Health Benefits of Alum You Must Know

Alum, commonly known as phitkari, is a salt-like substance that is transparent and is used for cooking as well as medicinal purposes. It is found in various types such as Potassium alum or potassium, chrome, selenate, and ammonium. There are various benefits of alum that can be explored.

In Ayurveda, alum is used in different forms. It is used in powder form called Sphatika Bhasma (pure ash). Pure ash form with honey is used to manage cough during winters. It also helps in reducing the accumulation of mucus in the lungs. If someone is suffering from dysentery or diarrhoea, it is always advised to take i.e ash form of alum 2 times a day. Not only this but alum also has a lot of other benefits.

Some Important Properties of Alum

Following are some of the important properties of alum: 

1. Alum is an antibacterial agent that fights against pathogenic bacteria.

2. It has antiplatelet properties. It acts as an antiplatelet, preventing platelets from sticking together. It helps to decrease the body’s tendency to form blood clots.

3. It can be a great antihemorrhagic agent. It is an agent that promotes hemostasis and prevents haemorrhage.

4. Alum has anti-inflammatory potential. It helps to recover from arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases.

5. It can also be a great anti-dandruff agent.

6. It is an anti-astigmatic agent as well.

Essential Benefits of Alum

Keeping in mind the properties of alum, it is very much clear that there are a lot of beneficiary elements in alum stone uses. Apart from those benefits of alum, it is useful in many other ways. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Helps Treat Bleeding Piles

Piles are caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. One of the most serious consequences of the piles is constipation which causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area. This leads to piles of mass, causing bleeding. Alum can be one of the best remedies to cure this problem.

Take one to two pinches of alum ash and mix it with one teaspoon of honey. Just after taking your meal, have it twice a day.

2. May Help with Whooping cough

As discussed before, alum can be one of the best medicines to cure whooping cough. Alum ash checks the accumulation of mucus in the lungs. Sometimes, there is a huge problem of vomiting during whooping cough.

The preparation of Alum is the same as that in the case of piles. Take one to two pinches of alum ash and mix it with one teaspoon of honey. And then take this mixture after having light food. Take it twice a day. 

3. May Help Control Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. Alum ash helps in controlling it. It does so due to its astringent and hemostatic properties.

The preparation of alum is the same as that of mild cough and piles.

4. Helps in Healing Wounds

Alum helps in decreasing swelling and bringing back the normal texture of the skin by healing wounds. It does so by its astringent and healing properties. Its astringent properties help to control bleeding.

Take 1-4 spoons of alum powder and mix it with water. Heat it for 5 to 10 minutes. Let it cool. Apply it on the wound two to three times a day. Make sure you wash the wound before applying the mixture.

5. Heals Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are generally on the tongue, lips, inside the cheeks etc. Alum helps to heal mouth ulcers quickly due to its astringent and healing properties.

Take 1-4 spoons of alum powder and mix it with honey. Apply it to the affected area once or twice a day and do it daily until it gets cured.

Side Effects of Alum

Although there are many benefits,  there are some side effects of alum as well. Some of them are listed below:

1. Alum leads to dry skin and irritation.

2. It leads to dizziness.

3. Intake of alum may lead to a feeling of tightness of the throat.

4. There can be an accumulation of fluid around the eye due to alum.

5. Alum leads to dry skin and skin irritation and may lead to hives. Hives are skin rash that leads to redness and itching on the skin

6. Alum may lead to an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening

7. Alum leads to water retention which may lead to a puffy face.

8. Alum may cause water retention that may lead to a puffy face.

9. Another side effect of alum is that it may lead to skin ulcers.

10. Other side effects of alum include throat swelling and troubled breathing.

Uses Of Alum

Be it in any form, alum uses are pretty simple. It has a lot of household and industrial uses. Following are some of the uses of almost all types of alum:

1. Alum is used as a purification agent of drinking water.

2. It is used in styptic pencils that are used to stop bleeding from minor cuts.

3. It helps to enhance the immune response.

4. Alum is used as an ingredient in commercial modelling clay. It is also used in households for the same purpose.

5. Alum can be used as a skin whitener.

6. Some toothpaste brands use alum as a primary ingredient.

Conclusion

The chemical composition of Aluminium, Sulphate, water, and other elements is a very useful byproduct. Alum has a lot of benefits as it helps in curing many diseases and also heals wounds. Also, it helps in recovering from coughs and colds. 

Just like other substances, alum also has some side effects. Although alum is a non-toxic substance, still before using it at home, one should always consult a doctor.