Welcome! All of you in Lifelong Health Blog. In this article, we talk about the Top 15 Uses and Health Benefit of Fitkari. There are both pure and impure forms of alum in the natural world. This salt contains minerals. It’s made from soil ore that can be found in Kathiawar, Bihar, Nepal, and Punjab. The substance is a crystalline mass or powder that is colorless, clear, odorless, and has a slightly astringent and sweet taste. England, Egypt, Germany, Italy, and India all have it.
In Hindi, the word “Fitkari” is also pronounced differently, becoming “fitkari,” “fatakadi,” “pichakaree,” “phatkari,” or “phitkari.” The English word “Fitkari” is known as “Alum.” Alum is a multipurpose ingredient that has been used for centuries in many different cultures as a natural remedy. However, excessive alum dosages can be hazardous and lead to health issues, so it should be used with caution.
While there are other types of fitkari (alum), potassium alum is the kind most frequently utilized in homes. With so many amazing applications, it is understandable why alum has been used since ancient times. These days, alum can be found in blocks or as a fine powder in a variety of sizes and shapes.
What Is The English Name For Fitkari?
Fitkari is the colloquial Indian term for the substance known as “alum,” which is also known by several other names, including potassium aluminum sulphate and alum. Fitkari, also known as phitkari or saurashtri in Ayurveda, is a common external and internal ingredient in traditional Unani medical systems, such as Ayurveda.
Fitkari’s astringent, analgesic, hemostatic, desiccative, expulsive (for fetus and placenta), antipyretic, detergent, corrosive, expectorant, emetic, and irritant qualities made it a useful tool in Unani medicine. It was thought to be the all-inclusive answer to all health-related issues that arise in day-to-day living. In addition, Fitkari, also known as “Ming fan,” has a significant role in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Characteristics of Alum
The majority of alums typically taste acidic and astringent. They have no smell, are colorless, and are frequently found as a white, crystalline powder.
- Alums are very soluble in water, particularly heated water.
- The regular octahedral form is the typical crystal form that forms when they are precipitated from aqueous solutions.
- Heat application can cause the alum crystals to liquefy.
- Alums typically have a boiling point of about 200 degrees Celsius and exist as white, transparent crystals.
- The melting point of it is 92.5 °C.
- Litmus is produced when they react with acid. Its density is 1.725 g/cm3.
Alum’s Chemical Composition
Fitkari (alum) is commonly known as potassium alum, which is potassium aluminum sulfate in hydrous form with the chemical formula KAl(SO4)2•12H2O. Still, other compounds with the formula AB(SO4)2•12H2O are regarded as alum as well. The best illustrations of them are provided below.
1. Potassium Alum
Potash alum, also known as aluminum potassium sulfate, is used as a flocculent for water purification and as an astringent and antisepsis in various food preparation techniques like pickling and fermentation.
KAl(SO4)2•12H2O is the molecular formula.
2. Soda Alumnus
The mineral mendozite is the primary form of soda alum found in nature. It is highly soluble in water and very challenging to remove impurities from. It is utilized in the production of baking powder and acidic foods.
NaAl (SO4)2•12H2O is the molecular formula.
3. Ammonium Alum
Ammonium aluminum sulfate is another name for ammonium alum. It is white in crystallography and contains two aluminum sulfates. Though it has many applications, including deodorants, water purification, vegetable glues, and porcelain cement, its most common uses are in tanning, dying, and fireproofing textiles.
The formula for a molecule: NH4Al(SO4)2•12H2O
4. Chrome Alum
Chrome alum is also known as Chromium(III) potassium sulfate it is the potassium double sulfate of chromium. It is produced from chromate salts or from Ferro’s chromium alloys. It is used in the whipping of leather as Chrome alum regulates the leather by connecting the collagen fibers within the leather.
KCr (SO4)2•12H2O is the molecular formula.
5. Alums with Selenate Contents
It is also known that some alums contain selenium instead of sulfur in the sulfate anion, resulting in selenate. Selenium- or selenate-alums is the term given to them. They act as potent oxidizers.
Formula for molecules: (SeO42-)
6. Sodium Aluminum Sulfate
Although aluminum sulfate is sometimes referred to as an alum informally, this is not technically correct as it is a very different form of alum. Its characteristics differ somewhat from those of the group of alums previously discussed.
Formula for molecules: Al2(SO4)3.
Uses and Health Benefits of Fitkari
In daily life, alum, also known as fitkari, is very helpful as it can help us avoid serious health problems. Every home should have it for everything from minor to major injuries and beauty care. Here are a few of the best Uses and Health benefits of Fitkari :
1. The Best Head Lice Treatment
Unfortunately, lice can infect a large number of people, making the removal process lengthy and challenging. People are constantly researching ways to get rid of lice, whether it be with cream shampoo, medication, or any other DIY solution they think might work.
Whatever approach you choose, alum has the potential to be the most efficient and natural way to get rid of hair lice. Another well-known treatment for lice in Ayurveda is alum (Phitkari).
2. Alum’s benefits for skin
Around 85% of people experience acne or pimples at some point in their lives, and it is common during adolescence. If you have acne, you may have tried a variety of treatments and frequently have the same questions concerning how to treat it.
The solution is quite easy: apply alum, which has strong astringent and antiseptic qualities and can cleanse and disinfect the skin, to acne or pimples. Astringents have an antiseptic effect as well; using them on your skin can reduce blackheads, pimples, and give your complexion a grainy appearance. The dead skin cells are also removed from the surface of your skin by the astringent properties.
3. Alum for platelets
The antiplatelet effect of alum was studied in terms of bleeding time and platelet aggregation using an animal model. Following an injection of alum, platelet aggregation was markedly reduced. Additionally, an animal model’s bleeding time following an alum injection was significantly longer. The results of the study imply that alum may be useful as an antiplatelet medication. To demonstrate its efficacy, more research on humans is necessary.
4. Suitable for Canker Sores
Call them whatever you want—mouth ulcers, aphthous ulcers, canker sores, etc.—but if you get one, you will understand what real pain feels like. You may have heard of it at some point because it almost affects 20% of the population.
They cause excruciating pain and interfere with your ability to eat, sleep, and even communicate normally. It’s important to address these uncomfortable and serious issues right away. In this case, alum powder works well as a DIY treatment for healing mouth ulcers or canker sores.
Note: Avoid applying alum powder directly to a child’s canker sores as small children may find this remedy intolerable. Adults can tolerate burning feelings because it effectively treats canker sores. Use just a small amount when applying it to the canker sore to avoid swallowing any of it.
5. Alum for obesity
Oral administration of potash alum in an obese animal model demonstrated the potential to potentially reduce food intake, body weight, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins. This demonstrates the potential anti-obesity impact.3. To validate these effects, more research on humans is necessary.
6. Ideal For Abscesses In The Eyes
Diseases of the eyes usually arise from the penetration of any part of the eyeball or surrounding tissue by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Styes are another bacterial infection that primarily manifests as a growth of the bacteria from the lash root, or follicle.
A painful lump that grows inside or outside of the eyelid is called a style, also known as a hordeolum. Indeed, it’s a pus-filled abscess, typically brought on by the Staphylococcus bacteria. Most people are familiar with sties, having gone through one or two at some point in their lives. Alum is also excellent in treating eye abscesses.
7. Ideal for Broken Heels
Those who have cracked heels or have experienced them firsthand are aware of how upsetting it is to think about a scenario they wouldn’t want to find themselves in when they’re awake. Heel fissures, as the cracks in the skin on heels are commonly called, are caused when the skin gets dry and aggravates the thick, brittle calluses on heels.
Additionally, the bottom of your foot or either side of your foot may develop fissures on the heels. When the foot’s skin deteriorates, surface bleeding may occur. Diseases and other skin issues can be brought on by bleeding. For the best results when treating cracked heels, use alum powder. Alum works well as an exfoliant, aiding in the removal of dead cells from the heels.
8. Best Thing For Shaving Cuts
Many people might have personal experience cutting off skin while shaving of beard or other body hair with a bladed material like a razor. Using the Alum block is a simple technique to control bleeding from minor cuts after shaving.
It has existed in practice by many barbers around the world in hair salons. As Alum acts as an astringent, it aids in the blockage or sealing of the blood vessels supplying the skin. Generally bleeding from shaving cuts very fast and Alum is an antihemorrhagic substitute that controls bleeding.
9. Ideal for Filtration of Water
Water that has been purified is essential for good health because it provides numerous health benefits to our bodies. These days, the market is easily filled with a great deal of advanced water purification technologies. Modern water purification technology is developing daily, adding cutting-edge features and methods.
Nevertheless, even with the most recent technology, cleaning the murky water is not an easy task. Under those conditions, alum is an excellent water treatment. Carrying alum powder and using it as needed during a camping trip or in situations without access to a water purifier is also very helpful.
10. Alum for wounds healed after surgery
Alum may have some effect on wounds from surgery.One way to help with wounds from surgery is to dissolve alum in water.1. Further research is required to demonstrate its efficacy for wounds that result from surgery. Please refrain from self-medication as it is important for wounds from surgery to heal.
11. The Best Method for Removing Hair
Unwanted body hair is a prevalent issue that most women deal with to varied degrees throughout their lives. It results in extreme distress, low self-worth, loneliness, and low self-esteem. These days, there are many advanced technologies available that can do amazing things, like laser hair removal.
But because it’s expensive, people are constantly searching for new ways to take advantage of it. But not everyone knows that alum can be used to permanently remove unwanted body hair in an effective manner.
12 Alum for the tumor
Research on animals has suggested that alum may have antitumor properties. Alum was injected into a model animal. The study’s findings suggested that there may be room to reduce tumour growth in the animal model.3. But more investigation is needed to support such assertions. Furthermore, medical professionals should identify and treat tumors. Please see a doctor as a result.
Although some research suggests that apricot may be useful in treating a variety of ailments, more research is required to determine the full scope of apricot’s health benefits.
13. Ideal for Facial Wrinkles
A number of things, including sun exposure, aging, repeated facial expressions, and abrupt weight loss, can cause wrinkles, fine lines, or sagging of the skin. There are numerous options available for reducing or eliminating wrinkles. The options could include Botox injections, filler shots, surgery, and dermabrasion, which comes with a high price tag and potential side effects.
Since alum is a naturally occurring substance with astringent qualities, using it may be the best option. It has been incorporated into numerous anti-aging and anti-wrinkle skin creams to naturally tighten the skin and get rid of wrinkles.
14. Best Odor-Reducing Deodorant
Why not use alum naturally? Nowadays, alum is the primary ingredient in all deodorants sold on the market, along with other chemicals. When it comes to antiperspirants, alum is superior to store-bought deodorants. The toxic bacteria that cause an unpleasant odor are all destroyed by alum powder. It is an extremely effective natural deodorant for eliminating body odor.
15. Alum is used externally for the treatment of several conditions, including:
- Uterine and anal prolapse.
- Bleeding from the nose, gums, vagina, and rectum.
- Excessive sweating in the armpits, groins, and soles of the feet.
- Leech bites and cuts.
- Application as a collyrium in cases of diphtheria, croup, and pharyngitis.
- Inclusion as an important ingredient in hair dyes and lotions.
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Side Effects of Alum
• Dry skin
• Skin irritation
• Dizziness
• A feeling of throat tightness
• Fluid accumulation around the eye
• Hives (red and itchy skin)
• Hypersensitivity reaction
• Life-threatening allergic reaction
• Puffy face from water retention
• Skin ulcer
• Throat swelling
• Troubled breathing
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is alum?
Alum is a hydrated double sulfate salt of aluminium.
2. What is the alum general formula?
Alum has the general formula XAl(SO4)2.12H2O.
3. Is alum water soluble?
Yes, alums are highly soluble in water.
4. In which form do alums exist?
Alums exist in crystalline form. They are transparent and white.
5. What varieties of alum are there?
Soda, potash, chrome, and ammonium alum are the various forms of alum.