Alum is widely used in household and industrial work. It is in a form of salt or crystal, which holds potassium sulphate. It is finished up of chemical compounds, which are used for various purposes. However, the usage of alum has to be in moderation; since, its excessive use may be harmful for the body. It carries astringent, antiperspirant and antiseptic effect, which assists solve many health related issues. It is produced by adding several minerals comprising alunite, cryolite, alum schist, and bauxite. The acquired forms of alum from alunite are termed as calcined. The mixture is kept to get dried, and turn into a hard solid form of crystal or powder. The clean and white crystals of alum are obtained from potassium sulphate, and purple crystals alum is obtained from chromium. Alum largely uses in china for various purposes; mostly they add alum in their food. They are more addicted to use alum for medication, ingredient of food, juice, etc. There are various types of alum.
• Selenate contained Alum
A chemical compound of selenate is placed instead of sulfur, to make selenate alum. A mixture of selenate alum is vigorous oxidizing compound, which carries an effect of antiseptic and are used for healing purposes.
• Ammonium contained alum
The usage of Ammonium alum is the same as of soda and potassium alum. Ammonium alum is used in the mills or industry in dyeing, tanning, manufacturing of ceramic cements, used for water purifications, etc.
• Potassium contained alum
Potassium alum is finished up of potassium sulfate, which is also called Tawas. It is easily available in the grocery store and is used in the kitchen spice for pickling; adding in food, etc. It is also used for leather tanning, water purification, etc.
• Chrome finished alum
This alum is finished up of chromium, which is seen in violet color. It is used for tanning purpose and can be mixed with other alum, to get purple or lavender form of crystals.
• Alum combined with soda
Soda contained alum is widely used in the food as a baking soda. In India people, uses baking soda to add in various foods while cooking. However, the adding amount has to be in bit portion.
• Aluminum sulfate
Theoretically aluminum sulfate is not an alum. It is used for manufacturing papers thus; it is also called paper making alum.
However, the usage of this listed alum varies accordingly, but some of the alum carries great effect, to treat various health problems; since, alum carries antiseptic, antibiotic, antibacterial effects. Let’s have a look at some of the usage of alum.
Benefits and Usage of alum
• Purify the water
Potassium alum is widely used to purify the water. Some pieces of alum are dissolved in the contaminated water, to clean and eliminate the bacteria and make it pure to drink. It is used in an area, where people get impure water to drink. Most of the severe disease occurs due to contaminated water, using alum may solve this issue for some extent. However, the taste of the water changes when the alum is added into it. One may get sticky and sour taste after drinking this water.
• Heal of wounds
Some of the studies stated that using alum powder over the wound or cut area, may help reduce the blood flow from the particular wounded area. In case, of deep hurt if alum fails to work or slow down the blood flow, then consult the doctor for better treatment. Healing wounds through alum are considered one of the natural and old remedies, where people used to follow in previous days. Alum carries great healing effects, to treat minor wounds, injuries, or hurt.
• Dental treatment
One can use alum powder, to maintain healthy teeth. In case of gum bleeding apply the alum powder over the area, to reduce the bleeding. One can also use alum, to get rid of teeth infections, germs or cavities. People, suffering from dental problems can use alum as a mouth wash daily, to get relief from dental disorders. As, it come to know that some of the toothpaste uses alum as ingredients. In case, of sore mouth, people can do gargling of alum contained water, to get relief. Rubbing alum powder over the teeth regularly may give healthy, strong and whitish teeth. It helps reduce yellowish of the teeth. One can use alum as a natural or homemade remedy, to treat dental related problem.
• Skin allergies
Since alum holds an anti-septic, anti-bacterial, astringent effect; it is used widely in homemade remedies, to treat various health problems. Alum can be used, to treat skin allergies such as eczema, inflammation, itching, etc. Apply alum over the infected area of the skin, and wash with the normal water after sometime. In case of itchy skin, rub alum powder gently and leave it, over the day. Some of the cosmetic contain alum, for skin tightening purpose. The alum contains cosmetics are quite cheap or economical in price. Applying, alum contained water over the swelling area minimizes, the swelling. In short, alum powder can be used, to treat several skin disorders; it carries great effect to treat and cure skin disorders, naturally.
• Eliminate Stomach infections
Consuming alum contained water eliminates the toxins, from the body. One can get rid of bowel infections, stomach ache, urine infections, etc. Drinking alum water is the natural remedy, to get rid of intestinal problem. One can mend their stomach problem and could get rid of germs, worms, and infections of the intestine.
However, the excessive use of alum may give some adverse effect, to the health; hence, its usage must be in an adequate manner. Alum is used to treat some selected health disorders; hence, one should avoid using it for minor purposes. Moreover, one must consult the doctor in case of severe health issues rather than following alum treatments. Alum in mostly used, to treat infectious diseases.