Alum or Phitkari, is a transparent salt like substance that is used in cooking as well as for medicinal purposes. There are various types of Alum such as Potassium Alum or Potass, Ammonium, Chrome, Selenate.
In Ayurveda, Alum (Phitkari) is used in the form of Bhasma (Pure Ash) called as Sphatika Bhasma. The Sphatika Bhasma along with honey is used to manage whooping cough by reducing the accumulation of mucus in the lungs. Taking Alum Bhasma two times a day might also provide relief from dysentery and diarrhea due to its drying property.
Alum mixed with wax has been used by women to remove unwanted hair. It is also beneficial for tightening and whitening of the skin due to its astringent property. Alum causes cells to shrink and removes excess oil from the skin making it effective for the reduction of acne scars and pigmentation marks. The topical application of Alum is found to be beneficial for mouth ulcers due to its strong healing activity[1].

What are the synonyms of Alum?

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[1].

What is the source of Alum?

Plant Based

Benefits of Alum

Recommended Dosage of Alum

Alum Powder - 1-2 pinch of Alum powder or as per your requirement.

How to use Alum

1. Alum Powder
A. Wound wash
i. Add 2-3 pinch of Alum powder to lukewarm water.
ii. Wash your wounds with Alum water followed by plain water 2-3 times a day.

B. Tooth powder
i. Take just 2-3 pinch of Alum powder.
ii. Use it as tooth powder twice a day.

2. Alum Block
a. Take ½-1 Alum block.
b. Wet it properly.
c. Rub over the face after shaving.
d. Let it dry.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Alum safe to use?

Ayurvedic View

Yes, Alum is safe to use externally and internally. In Ayurveda, Alum is used in the form of Bhasma named Sphatika bhasma which can be taken orally to manage various diseases.

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

Modern Science View

The quantity that can be used may vary from 5 mg to 70 mg. It highly depends on the turbidity (cloudiness in the water due to the presence of suspended particles) of the water. Clear water needs less quantity while turbid water needs more quantity of Alum.

Q. What does Alum do?

Modern Science View

Alum has various applications. Most commonly it is used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic industry and food industries.

Q. Is Alum a spice?

Modern Science View

Alum is not a spice. It is a mineral that exists in the crystalline form. It is used for making some cuisines and pickles as a preservative. However excess use of Alum should be avoided in food preparations.

Q. How does Alum help in controlling bleeding?

Modern Science View

Alum has an astringent property that helps reduce bleeding from minor wounds. It also works in skin contraction and helps to close wound openings.

Q. Is Alum acidic or alkaline?

Modern Science View

Alum is acidic in nature. 1% solution of Alum has a pH of 3.

Q. How do you apply Alum to underarms?

Modern Science View

Alum can be used as an effective remedy to lighten dark underarms.
Tips:
1. Gently rub Alum onto your underarms.
2. Keep it for 20 minutes and then wash it off with plain water.
3. Applying regularly will help make the skin tone lighter.

Q. What is Alum used for in cooking?

Modern Science View

In terms of cooking, Alum is generally used as an ingredient in bakery as a preservative. It is used in pickles and to maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables.

Q. How to use Alum on the face?

Modern Science View

Alum can be used on the face after shaving:

1. Take 1 block of Alum (available in the market).
2. Wet the block.
3. Then, rub the Alum block gently onto the shaved area.
4. Leave it till it gets dry and wash with cool plain water.

References

1
Ali A, Hamiduddin, Zaigham M.Shibb-e-yamani (alum) a unique drug and its utilization in Unani medicine: A physicochemical and pharmacological review.Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm.2017;8(2):17-22.
2
Roqaiya M, Begum W. A review on medical aspect of Alum in unani medicine and scientific studies. WJPR.2015;4(6):929-940.
3
Rafieian N, Abdolsamadi H, Moghadamnia A, et al. Efficacy of Alum for treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Caspian J Intern Med.2016;7(3):201-205.
4
Sawarkar P, Sawarkar G. “Management of chronic burn wound by compound ayurvedic preparation Dagdhahar Malahar\" Introduction. Ayurlog: National Journal of Research in Ayurved Science.2018;6(4).
5
Tomiki Y, Ono S, Aoki J, et al. Treatment of internal hemorrhoids by endoscopic sclerotherapy with Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy.2015.
6
Tokunaga Y, Sasaki H. Impact of less invasive treatments including sclerotherapy with a new agent and hemorrhoidopexy for prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. Int Surg.2013;98:210–213.
7
Tarighi P, Khoroushi M. A review on common chemical hemostatic agents in restorative dentistry. Dent Res J (Isfahan).2014;11(4):423–428.
8
Alzomor AK, Moharram AS, Al Absi NM. Formulation and evaluation of potash alum as deodorant lotion and after shaving astringent as cream and gel.International current pharmaceutical journal.2014;3(2):228-233.
9
Winter JW. The horse in health and disease, etc.Veterinary practice.1846.
10
Tiziana M.The Natural acne remedy.Medical.2016.
11
Putt MS, Kleber CJ, Smith CE.Evaluation of an alum-containing mouthrinse in children for plaque and gingivitis inhibition during 4 weeks of supervised use.Pediatric dentistry.1996;18(2):139-144.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.