"Kumkum" - that flashing red mark on the forehead that lends charm to feminine faces - has more than aesthetic value. Every colour has a unique therapeutic property. Yogis and mystics, since time immemorial, have used colours for generating vital forces, calming the mind and even warding off evil spirits. The red colour in 'Kumkum' gives immunity against hypnosis!
The area around the forehead is used by the hypnotist to generate forces that weaken the brain's resolve. A weak mind can be hypnotized by an expert without the person's consent! It was recommended that people of both sexes should wear the 'Kumkum" on their foreheads. However, with efflux of time, the wearing of "Kumkum" became mandatory for women. Probably the [rather uncharitable] stereotyping of women as the more emotional of the two sexes could have contributed to this mandate!

Gradually, as "Kumkum" gained popularity as an 'auspicious' symbol of womanhood, the therapeutic value of "Kumkum" was relegated to the background. Eligibility criteria for use of "Kumkum" were evolved - such as only some women are eligible to use it, or that it should not be used on certain days, etc.

The turmeric content in the Kumkum lends lustre to the skin while acting as a powerful germicide. Today most brands of "Kumkum' are made to suit aesthetic needs. However, the beneficial effects of scientifically prepared " Kumkum" transcend cosmetic needs. Even today, there are dedicated people preparing "Kumkum" the traditional way, with high quality turmeric as the base.