What are the Uses, Benefits and Side Effects of Alum?

Alum is a highly soluble metal oxides with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. They are classified as noble metal crystalline non-metals, that can be either metallic or semiconducting and have several unique physical properties including anti-spherical quantum Hall effect (QHE), anomalous Hall effect (AHO), linear momentum scattering QHE zeta function, etc. Ash has been known since prehistoric times, for its smooth, protective feel and vibrant tone. The Romans used to burn ash to purify water in baths.

Phitkari, phatkiri, phatphadi (Bengali); aluminous sulphate, sulphate of alumina and potash, sulphate of aluminium and ammonium (English); phatkari (Gujrati); phitkari, phitikhari, phitkiri (Hindi); fatkari (Punjabi); pati-karam, padikharam, shinacarum (Tamil); sphatikari, surashtraja, kamakshi, tuvari (Sanskrit); pitki (Sindhi) are the common names of alum.

Being an anhydrous potassium salt, while it is quite hydrated, it has always been very salty. Additionally, after cooling, it will become transparent and white due to the presence of moisture. It has a strong astringent quality. The most well-known feature of a salt is the high mineral content, but it also includes many other important qualities.

Properties of Alum:

Alum is the material used in the manufacturing process of aluminum. Alum has several other names such as aluminum oxide and alumina, which refers to alloys of aluminum with an additional component.

• It helps prevent & treat biofilm caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
• It might have a COX-2 inhibitory property
• It may also have anti-folic acid activity
• It could be a painkiller.
• It may have an anti-inflammatory potential.
• It may have an antiseptic and antifungal property

Potential Uses of Alum:

Alum has been traditionally used as a topical antiseptic for minor cuts and wounds, due to its astringent and antiperspirant properties. In addition, it has also been studied for its potential use in treating infections, specifically skin infections and vaginal infections.

• Skin infections: Alum has been used as a topical treatment for skin infections, such as boils, furuncles and impetigo, due to its antimicrobial properties.
• Vaginal infections: Alum has been used as a natural remedy for vaginal infections, such as candidiasis, due to its antifungal properties.

However, it's important to note that while alum has shown potential in treating some infections, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, self-treating with alum may not be safe, and a different treatment may be necessary.

Alum's antiplatelet effect is like that of citrated air in suppressing platelet aggregation, but calcium-induced bleeding time is prolonged. This is a side effect that alum injection causes by blocking the root of agglomerative flow (after alum injection, platelet aggregation did not increase). The bleeding time was also much longer (approx. 10 hours). 

In the present study it showed that higher intake of potassium induced a decrease in body weight and elevated serum triglycerides, plasma cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins were observed. The reduction of body weight in rats induced with potash alum resulted in reduction of visceral fat mass and lowered blood concentrations. There is limited research on the potential use of alum for treating obesity. Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of alum for weight loss or obesity treatment. Obesity is a complex condition that requires a multi-disciplinary approach, including diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.

Alum + topical antibiotic = helps deter recurrence of stomatitis. At first, the subject will appear distant but when they get accustomed to the environment they can learn very quickly.

Alum might show some effect on post-operative wounds. Alum may be dissolved in water and then used for helping with the post-operative wounds.

There is limited research on the potential use of alum for treating tumors, but it has been investigated for its ability to enhance the immune system and act as an adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy. Alum is a type of aluminum salt that has been used as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance the body's immune response to the vaccine. In theory, this same mechanism may enhance the body's immune response to cancer cells, potentially helping to reduce tumor growth or eliminate cancer cells. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential of alum for treating tumors and to determine its safety and efficacy.

Alum is a type of aluminum salt that has a variety of uses, including in cooking, personal care, and for medicinal purposes. Here are a few common uses for alum:

• Pickling: Alum is used as a firming agent in pickling, helping to maintain the crispness of pickled vegetables.
• Personal care: Alum is used as an antiperspirant and astringent for the skin, helping to reduce sweating and tighten pores.
• Water treatment: Alum is used as a coagulant in water treatment, helping to remove impurities and improve the clarity of water.
• Fireproofing: Alum is used as a fireproofing agent, helping to slow down the spread of fire.
• Wound care: Alum is used as a topical antiseptic for minor cuts and wounds, helping to prevent infection and promote healing.

It's important to note that the use of alum can vary depending on the specific application, and it's best to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult a healthcare professional for proper use.

Side Effects of Alum:

Alum is generally considered safe when used in small amounts and as intended. However, excessive or long-term use of alum can result in side effects. Here are some of the most common side effects associated with alum:

• Skin irritation: Alum can cause skin irritation or redness, especially if it's used in high concentrations or if it's applied to sensitive skin.
• Gastrointestinal distress: Oral consumption of large amounts of alum can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Kidney damage: Long-term use of high doses of alum can result in kidney damage and toxicity.
• Aluminum toxicity: Prolonged exposure to aluminum, including from alum, can result in aluminum toxicity and the buildup of aluminum in the body, which can be harmful to health.

It's important to follow recommended dosages and to avoid excessive or prolonged use of alum to minimize the risk of side effects. If you experience any adverse effects, it's best to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Precautions to Take with Alum:

There are many studies on the safety of alum on pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is advisable to watch out for any problems before pregnancy or giving birth. A doctor should always be consulted during this time to rule out any health issues. No research has been done on the safe use of alum in minors and elderly people so please be careful before using this product.

Interactions With Other Drugs:

Alum is a substance that is often marketed as an oral intake form for athletes. It exhibits several biological effects including (1) testosterone related, (2) blood pressure related, and (3) appetite suppression properties.