What is Alum and How it is used in home remedies

benefits and uses of alum powder

What is Alum?

Home remedies for Acne and Pimples must be among the most searched remedies, and using Alum or Potash Alum on Acne and pimples even for blackheads removal can be of great help. A block of Potash Alum (Phitkari /Fitkari) can be easily powdered by heating in a pan. This powdered Alum can be used for acne treatment. By the end of this post you will know a few simple ways to use Alum for Pimples and Acne removal.

Alum , Potash Alum and Potassium Aluminium Sulfate all these names refer to a chemical compound which is called Phitkari in India. Alum  is used in several home remedies and Ayurvedic medicines. One of its most popular uses is as an after shave. In India Alum has been used in water treatment since ancient times. It is usually sold in form of blocks, these blocks can be ground to powder for using it in various natural remedies.

In Ayurveda Alum is referred as Shubhra and Sphatika Bhasma is an Ayurvedic Powder prepared with Alum. Alum or Fitkari is effectively used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine.

In Ayurveda Alum is indicated in treating bleeding gums, jaundice, head lice and nits and in treating several hair and skin problems.

Due to its soothing property ages Alum has been used as an after shave to soothe the irritated skin.

Common uses of Alum are

As after shave

Natural Deodorant

Water Purifier

In Tooth and gum Problems

Natural face toner

In these years I have figured out few most effective ways to use Alum on pimples.  I am sharing here all the remedies in this post. All the remedies listed here are to be applied topically. A skin sensitivity patch test is always recommended.

Properties of  Alum 

Alum is a natural astringent

It is a natural antiseptic

Alum inhibits bacteria

uses of alum
alum on face

Alum For Face

Alum is immensely helpful in treating acne and pimples. It can also help in fading the dark spots on face, Alum also works effectively in soothing irritated skin. You can make a DIY Alum Toner and spray it on face twice a day. Powdered Alum is used with rose water to fade the acne scars. It also has skin brightening properties.

Alum For Skin Tightening

Alum has excellent skin tightening abilities. Dip an alum block in water and gently rub on skin. This can even out the fine lines and make your skin tout and youthful. Due to its skin tightening properties, since ancient times alum is used as a natural vag tightener.

Alum in Water Purification

Alum is a hassle free water purifier. It is widely used in rural India to clean the well water. A good amount of potash alum in dropped in the well. First the water gets a pink to purple tint and then it turns clear in the span of 24-48 hours.

Use of Alum in Pickles

Alum is a very good pickling agents adding alum to pickles keep them fresh and crisp for a longer time.

Alum in Toothpaste

Alum is an excellent natural antiseptic, which is why it is added in toothpaste. The Alum in toothpaste can fight the germs and prevent tooth decay. It also helps in preventing cavities and keeping the gums healthy.

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