Alum stone has been used since ancient times in many countries for aesthetic purposes, but there are many benefits and other uses of alum, and there are also damages that you should be aware of, so follow this article with us.

What is the alum?

Alum or alum, or as it is known in English, Alum, is a natural chemical compound (salts) of aluminum sulfate, and it exists with ammonium, sodium, or potassium. This chemical compound has many benefits and uses.

The chemical properties of alum

Most of the chemical alums are colorless, odorless, with a sour and astringent taste, and are present in the form of large crystals, or powder, and are soluble in hot water.

types of alum

There are three types of alum and they are:

• Potassium alum.
• ammonium alum.
• Sodium alum.

What are the benefits and uses of alum?

Alum stone is used medicinally as an astringent, and it is also used in cosmetology, as it has many benefits that we will mention as follows:

The likeness of the armpit as a deodorant

It has been used as a deodorant for hundreds of years in the continent of Asia, specifically in Southeast Asia, and its use has spread in other cultures recently, and studies have proven the ability of potassium alum to kill types of bacteria that grow with sweating, especially in the underarm area, thus helping to get rid of the unpleasant armpit odor .

Alum benefits for the skin

Alum is useful for skin tightening, and in addition to its astringent properties, it helps in getting rid of excess oils on the skin, which mainly cause acne and pimples, and it also kills bacteria, which improves the complexion.

Benefits of alum for the vagina

Some women use alum as a vaginal wash, as it is dissolved in water, and other antibacterial substances may be added, which helps kill bacteria in the vagina.

Using alum for the face after shaving

Due to the astringent and antibacterial properties of alum; Men may use it after shaving to reduce inflammation and stop bleeding caused by the use of blades, as it softens the skin and prevents the spread of bacteria.

Alum to whiten the face

You can take advantage of the benefits of alum for whitening by making a face mask of alum and rose water to lighten the skin, remove dark spots, and acne. This mixture also helps reduce impurities, improve skin texture, and unify fine lines. Here is how it works:

• Bring a small bowl to prepare the mixture.
• Add two tablespoons of alum powder.
• Two tablespoons of rose water.
• Mix this mixture well until it forms a paste-like consistency.
• Rinse your face before applying the mask.
• Apply the mask to your face and neck, and leave it for 10 minutes until it dries.
• Rinse your face well with water.

Alum for the smell of the feet

Sources indicate that a mixture of alum powder, cloves, and chalcanthite (Cypriot vitriol) can be used, which has proven its ability to resist the growth of certain types of bacteria and fungi that cause bad feet.

Non-medical uses of alum

There are many uses for alum, as it is involved in many industries, such as:

• Dyes, where they are used to fix the dye on cotton and other fabrics.
• Leather tanning.
• Fire-fighting.
• Candle making.
• Alum can be used in food, as in the pickling process (making pickles), and in baking powder.

Notice; You should consult a physician before using any natural prescriptions that contain alum, especially if you have a medical condition.

Alum damage

Despite the many benefits of alum that were previously mentioned, it may cause some harm, including:

• Nausea, headache, and respiratory irritation upon inhalation.
• Stomach infections, vomiting, and nausea upon ingestion, and may be dangerous if swallowed in large quantities.
• Skin and eyes irritation.

Where is alum sold?

This material is mainly sold in apothecary stores. You can go to the nearest apothecary store to you, and ask the seller about alum in its forms, whether stone or semi-ground, and it may be mixed with other materials, so the price varies.

Alum melting method

Melted alum is used in some natural cosmetic recipes, and for dissolving, you should know that the higher the water temperature, the greater the amount of dissolved alum.

Clarification: According to the sources, the amount of aluminum sulfate salts that dissolves in water varies according to the temperature. For example, let’s say the room temperature is 25 degrees Celsius. If you add alum powder to 100 ml of water at the same temperature, the dissolved amount of alum is about 38.5 grams. But if you put the same amount of water on the fire; The amount of alum dissolved in water increases as the temperature rises, for example:

• At temperature 40 about 45.8 grams melt.
• At a temperature of 80 approximately 73 grams melts.
• At temperature 100 (boiling point) 89 grams melts.