The word alum reminds you of shaving cuts, however, benefits or alum uses aren’t just confined to men.
Antiseptic properties housed in alum combat razor burns and soothe them. Packed with essential nutrients you can use alum for acne and skin whitening.
Based on the chemical compounds there are different types of alum. But the one with potassium, aluminum, and sulfate (potassium alum) is commonly used in households.
You can get alum in blocks at a local store. Extensive uses of alum include purification of water, treating canker sores, acne, healing shaving cuts, reducing mouth odor and heal cracked heels.
What is Alum?
It is known as fitkari or phitkari in Hindi, patikaram in Tamil and patika in Telugu.
Alums are double sulfate salts and it’s a combination of various elements like potassium or ammonium.
Potassium alum is the most commonly available alum available in the market. Its scientific name is potassium aluminum sulfate.
15+ Amazing Benefits of Alum for Skin
Alum uses will blow your mind. You can use this chemical compound in your day to day life. Check out below listed benefits.
Don’t skip, read the article. 😉
#1. Alum for Acne
Acne is the most common skin disorder and it’s near to impossible to prevent them.
Experts hold hormonal imbalance, inflammation, and excess sebum to cause this skin ailment.
There are lots of home available remedies to treat pimples and reduce inflammation. With its antiseptic and cooling properties, alum powder can be used as a face mask to get rid of pimples.
Ingredients:
- Alum powder – 1 teaspoon
- Multani mitti – 2 teaspoons
- Egg white
Directions to use alum for pimples:
- Mix egg white, fuller’s earth (Multani mitti) with alum powder and add required amount of rose water.
- Conduct a patch test before applying it over the face.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water to open blocked skin pores.
- Pat dry and apply the mixed face mask evenly.
- Allow it to dry naturally for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
#2. Alum for Wrinkles
Due to internal or external factors, your skin loses elasticity resulting in wrinkles and fine lines.
They spoil your appearance and show pre-aging signs. Renowned agents residing in alum block can help you in fading wrinkles.
How to use:
- Wet alum blocks in water and rub it over prewashed face for few seconds.
- Repeated use will tighten your skin and treat wrinkles.
- Rinse it off with water and apply moisturizer.
#3. Alum for Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are common and are associated with the cosmetic problem. If not taken care, it may turn to a painful problem.
With dry thick skin cracked heels are accompanied by redness, itching, and inflammation. To restrain bleeding and relieve pain try alum block as a soothing remedy.
How to use:
- Heat the alum block in a pan until you get a crumbly
- Let it cool down and finely ground the mixture.
- Mix the powdered alum with coconut oil and apply it over the cracked heels.
- Regularly apply this paste on affected parts.
#4. Alum for Canker Sores
Unlike cold sores, canker sores are white or yellow colored patches bordered by the red area.
These painful ulcers appear on tongue, lips, throat and inside mouth.
Acidic food, vitamin deficiency, allergic reaction, hormones, smoking, emotional stress, injury, oral cancer and certain medication are held responsible for canker sores. (Source)
How to use:
- Place small blocks of alum over canker sores.
- If you can’t withstand it burning sensation, mix it with water and add a little salt to rinse the mouth.
#5. Alum for Eye Abscess
Abscess is caused by inflammation of hair follicles, injuries, punctures and due to blockage of sebaceous glands and sweat. Middle of the abscess is filled with pus and debris. This pink to red colored tender mass can’t be treated without removing the pus.
How to use:
- Alum paste helps to burst the mass same day when applied.
- Rub alum block on sandalwood by adding little water.
- Collect the obtained paste in a bowl and apply topically over the abscess.
#6. Alum for Shaving Cuts
Alum block is commonly used to soothe minor injuries caused by a razor. This old-fashioned remedy used by barbers is packed with same identical ingredients that your shaving deodorants include.
How to use:
Dip it in water and start rubbing on shaved part for soothing effect. Salts packed in alum powder stops bleeding and tighten the skin pores. It has been used as aftershave remedy from centuries.
#7. Alum for Body Odor
When your body releases sweat, the food compounds in sweat attract bacteria which leave an unpleasant smell after feeding on these compounds.
Alum exhibits antiperspirant activity, better than store bought deodorants.
How to use:
Apply alum block on prewashed arms on alternate days. Antibacterial and antiseptic properties residing in alum will fight and restrain bacterial infection.
You can mix it with rose water and apply it underarms.
#8. Purifying Water
Yes, you can use this home available ingredient to purify water.
When added to water, it reacts with bicarbonate alkalinities residing in water to form a gelatinous precipitate. It attracts other fine particles towards the bottom of the container.
How to use:
Take some alum block with you when you’re out on a trip. Drop 1gm of powdered alum into muddy water, after few minutes you’ll see mud particles settle down and clear water comes up.
#9. Alum for Removing Hair
Hair acts as an insulator and protects your body. However, they also ruin your physical appearance.
Unwanted facial hair can be easily removed using alum and rose water.
Ingredients:
- Alum powder – ½ teaspoon
- Rose water – 2-3 tablespoons
- Olive oil – few drops
Directions:
- Mix alum powder and rose water. Use a spoon to completely dissolve alum.
- Apply this lotion on your face or on unwanted hair.
- Leave it for few minutes to dry and then again apply the lotion.
- Repeat the process 3-4 times and then rinse it off using cotton or tissue paper.
- Apply olive oil to moisturize after this face mask treatment.
#10. Use Alum to Remove Lice
Lice are a sign of bad hygiene. Nobody wants to be with a person who has lice.
Apart from hydrating your scalp with natural oils, you can use alum to get rid of this issue.
How to use:
- Mix little-powdered alum with tea tree oil and water, apply it over scalp and rinse it off.
- If you experience hair fall after using this remedy then limit the use of alum powder or reach your doctor.
#11. Alum Uses for Hemorrhoid
Hemorrhoid is a common health problem. In this condition, rectal veins get swollen.
Increase in anal pressure, sitting for long hours, diarrhea and lifting heavy objects are main causes of hemorrhoids.
Not sure if this remedy can completely treat piles.
But, to some extent, you can get relief (suggested by a doctor). Mix a small quantity of alum powder in lukewarm water taken in a tub and sit in for 5-10 minutes. Alum is good at treating hemorrhoids.
#12. To Rinse Gums and Mouth Odor
Mix a small quantity of alum in water and rinse in the mouth. Overdose can harm you.
#13. Alum for Skin Whitening
External and internal factors like impurities, excess sun exposure, certain creams, skin ailments and overproduction of melanin results in hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
Huge list of beauty creams that claim to improve your skin complexion includes chemical ingredients, which isn’t good for your skin.
Instead, home remedies are effective and inexpensive compared to cosmetic creams.
How to use:
- Rub alum block over face alternate days to get rid of skin discoloration.
- Or you can use it as face mask mixed with Multani mitt and water.
You can use alum to get rid of dark circles.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of alum powder with 2 teaspoons of rose water.
- Take a cotton ball and apply on dark circles.
- Avoid eye contact, as it may burn your eyes.
#14. Use it in Bath
If your surroundings are unhygienic and impure, mix a small quantity of alum powder to bathtub to restrain the bacterial infection.
#15. Tightens the Vagina
Exceptional properties in alum block can tighten the vagina walls. But it’s not safe to use for a long time, as it may damage vaginal tissues and dry them.
I hope there are much more uses of alum for skin, acne, and health. But remember not to use it internally or in higher dosage.
Alum Powder for Athletes Foot
Antimicrobial ability packed in alum can effectively restrain bacterial infection and treat athlete’s foot.
Mix 2 teaspoons of alum powder with 4 tsp of rose water. Apply it on the affected part using a cotton ball. Allow it to dry naturally.
Or you can soak your feet in a tub of lukewarm water mixed with alum powder for 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Uses of alum include in the wool industry, as a dye fixative, purification of industrial waste, to dissolve steel tool bits, cosmetic industries, flame retardant, medicine, art and for culinary purposes.
Did I miss any uses of alum for skin or health? Share in comments.