What is Alum?
Alum is a crystalline substance resembling Epsom salt in shape but differing in taste. It contains phosphate, aluminum, and potassium, and can be found in herbal shops in various forms, including cracked, moist, and round. Alum is widely recognized for its numerous health and cosmetic benefits, such as stopping bleeding, treating wounds, and preventing body odor. It's also used in industries like leather tanning and paper manufacturing. This article will highlight the most effective natural recipes using alum.
Types of Alum
- Potassium Alum: The most common type, widely used for treating shaving wounds, teeth whitening, and water purification.
- Ammonium Alum: Known for its transparent crystals, it's often used in deodorants and water treatment.
- Sodium Alum: Commonly used in baking powder preparation.
Benefits of Alum for Skin and Body
- Armpit Care: Alum helps eliminate darkening and bad odor by acting as a natural deodorant.
- Skin Tightening: Effective for tightening sagging skin caused by weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
- Sweat Control: As a natural deodorant, alum contains non-toxic aluminum hydroxide, making it a safe alternative to commercial products.
- Oral Health: Alum is used in toothpaste and mouthwashes, helping to whiten teeth, strengthen gums, and stop bleeding.
- Vaginal Tightening: A mixture of alum and water can be used as a vaginal wash.
- Breast Size Reduction: Alum can be part of natural recipes to reduce breast size without surgery.
- Hair Removal: Useful for removing unwanted hair from the face and body.
- Facial Care: Alum tightens the skin, reduces large pores, and helps remove blackheads when mixed with rose water.
Other Practical Uses of Alum
- Water Purification: Alum purifies water by attracting and separating minerals, leaving it clear.
- Culinary Uses: It is used in food preservation, such as in pickle preparation, baking, and vegetable preservation.
Natural Alum Recipes for Skin and Body Care
- Alum and Lemon: Ideal for whitening the armpit area. Mix ground white alum with lemon juice, red glycerin, and starch. Apply after showering daily.
- Alum and Glycerin: Tightens sagging skin. Combine alum with glycerin, olive oil, moisturizing cream, rose water, and lemon juice. Massage onto the body.
- Alum and Starch: Tightens sagging abdomen skin. Mix alum with starch, olive oil, and water. Apply and let dry before washing off.
- Alum and Eggs: Tightens and refreshes the face. Mix alum with egg whites, apply to the face, and rinse with cold water after drying.
- Alum and Musk: A natural deodorant for sweat odor. Mix alum with musk and apply to the armpits.
- Alum and Hazelnut Oil: Reduces large pores. Combine alum powder with hazelnut oil and massage onto the face.
- Alum and Cold Water: Reduces breast size. Mix ground alum with cold water, apply to the breast, and rinse after drying.
Important Notes:
- Avoid using large doses of alum, and refrain from using it on children without medical supervision.
- Excessive inhalation of alum can cause coughing or lung issues.