Alum (Potassium Aluminum sulphate)

Alum, also known as Phitkari, is a clear salt-like material that is used in both cooking and medicine.^(HR/1)

Alum comes in a variety of forms, including potassium alum (potass), ammonium, chrome, and selenium. Alum (Phitkari) is utilised in Ayurveda as a Bhasma (Pure Ash) known as Sphatika Bhasma. The Sphatika Bhasma is used to treat whooping cough by decreasing mucus buildup in the lungs. Due to its drying properties, drinking Alum decoction two times a day may also provide relief from dysentery and diarrhoea.Women have used alum mixed with wax to remove undesirable hair. Due to its astringent properties, it is also useful for skin tightening and whitening. Acne scars and pigmentation marks can be reduced by using alum, which shrinks cells and eliminates excess oil from the skin. Due to its powerful healing activity, topical administration of alum has been reported to be effective for mouth ulcers.

Alum is also known as :- Potassium Aluminum sulphate, Bulk potassium Alum, Sulphate of Alumina and Potash, Aluminous sulphate, Phitikhar, Phitkar, Phitkari, Phatikari, Surashtraja, Kamakshi, Tuvari, Sithi, Angda, Venmali, Phatkiri, Phatkari, Patikaram, Adikharum, Shinacrum, Pattikaramu, Tawas , Trae phitki

Alum is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Alum:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Alum (Potassium Aluminum sulphate) are mentioned as per below^(HR/2)

•  Bleeding piles : In Ayurveda, piles are referred to as Arsh, and they are caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. All three doshas, particularly Vata, are harmed as a result of this. Constipation is caused by an exacerbated Vata, which has a low digestive fire. This produces swollen veins in the rectum area, resulting in piles. This disorder can sometimes result in bleeding. Alum (Sphatika bhama) aids in bleeding control. This is owing to its astringent and hemostatic qualities (Kashya and Raktastambhak). a. Use 1-2 pinches of alum (Sphatika bhasma). b. Add one teaspoon honey to the mixture. c. Take it twice a day after a light meal to help with piles.
• Whooping Cough : Alum (Sphatika bhasma) aids in the relief of whooping cough symptoms. In some cases of whooping cough, it decreases mucus in the lungs and controls vomiting. This is owing to its astringent (Kashya) quality. a. Use 1-2 pinches of alum (Sphatika bhasma). b. Add one teaspoon honey to the mixture. c. Take it twice a day after a light meal to keep whooping cough at bay.
• Menorrhagia : Raktapradar, or excessive secretion of menstrual blood, is the medical term for menorrhagia, or severe monthly bleeding. An exacerbated Pitta dosha is to blame. Alum (Sphatika bhasma) regulates heavy menstrual bleeding and balances an inflamed Pitta. This is owing to its astringent and hemostatic qualities (Kashya and Raktastambhak). Tips: a. Measure out 1-2 pinches of alum (Sphatika bhasma). b. Add one teaspoon honey to the mixture. c. To treat menorrhagia, take it twice a day after a light meal.
• Bleeding cuts : Alum can be used to treat minor bleeding cuts anywhere on the body. Alum aids in the control of bleeding and the speeding up of the healing process. Because of its Raktastambhak (hemostatic) qualities, this is the case. a. Take a pinch or two of alum powder. b. Combine with coconut oil to make a paste. c. Apply to the affected region to stop the bleeding and speed up the healing process.
• Wound healing : Alum aids in the speedy healing of wounds, reduces swelling, and restores the skin’s natural texture. This is related to the qualities of Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing). Because of its Raktastambhak (hemostatic) qualities, alum also works on the wound by reducing bleeding. a. Take a quarter teaspoon of alum powder. b. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan with enough water to cover them and heat for 5-10 minutes. b. Take it off the fire and set it aside to cool. d. Wash the wound 2-3 times a day with this water. a. Do this every day to hasten wound healing.
• Mouth Ulcer : In Ayurveda, mouth ulcers are known as Mukh Pak, and they commonly form on the tongue, lips, inside the cheeks, inside the bottom lip, or on the gums. Alum aids in the healing of mouth ulcers quickly. This is related to the qualities of Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing). a. Take 1-2 pinches of alum powder. b. Adjust the amount of honey as needed. b. Apply once or twice a day to the affected region. d. Do this every day to keep mouth ulcers at bay.
• Leucorrhea : thick, white discharge from the female genitals is known as leucorrhea. Leucorrhea is caused by a Kapha dosha imbalance, according to Ayurveda. When Alum powder is used as a vaginal wash, it helps with leucorrhea due of its Kashaya (astringent) properties. a. Take a quarter teaspoon of alum powder. b. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan with enough water to cover them and heat for 5-10 minutes. b. Take it off the fire and set it aside to cool. d. Wash the wound 2-3 times a day with this water. e. Do this every day to keep leucorrhea at bay.

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Precautions to be taken while using Alum:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Alum (Potassium Aluminum sulphate)^(HR/3)

Special precautions to be taken while taking Alum:-

As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Alum (Potassium Aluminum sulphate)^(HR/4)

How to take Alum:-

As per several scientific studies, Alum (Potassium Aluminum sulphate) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below^(HR/5)

• Alum Powder : Take one to two pinch Alum (Sphatika Bhasma). Combine with one teaspoon honey. Have it one or two times a day after taking food.
• Alum Powder (Wound wash) : Include two to three pinch of Alum powder to warm water. Wash your injuries with Alum water adhered to by plain water two to three times a day.
• Alum Powder (Tooth powder) : Take just two to three pinch of Alum powder. Use it as tooth powder two times a day.
• Alum Block : Take half to one Alum block. Wet it properly. Rub over the face after shaving. Let it completely dry.

How much Alum should be taken:-

As per several scientific studies, Alum (Potassium Aluminum sulphate) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below^(HR/6)

• Alum Bhasma : One to two pinches twice a day.
• Alum Powder : One to two pinch of alum powder or as per your requirement.

Side effects of Alum:-

As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Alum (Potassium Aluminum sulphate)^(HR/7)

• There is not enough scientific data available about side effects of this herb yet.

Questions asked frequently Related to the Alum:-

Question. Is Alum safe to use?

Answer. Yes, alum can be used both internally and externally. Alum is utilised in Ayurveda as a Bhasma called Sphatika bhasma, which can be taken orally to treat a variety of ailments.

Question. How much Alum do I put in my water?

Answer. The amount that can be taken varies between 5 and 70 mg. It is strongly dependent on the water’s turbidity (cloudiness caused by the presence of suspended particles). Alum is used in smaller quantity in clear water and more in turbid water.

Question. What does Alum do?

Answer. Alum can be used in a variety of ways. It is most widely utilised in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

Question. Is Alum a spice?

Answer. Alum isn’t a spice at all. It is a mineral that is crystalline in nature. It’s utilised as a preservative in several cuisines and pickles. However, excessive use of alum in culinary preparations should be avoided.

Question. How does Alum help in controlling bleeding?

Answer. The astringent characteristic of alum aids in the reduction of bleeding from small wounds. It also helps to seal wound holes by causing skin contraction.

Question. Is Alum acidic or alkaline?

Answer. Alum is an acidic mineral. Alum has a pH of 3 in a 1% solution.

Question. How do you apply Alum to underarms?

Answer. The use of alum to lighten dark underarms can be quite effective. 1. Gently massage Alum into your underarms. 2. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. 3. Using it on a daily basis will help to lighten the skin tone.

Question. What is Alum used for in cooking?

Answer. In terms of cookery, alum is commonly employed as a preservative in baked goods. It’s used in pickles as well as to keep fruits and vegetables fresh.

Question. Is Alum good for eye abscess?

Answer. There is insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of Alum in the treatment of ocular abscesses.

Question. Is Alum good for cracked heels?

Answer. Alum is effective in treating cracked heels. It has an astringent effect, which causes skin cells to contract. It also softens and smoothes cracked heels, as well as reducing the redness of cracked heels.

When placed on the affected area, alum is effective for cracked heels. Its Kashaya (astringent) and Raktastambhak (hemostatic) qualities also aid in the control of bleeding from broken heels.

Question. Can Alum be used to remove pimples?

Answer. Because of its astringent properties, alum can be used to manage pimples. It aids in the removal of dirt and bacteria from the pores of the skin.

Because of its Kashaya (astringent) quality, alum can be utilised to manage pimples when administered to the affected area. It aids in the reduction of inflammation and the speeding up of the healing process.

Question. Can Alum help remove wrinkles?

Answer. There is insufficient scientific evidence to support Alum’s influence in wrinkling.

Question. Can Alum be used for hair removal?

Answer. Although there isn’t enough scientific evidence to back up the use of alum for hair removal. Women, on the other hand, have traditionally used Alum combined with wax to remove hair.

Question. Does Alum help in skin whitening?

Answer. Because of its astringent properties, alum aids in skin whitening. It shrinks the cells and eliminates extra oil from the skin. This helps to lighten the skin’s hue.

Yes, because of its Kashaya (astringent) nature, alum helps to retain a natural glow of the skin by controlling excessive oiliness.

SUMMARY

Alum comes in a variety of forms, including potassium alum (potass), ammonium, chrome, and selenium. Alum (Phitkari) is utilised in Ayurveda as a Bhasma (Pure Ash) known as Sphatika Bhasma.