Whenever we talk about Alum or Fitkari the first thing that comes to our mind is the use of Alum as an aftershave block to soothe the skin. It is also known as Aluminium sulfate. Alum was applied by men on the face aftershave and also for the healing of wounds caused due to the shave. Alum has lost its importance with time due to the introduction of various after-shave lotions and creams. Alum is still used in salons but rarely.
People generally know the use of Alum as an aftershave cosmetic that is used by men. But do you know that Alum can be used even by women and also besides being an aftershave block it can also be used to beautify your skin? So today in this article we will be looking at the benefits of Alum for your skin and how to use it to achieve better skin. Let’s begin.
Alum can be used in two ways.
- Externally – Alum can be used as a deodorant, antiseptic, after-shave lotion, treatment of facial wounds aftershave.
- Internally – Alum can also be used internally by consuming it as a medicine.
External benefits of Alum for your skin
Presently Alum is used as an ingredient in most beauty cosmetics. This is not known to most people. Alum has several benefits for our skin if used correctly.
1. Beautifies your face
Alum if applied perfectly helps in beautifying your face tone and skin quality. The uses of Alum for your face are as follows.
- Alum improves your skin tone.
- The uneven dark patches of your skin get removed.
- Makes your skin tight.
How to use Alum to beautify your face?
Take a block of Alum and break it down into pieces. Heat these pieces in a pan so that it liquifies. Cool it down till it solidifies again. After it solidifies put it in a mixer grinder and grind it till it becomes powder. Now the alum powder is ready for your skin use.
Mix 1 spoon of honey with 1 spoon of this alum powder and then apply it to your face. Leave this paste on your face for 2-3 minutes and then wash it away.
2. Improves the firmness of your skin
You can use an alum block to increase the firmness of your skin. Alum blocks have certain properties which help in improving the firmness of your face.
How to use Alum to improve the firmness of your skin?
First, make the Alum block wet. Then wash your face and apply the Alum block on your face and massage it for 1-2 minutes in a circular motion. Wash your face with water after that.
People with dry skin should moisturize their skin after this process.
3. Removal of dark underarms
Black underarms are a problem experienced by all women out there. This becomes a problem whenever one is into sleeveless fashion. Alum is good for the lightning the tone of your underarms.
- Your underarm skin color becomes lighter
- The Alum also acts as a deodorant
How to use Alum to remove dark underarms?
Make your underarms wet and apply a wet alum block. Gently massage your underarms using the alum block and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it off after the time interval.
4. Removal of dark circles
Dark circles are another common problem. Alum is again considered great for the removal of dark circles.
How to use alum for the removal of dark circles?
Mix 1 tablespoon Alum powder in a glass of water. Dip some cotton in the mixture and apply it to your dark circles. When it becomes dry wash away your face with water.
Tip: After this process massage the portion under your eyes with almond oil or coconut oil.
5. Alum for hair removal
Alum can be used for the removal of unwanted hair on a female’s face. Alum cannot remove full hair growth from your face but it is recommended to use Alum after waxing as it prevents the regrowth of hairs.
How to stop the growth of hair on your face by using Alum?
Take 1 tablespoon of Alum powder and mix it with 1 tablespoon lukewarm water. Apply this to affected areas especially on the upper lips where chances of hair growth are seen to be maximum in a female. Keep it for 20 minutes and wash it away. You can use this every day. Gradually the hair growth starts diminishing in that area.
Internal benefits of Alum
Before consuming Alum as a medicine one should purify Alum. Also always consult your doctor before consuming purified Alum.
How to purify Alum?
Take a block of Alum and break it into pieces. Heat the pieces of Alum in a pan till it melts down. Now cool it down till it solidifies again. Now put it in a mixer grinder and grind it till it becomes powder. This alum powder has several medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda for the preparation of various Ayurvedic medicines. This Alum powder is also known as Sphatika Bhasma in Ayurveda.
How to consume Alum as a medicine?
There is a set pattern for the consumption of Alum as a medicine. Take 1 -2 pinch of the alum powder and mix it with 1 tablespoon of honey. You can have this formula twice a day after having your meals.
Diseases that can be cured by the consumption of purified Alum
According to Ayurveda, Alum when used as a medicine can be used for the treatment of certain disorders.
- Treatment of bleeding piles problem
- Treatment of whooping cough problem
- For females who have excessive bleeding problems and uterine bleeding during their periods
- Treatment of mouth ulcer
Note – Pregnant ladies and lactating moms should not consume Alum as medicine or without the permission of their doctor.
Conclusion
This article is for raising awareness related to the benefits and uses of Alum for our skin and for the treatment of diseases. Also, don’t forget to comment on your experiences if you have used Alum for any of the above-mentioned purposes.
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