Alum (Fitkari): Uses, benefits and side effects

Being an antimicrobial agent is probably the most well-known property of alum. As a topical preparation, it is traditionally used to avoid skin infections. In fact, alum is a primary component of many antiseptic creams and aftershave bars.

Laboratory-based studies suggest that potash alum inhibits the growth of several pathogenic bacteria. This includes Vibrio cholerae (causes cholera), Shigella (causes dysentery) and E.coli (the causative agent of various gastrointestinal disorders). It has also been found to be effective against skin pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis.

Alum or fItkari is one of the oldest remedies for oral problems such as toothache and gum bleeding. Traditionally, a paste made from alum is either applied directly on affected gums or used as a mouthwash to get relief from tooth extraction pain. Research evidence indicates that alum constricts blood vessels in your gums and reduces bleeding in case of tooth extraction or gum infections. It is further reported that the vasoconstrictive (narrowing blood vessels) ability of alum is as potent as that of epinephrine, a drug that is commercially used to stop bleeding during teeth extraction.

Clinical studies suggest that regular use of potash alum mouthwash is effective in reducing dental plaque and microbial load in children within a duration of 4 weeks.

It is also claimed to be as efficient as a fluoride toothpaste in reducing the risk of dental caries in children.

Potash alum mouth rinse has also been found to reduce mouth ulcers.

The use of a salt solution is much more common than alum for reducing gum bleeding and mouth infections. However, according to a double-blind study mentioned in the Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, alum is much more effective than salt saline in inhibiting the growth of infectious bacteria in the oral cavity.

Did you know alum can help you get rid of mosquito larvae in your locality? Mosquitoes are one of the primary vectors of a number of diseases including dengue, malaria and chikungunya. Globally, these diseases take away millions of lives every year and the condition is even worse in developing countries. Blame lack of hygiene, education or healthcare facilities or whatever you may.

In India and other tropical countries, warm climatic conditions play an important role in promoting mosquito breeding. Add the ever-increasing resistance to commonly used pesticides and the condition becomes worse. Alum, as a natural compound, comes as a saviour in such condition.

Lab studies demonstrate the larvicidal (kills larvae) properties of alum powder against dengue mosquito larvae. This is because potash alum binds all the salts in water and destroys larvae skin soon as they come in contact with it. It has further been reported that potash alum powder is as effective as some chemicals that are used to kill and inhibit the growth of mosquito larvae.

Alum is one of the oldest known adjuvants and has been in use since the last 80 years. What is an adjuvant, you may ask?

An adjuvant is a substance that is administered along with vaccines and helps in slowly but gradually developing an immune response against a particular disease. Vaccines that include an adjuvant are known to be more potent and provide a better immunity.

As an adjuvant, alum is still used in various vaccines including DPT, Hepatitis A and pneumococcal vaccine.

In spite of the development of so many chemical-based adjuvants, alum still remains the first choice with most experts. This is due to the fact that the compound has minimal side effects, the ability to work with different disease antigens and low cost.

Alum is commercially used for the production of crystal deodorants, which reduce body odour and excessive sweating. This is because of the antibacterial activity of alum. Alum inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria; thus, preventing excessive body odour.

Though it would be hard to make deodorant at home, not to mention the hassle, you can also make a room freshener from alum crystals. Here is how:

• Heat some alum with water to dissolve the crystals completely. Avoid boiling it since boiling will cause it to froth.
• Once all the alum is dissolved, let it cool and add your favourite essential oil to it. Lavender and tea tree are some good oils of choice for this. Not only do they smell good but also have antiseptic properties.
• Put the solution in a clean and dry spray bottle. You can buy new spray bottles at any plastics store near you.
• Keep the bottle in a clean and dry place and spray it in the room as you please.

Being an astringent, alum shrinks skin tissue and closes open pores. It also washes out the cell debris and bacteria from your skin that may lead to acne development. In vitro (lab-based) studies indicate that alum possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means that it can be used for getting rid of acne inflammation and acne scars. To use alum for acne relief, you can follow this simple recipe:

What you’ll need:

• A pinch of alum
• A spoonful of fuller’s earth (or multani mitti)
• Few drops of lemon juice
• Rosewater

Recipe:

• Mix all the dry ingredients in a clean and dry bowl.
• Add lemon drops and rosewater to make it into a paste.
• Apply a thin layer of this paste on your face or acne-prone area.
• Leave it for 15 minutes.
• Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

The best part about this pack is that lemon adds to the astringent and antibacterial activity of alum along with clearing dark spots and scars. Fuller’s earth would leach out extra oil from your skin, leaving it rejuvenated and glowing.

Do not forget to put some coconut oil or moisturiser over your face later on, since all of these ingredients have a drying effect on your skin.

Do you know alum powder makes an important ingredient in antiageing and anti-wrinkle creams? And all this time it was lying useless in your cupboard? Well, better late than never. Studies indicate that alum antioxidants fight metabolic damage and delay the ageing process, providing respite from the early signs of ageing including wrinkles and dark spots. Bid adieu to those fine lines with this simple face mask:

What you’ll need:

• A pinch of alum
• Egg white from one egg.
• A spoonful of Multani mitti
• Few drops of almond oil

Recipe:

• Take a clean and dry bowl.
• Break one egg and carefully separate the white part, leaving out the yolk.
• Add all the dry ingredients to the egg white and pour 2-3 drops of almond oil in it.
• Mix it along with some water to obtain a fine paste.
• Apply an even and thin layer of this paste on your face.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
• Pat dry with a clean washcloth.

Almond oil provides nutrition and vitamin E while egg white helps in tightening your skin.

Do not rub the pack on your face since it may scrape your skin.

(Read more: Home remedies for tightening face skin)

Inflammation and increased blood supply are the major causes of dark circles in ageing individuals. By constricting blood vessels and preventing inflammation, alum may help you in keeping those pesky dark circles at bay. Here is an easy recipe:

What you’ll need:

• A pinch of alum
• Some rose water
• Half a lemon

Recipe:

• Make a paste by mixing alum powder with some rose water.
• Apply the paste over a cut end of a lemon.
• Gently press the lemon to release a bit of juice.
• Rub the lemon gently on the underside of your eyes, ensuring that it does not get into your eyes.
• Alternatively, you can put a drop of lemon in alum and rose water and apply it as a pack on the undereye area.
• Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Wash and clean with lukewarm water.

Do not rub the pack, gently pat dry it with a clean and dry washcloth once you have washed it or you can take a wet (but not dripping) cloth and wipe it clean gently.

(Read more: How to remove dark circles)

Since it slows down bleeding and prevents bacterial growth, alum is traditionally used as a wound healing agent. Just put some alum paste over the wound and wait for the miracle.

While putting alum on superficial cuts may help you reduce bleeding and prevent infection, it is best to check in with your doctor if you get a deep cut.

(Read more: Open wound treatment)

Alum blocks have been in use as an aftershave product since ancient times and are still sold commercially as an antiseptic and aftershave. It soothes skin burns caused due to razor blades along with stopping bleeding from razor cuts. Also, it closes pores and provides protection from bacterial infections.

Alum blocks are pretty easy to use. Once you have shaved, just rub the block over your face gently. Do not put extra pressure since alum may scrape your skin.

Let it sit for a few minutes, wash your face with lukewarm water and apply an oil or moisturiser.