijuana. Specifically, there is a belief that putting Carmex under your eyes can result in a potentially dangerous and euphoric experience.
As more and more people become interested in this supposed method of getting high, it is important to separate fact from fiction. In this article, we will explore the origins of this rumor, examine the science behind it, and assess the potential risks and consequences associated with using Carmex as a way to get high.
What is Carmex and How is it Used?
Carmex is a popular lip balm brand that has been in use for more than 80 years. It was initially developed by Alfred Woelbing in the 1930s, who created a formula to heal dry and chapped lips. The brand has now become a household name and is used by millions of people worldwide.
Carmex is primarily used to relieve dry and chapped lips by providing moisture to the skin surface. Its main ingredients include petrolatum, lanolin, and cocoa seed butter, which provide effective hydration and protection to the lips. The brand also offers different varieties, such as cherry, strawberry, and mint-flavored lip balms, giving consumers a range of choices. While Carmex is primarily marketed as a lip balm, some people have reported using it under their eyes to reduce puffiness. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this use, and it is not recommended by the brand.
Can Carmex Affect Your Mood or Brain Function?
The use of Carmex lip balm under the eyes has been popularized on social media as a beauty hack for reducing the appearance of dark circles and bags. However, there are claims that this practice can have psychoactive effects and cause a high or altered mood. While there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, the ingredients in Carmex can potentially affect brain function and mood.
Carmex contains a mixture of menthol, camphor, and phenol, which are all known to have stimulating effects on the nervous system. They can increase blood flow and create a cooling sensation on the skin, but they are not powerful enough to cause psychoactive effects. However, excessive use or application near the eyes may cause irritation or inflammation, leading to discomfort and, in some cases, blurred vision. It is important to use Carmex as directed and avoid applying it too close to the eyes.
Understanding the Link Between Drugs and Topical Ointments
There is a long history of using topical ointments to enhance drug absorption and induce psychoactive effects. These effects are achieved through the application of creams, gels, and balms containing psychoactive substances that can be absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes.
One of the most popular topical ointments used for this purpose is Carmex lip balm. Users have claimed that applying the balm under the eyes can induce a buzz or high, which has led to widespread speculation about a possible link between Carmex and drugs. However, while some of the ingredients in Carmex may have psychoactive properties, there is no evidence to suggest that the ointment can induce a high when applied to the eyes.
The Science Behind the Potential Effects of Carmex on Brain Function
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that putting Carmex under your eyes can make you high. However, the ingredients in Carmex, specifically camphor and menthol, have been shown to have potential effects on brain function.
Camphor has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of neurological conditions, including epilepsy and migraines. It has also been shown to have sedative effects on the nervous system, which may potentially lead to feelings of relaxation or calmness. Menthol, on the other hand, has been shown to have both stimulating and calming effects on the nervous system, but in high doses, it can lead to dizziness and confusion. Overall, while the ingredients in Carmex may have some effects on brain function, there is no evidence to suggest that it can cause intoxication or a “high” effect.
What are the Side Effects of Using Carmex Beyond its Intended Purpose?
Using Carmex beyond its intended purpose can have several side effects, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and dryness. Carmex lip balm contains menthol, camphor, and phenol, which can be harsh on the skin and cause redness, swelling, and itching. Prolonged use can also lead to dryness and peeling of the skin, making it more vulnerable to infections.
Moreover, applying Carmex under the eyes can also cause irritation and redness, as the skin in this area is thin and delicate. The ingredients in Carmex can cause stinging and burning sensations, and even worsen dark circles and puffiness. It is best to use skincare products that are specifically formulated for the eye area, as they are gentler and less likely to cause adverse reactions.
Assessing the Risks and Benefits of Using Carmex Recreationally
Assessing the Risks and Benefits of Using Carmex Recreationally
Using Carmex for recreational purposes, particularly for its alleged ability to induce a high, is not only illegal but also poses significant health risks. Carmex is not formulated for use as a drug, and its active ingredients have not been tested for their effects on the body when ingested or used in excessive amounts. Applying Carmex under the eyes or on any part of the skin can irritate the skin, leading to redness, dryness, and inflammation. Ingesting Carmex can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and even poisoning in extreme cases.
Moreover, the high from using Carmex is not only ineffective, but it poses potential risks to your lungs and brain. Inhaling vapors from the product can lead to respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis and asthma. Additionally, prolonged use of products like Carmex can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms that can significantly impact one’s daily life. Therefore, it is essential to assess the risks and benefits of using Carmex for recreational purposes and make an informed decision that prioritizes your health and well-being.
Exploring Alternative Ways to Achieve a High Without Carmex
Exploring alternative ways to achieve a high without Carmex is essential to debunking the myth of using it as a drug. Additionally, it is crucial to find safer, more effective means of inducing a high without risking harm to one’s health or well-being.
There are several healthier ways of achieving a high, such as through meditation, practicing yoga, or taking up a new hobby. In addition, natural substances like cannabis, when used responsibly, can produce the desired effect without compromising one’s health or breaking the law. Moreover, counseling and therapy can help individuals understand and address underlying behavioral or emotional problems that might prompt them to seek out ways of achieving a high through harmful means. Ultimately, exploring alternative means of achieving a high can help create a more responsible and healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying Carmex under your eyes cannot make you high. The viral TikTok trend claiming that the menthol in Carmex can cause a high is baseless and unfounded. Menthol only provides a cooling sensation and may even cause irritation when applied near the eyes, so it’s not advisable to use it as an eye cream substitute.
It’s always important to be skeptical of viral trends and check the credibility of the information before trying it out. The internet may provide a platform for easy and quick dissemination of information, but it’s also a breeding ground for false claims and myths. Thus, let us always keep a critical mindset and do proper research to avoid believing in myths and affecting our health and safety.