PARN HARIT

Alum: The 10 rupee alum available in the market is very useful, just use it in these 5 ways..

Easily available in the market for 10 rupees, alum is considered extremely beneficial for the body. Its chemical name is "potassium aluminum sulfate." For your information, alum has antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate many problems. Consequently, content creator Purnima shared a video on her Instagram, explaining five different ways to use alum. Using it in these ways can provide relief from many problems.

1. Fresh Breath

If you have bad breath, alum can be very helpful. For this, mix alum powder with water and rinse. This will kill bacteria in your mouth and eliminate bad breath. You can also use it as a natural mouthwash.

2. Long-Lasting Perfume

If you want the perfume you're applying to last longer, alum can help. Rub alum on the area where you spray it. This will make the perfume last longer and also remove the smell of sweat.

3. Natural Deodorant

You can use alum as a natural deodorant. It helps control sweat and body odor. If you want to avoid chemical perfumes, you can use alum daily.

4. Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are a common problem during winter. To get rid of this problem, mix alum powder with coconut oil and apply it to your feet. This will heal cracked heels quickly and soften the skin.

5. Detox Bath

You can use alum to naturally detoxify your skin. Mix alum powder into water before bathing and then bathe. This will remove any dirt and grime from your body.

Alum, commonly known as Fitkari in India, is one of the most cost-effective and versatile minerals you can keep at home. For just ₹10, this crystalline stone can replace several expensive personal care and household products.

Here are 5 powerful ways to use it effectively:

1. The Ultimate Aftershave & Toner

Alum is a natural astringent and antiseptic.

How to use: After shaving, wet the alum block and gently rub it over your face. It instantly closes minor nicks, stops bleeding, and kills bacteria that cause razor bumps.
For oily skin: It helps tighten large pores and controls excess oil production.
Note: Always rinse it off with cool water after 2 minutes and apply a moisturizer, as it can be very drying.

2. Natural Deodorant (Odor Killer)

Unlike commercial deodorants that mask smell with fragrance, alum works by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

How to use: After a shower, rub a wet alum stone directly onto your underarms or feet. It creates an invisible saline layer that prevents bacteria from multiplying, keeping you odor-free for hours without harsh chemicals or aluminum chlorohydrate.

3. Relief for Mouth Ulcers

Alum is highly effective at speeding up the healing of painful mouth ulcers due to its ability to dry out the affected tissue and reduce inflammation.

How to use: Apply a tiny pinch of alum powder directly onto the ulcer. Let it sit for 30–60 seconds (it will sting slightly) and then spit it out. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Do not swallow it.

4. Cracked Heel Repair

If you struggle with rough, cracked heels, alum can act as a powerful exfoliating and softening agent.

How to use: Heat a small piece of alum in a pan until it liquefies and turns into a frothy paste (this is called "Phulki"). Once it cools and dries, grind it into a fine powder. Mix this with a bit of coconut oil and apply it to your cracked heels daily before bed.

5. Water Clarification

In many parts of India, alum is still used as a traditional method to clear muddy or turbid water.

How to use: Swirl a piece of alum in a bucket of cloudy water for about 20–30 seconds. The alum acts as a coagulant, causing dirt and suspended particles to clump together and settle at the bottom.
Safety: This makes the water clear, but it does not kill all pathogens. You should still boil or filter the water before drinking.

⚠️ Important Precautions

Avoid Daily Use on Face: Modern dermatologists warn that using it daily on facial skin can damage the skin barrier and cause excessive dryness. Limit use to 1–2 times a week or only for specific needs (like cuts).
Do Not Ingest: While useful for mouth ulcers, alum should not be swallowed in large quantities as it can cause toxicity or stomach distress.
Patch Test: If you have sensitive skin, always test a small area first to ensure it doesn't cause a burning sensation or redness.