Alum (Phitkari)

Alum (Phitkari): A Versatile Substance with Historical and Modern Uses

Alum, often known as Phitkari, is an inorganic compound. Its primary structure is a hydrated double Sulphate Salt of Aluminum. The most common type of alum you might be familiar with is potassium alum, also termed potash alum. Since ancient times, alum uses have included water purification, food preservation, dyeing, and medicinal applications. With such versatility, it’s no surprise that alum benefits hold immense value across multiple industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

What is Alum Called in Different Languages?

• English: Alum, Potassium Alum, Potash Alum
• Urdu: پھٹکری (Phitkari)

Properties of Alum (Phitkari)

Alum, whether in stone or powder form, possesses several notable physical and chemical properties:

• Appearance: Common alums are usually colourless, odourless and crystalline. They often appear as a white powder or crystalline solid.
• Solubility: They easily dissolve in water, especially hot water which aids in their usage across various applications.
• Crystallisation: When precipitated from aqueous solutions, alums crystallise in a regular octahedral form.
• Taste: Generally, these have a sweetish astringent taste and can react with litmus paper. This indicates their acidic nature when dissolved in water.

Benefits of Alum for Skin

Its benefits include:

• Natural Astringent: It benefits the skin due to its natural astringent properties that can help in tightening your skin, thereby reducing the visibility of enlarged pores.
• Acne Treatment: The Phitkari benefits the skin due to its antibacterial properties which make it a potent treatment against acne and blemishes.
• Skin Brightening: It can contribute in brightening your skin as it aids in the removal of dead skin cells and diminishes dark spots and pigmentation.
• Natural Deodorant: Phitkari benefits include serving as a natural deodorant. It inhibits the growth of the bacteria responsible for causing body odour.
• Sunburn Relief: Its uses can provide relief from sunburns. A solution or paste made from Phitkari powder can alleviate the discomfort and redness associated with sunburns.

Benefits of Alum for Hair

Its benefits are not limited to just the skin. It also has some impressive benefits when it comes to hair care. Its benefits include:

• Dandruff Treatment: Its antimicrobial properties aid in combating dandruff. You can create a hair rinse by mixing Phitkari with water to effectively reduce dandruff and promote scalp health.
• Hair Removal: Its uses can extend to hair removal. Mixed with water or rosewater, alum powder forms a paste that helps remove unwanted hair when dried and rubbed off.
• Scalp Health: It benefits the scalp health by maintaining pH balance and reducing oiliness, thus preventing itchiness and flakiness.
• Hair Strengthening: The potent astringent properties of its powder can strengthen hair roots, promoting healthier and shinier hair while concurrently preventing breakage.
• Natural Hair Straightening: Phitkari benefits in natural hair straightening treatments when combined with water or egg white masks.

How to Use Phitkari for Skin?

Here are some alum stone uses for your skincare routine:

• As a Toner: It works effectively as a natural toner. It helps tighten pores, control oiliness, and improve skin texture. Simply dissolve alum powder in water and apply the solution to your face using a cotton pad or spray bottle.
• For Acne Treatment: For acne treatment, mix Phitkari powder with rose water to create a paste. Apply it to acne-prone areas to reduce bacteria and inflammation, aiding in breakout healing.
• As a Face Mask: Mix Phitkari powder with yogurt or honey to create a face mask. Apply to the face (avoiding the eyes) for a short time to purify and tighten the skin, improving firmness.
• For Underarm Odour: It can act as a natural deodorant. After showering, wet a piece of alum stone and rub it on your underarms. It helps control body odour and reduces sweating.
• As a Skin Soother: Dissolve its powder in warm water, soak a cloth, and apply it to irritated skin. This reduces redness and calms inflammation, offering relief from minor irritations.
• For Minor Cuts and Nicks: Apply its powder or rub an alum stone on minor cuts to stop bleeding, prevent infection, and promote healing.

How to Use Phitkari for Hair?

It can be a versatile addition to your hair care routine. Here are a few uses:

• Dandruff Treatment: Dissolve Phitkari powder in water and use it as a rinse after shampooing. Apply to the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then rinse to help manage dandruff and promote a healthier scalp.
• Hair Removal: To remove unwanted hair, mix its powder with rose water, apply to the skin, and rub off once dry. This helps remove fine hair and soothes the skin after waxing.
• Scalp Health: Apply an alum and water solution to your scalp, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse. This may help reduce oiliness, itchiness, and flaking.
• Natural Hair Straightening: For temporary hair straightening, mix it with water or egg white, apply to hair, leave for 30 minutes, then wash out.
• Hair Colouring: To darken hair, grind alum stone into powder, mix with rose water to form a paste, and apply regularly.

How to Use Phitkari Safely?

While its benefits are numerous, it is essential to use it properly to ensure its effectiveness and avoid any adverse reactions. Here are some safety precautions you should follow when using it:

• Dilute Properly: To avoid skin irritation, always dilute its powder with water or another suitable carrier before applying.
• Patch Test: Before applying it on larger areas, it is always advisable to conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to screen for any allergic reactions.
• Use Sparingly: Don’t overuse it. Limit the frequency of its application to avoid excessive dryness or irritation.
• Consult a Professional: If you have pre-existing skin or hair conditions, it’s better to consult with a dermatologist or your family doctor before using alum stone or alum powder.
• Avoid Ingestion: Remember, it is not meant to be consumed. Ingestion of alum could be harmful, so keep it away from children.

Side Effects

While it can be beneficial in many ways, it might also cause certain side effects:

• Skin Irritation: Some people may experience irritation, redness or dryness with its use, especially if used undiluted or excessively.
• Allergic Reactions: It could cause allergic reactions in rare cases. Symptoms such as itching or swelling indicate an allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.
• Sensitivity: Those with sensitive skin might find it harsh and should use it cautiously if at all.
• Toxicity: If accidentally ingested, it can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Always store it safely and away from the reach of children.

Precautions

There are specific precautions you should take to ensure safe and effective use of Phitkari:

• Dilution: Always dilute alum stone or powder with water before applying to skin or hair to avoid irritation or burns.
• Patch Test: Always do a patch test before using it on your skin to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities.
• Moderation: Use it sparingly to avoid dryness or irritation of the skin and scalp.
• Avoid Ingestion: It should not be ingested as it is toxic. Use it only externally or for specific applications like water purification.
• Consultation: Always seek advice from your family doctor before using it, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing health conditions.
• Storage: Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and incompatible materials, with containers tightly closed to prevent contamination.
• Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling it. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. If clothes get soiled, remove and clean them before reuse.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general knowledge and informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. We do not guarantee the efficacy of any product sold on this site. For optimal health benefits, incorporate our products into a balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Our products are intended for dietary use only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. They should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult with your physician before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have any existing health conditions.

By purchasing and using our products, you agree to release us from any liability arising from your use of the products. Feel free to contact us with any question or concern.

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FAQs

Q. Is alum good for daily use?

Yes, it can be used daily for specific medicinal and cosmetic purposes like water purification and skin tightening. However, excessive use should be avoided.

Q. What does alum do to the body?

Its powder has astringent and antibacterial properties. It can help heal minor cuts, reduce body odour, and improve skin health.

Q. What are the side effects of alum?

Excessive use of it may cause skin dryness, irritation, and potential toxicity if ingested in large quantities. Always use sparingly and with caution.

Q. Can we drink alum water?

Its water is usually not recommended for consumption due to potential toxicity. It’s mostly used for external applications or water purification.

Q. Is alum safe for skin?

It is generally safe for skin and has many benefits like skin tightening and reducing acne. However, its excessive use can cause dryness and irritation.

 Ref

https://www.truemeds.in/blog/alum-stone-benefits

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alum-for-skin#uses

https://www.tataaig.com/knowledge-center/health-insurance/health-benefits-of-alum