Alum Salt Fact
Over the years, most of us have known alum to be a water purifier. But wait until you discover other health benefits we’ll share with you in this article.
Alum salt is a naturally occurring mineral salt existing as two different compounds- potassium aluminum sulfate and potassium aluminum phosphate. The sulfate salt is easier to access than phosphate salt, and its chemical arrangements are potassium, aluminum, hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. All the countries all over the world now have alum. It originated from Europe. It is a colorless, transparent, crystalline, and odorless salt.
In medicine, alum has a good profile in treating several infections and illnesses, where it has contributed a lot. It is an ancient medicine beneficial to human health. Industries that produce products for household intention- foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products use alum salt because of its properties. These properties are:
- Anti-bacterial property
- Anti-platelet property
- Anti-obesity property
- Anti-hemorrhagic property
- Anti-inflammatory activity
- Anti-dandruff activity
- Anti-asthmatic property.
Alum is commonly used to treat and manage the integument part of the body- the skin, hair, and nail.
Note this: It safely reacts with other chemicals in your body.
Health Benefits of Alum Salt
Just as I’ve promised to share my discoveries about alum salt with you. So, the various reasons why you must consider using alum salt include:
Treatment of Canker Sore and Gum Problem
A canker sore is known as a mouth ulcer or aphthous ulcer- breakage of the mucous membrane in the mouth due to some bacteria build-up. Alum treats canker sore with quick healing.
Applying powdered alum salt on the sore areas is always painful, but preferably, you can make a mouthwash with alum salt for your younger ones who can’t withstand the burning sensation. The mouthwash will be less painful by applying it directly to the sore areas. Likewise, it is effective for gum problems to stop unusual bleeding in the gum area.
Treat your mouth with alum salt today. Alum salt enhances teeth whitening and prevents bad breath, which I believe you don’t want to walk around with stained teeth and an offensive mouth odor. The functions speak well of the anti-bacterial property of alum salt. It gives a long-term impression. Avoid swallowing the alum powder. Monitor your younger ones to prevent ingesting the mouthwash.
Skin Treatment
Your skin is a show of self-love, which you will agree with me is the reason why everyone wants healthy skin.
Wrinkles are lines that grow when the skin has lost its flexibility- a sign of aging. Alum is used to get rid of wrinkles and tighten the skin due to its astringent property. It is also an effective medicine for acne treatment, which is known to be a common skin problem. It fights off infections and bacteria to give a younger and radiant skin.
Using alum aftershave is a thoughtful choice to treat aftershave reactions. Applying alum powder on your skin after shaving might irritate if there is any cut, but there would be an improvement afterward. Likewise, it prevents ingrown hair.
Not everybody likes growing hair on the face. Alum is an effective remedy to remove facial hair. You can apply alum powder with rose water on your face to remove facial hair and other places you intend to.
Black underarm and ugly blackheads are a result of dead cell accumulation. Alum salt lightens and exfoliates the skin. Enhance your skin with alum powder today to attract those compliments.
Hair Treatment
Your hair is part of your accessories. If you have shiny hair that smells pleasant, that shows a good profile of your health status. The growth of bacteria in the hair can cause hair loss (alopecia). Alum gets rid of lice and their eggs. A lice-free head is a thing to seek after. Also, alum is a good deodorant for the hair. Mix your alum powder with water and a little tree tea oil. Spread it to your hair daily and see the improvement.
Treatment of Muscle Cramps
As we all know, a muscle cramp is an uncontrollably painful contraction in the muscles leading to intense pain, but treatable by alum to reduce the pain and swelling. Making a paste with turmeric and alum powder relieves your muscle cramps.
Water Purification
Purifying water with alum has been an ancient way of treating water. Drinking unclean water is a threat to your health. Adding a gram of alum powder per liter of water will neutralize the impurities in the water by a process called coagulation- a process whereby the applied alum joins with the impurities and settles down at the bottom. So, it is expected of you to boil the water before drinking it.
Treatment for Eye Abscesses
It is also known as a boil. It is associated with swelling and inflammation signs. Applying alum to the abscesses can sting you, but it is an effective cure for eye abscesses. Treating it requires you to rub alum block on a sandalwood stone with little water to make a paste.
Body Odor Control
Are you tired of your body odor and sweaty armpits? If yes, then alum is for you. It is an effective deodorant that kills bacteria-producing body odor. Alum promises a fresh smell, and likewise, it prevents excess sweating from the armpits. Industries that produce perfumes and deodorants use alum as an active ingredient.
Luckily, you can make a deodorant out of it at the convenience of your home. Mix the alum powder with little myrrh can be included in your cosmetics as a dusting powder. Likewise, rubbing alum on your armpits after a bath will also work.
Note- avoid the usage of alum on a day-to-day basis. Use it on alternate days.
Treatment for the Digestive System
A gastrointestinal disorder associated with inflammation of the intestines and watery bowel movement is treatable by alum. The anti-bacterial property kills bacterial infections in the stomach like stomach gas and heartburn. Tea made from alum root should be consumed in a while, not daily. Decide to cease that disturbing stomach today.
Note: consuming the tea must be stopped after your digestive system has healed.
Treatment for Cracked Heels
If you are engaged in a rigorous walking activity, which has resulted in cracked heels, then alum will be your next option. The antimicrobial property of alum gets rid of dead cells. Like I’ve informed you earlier, that alum is a good exfoliator.
It boosts tissue development. Liquify your alum with heat till it turns into foam. Grind the left residue after the water content has been removed into powder, then apply coconut oil. Rubbing the paste gently on your heel will smoothen it. Keep your heels clean before applying the paste. Save yourself the discomfort.
Side Effects of Alum Salt
The usage of alum has been for ages, but it comes with few side effects that are not severe. You can experience these side effects when you overuse the dosage.
Possible side effects you can experience are dryness of the skin, allergic reactions- swelling and itching, skin ulceration, throat tightening, irritation on the skin, accumulation of fluids, dizziness, and difficulty with breathing.
Precautions You Must Observe
Precautions are to avoid complications. Other medical conditions are another factor to consider before using alum.
- Alum is usually applied externally, but before using it internally, seek medical advice from your doctor.
- Other medical conditions can get affected. Therefore, your doctor’s recommendation is needed to avoid worsening the conditions.
- Alum gets toxic for consumption or usage when the dosage is high. The intake should be moderate. Likewise, the dose measurement varies from individual. Children should take fewer albums. The area of application also matters when it comes to alum doses.
- Deodorizing the body with alum should be done on alternate days. Daily application of alum to your skin as deodorant affects your bloodstream, which will be a setback to your health.
- Excess alum can be the cause of your falling hair. Use a little alum to treat your hair.
- Pregnant women must visit their health providers before taking alum to keep the baby in safety.
- Apply moisturizer on the site of application because alum causes skin dry.
In conclusion, alum is a natural remedy to treat several health issues. Alum is affordable and stored in a cool and dry place. There’s a common saying that “too much of everything is dangerous ”. Alum intake should be moderate. Consult your doctor before using alum. It is a good choice for you. Stay safe.