The Benefits of Alum for the Body
Alum (Arabic: الشبة), known in English as “alum,” is a crystalline mineral resembling Epsom salt in appearance but differing in taste. Composed of phosphate, aluminum, and potassium, it’s sold in herbal shops in various forms—crumbled, moist, or rounded. Alum boasts a wide range of benefits and uses: it stops bleeding, treats wounds, combats underarm odor, and is used in medical treatments, cosmetics, leather tanning, paper production, and more. It’s also a staple in homemade natural beauty recipes. Let’s dive into some of its most popular and easy-to-make applications!
Types of Alum
Here are the main varieties of alum:
- Potassium Alum: The most common type, used for post-shave wound care, teeth whitening, and water purification.
- Ammonium Alum: Transparent crystals used in deodorants and water treatment.
- Sodium Alum: Found in baking powder.
Benefits for Skin & Body
Alum offers a treasure trove of natural solutions:
- Brightens Underarms: The underarms are prone to sweat and darkening. Alum helps lighten this area while neutralizing odor.
- Tightens Sagging Skin: Rapid weight loss, pregnancy, aging, or other factors can cause loose skin. Alum’s astringent properties help firm it up.
- Natural Deodorant: A safe alternative to chemical deodorants, alum contains non-toxic aluminum hydroxide to keep odors at bay.
- Dental Care: Whitens teeth, strengthens gums, and stops bleeding after tooth extraction. It’s even used in toothpaste and mouthwashes!
- Vaginal Tightening: When diluted in water (sometimes with honey or lemon), alum acts as a natural vaginal tonic.
- Reduces Breast Size: For women bothered by large breasts, alum-based recipes offer a non-surgical way to reduce size and discomfort.
- Stops Bleeding: Its astringent properties quickly clot minor wounds.
- Hair Removal: Effectively removes unwanted facial or body hair.
- Skin Tightening & Brightening: A natural substitute for firming creams, alum revitalizes dull skin.
- Minimizes Pores: Shrinks and closes enlarged pores for smoother skin.
- Banishes Blackheads: Mixed with rose water, it clears blackheads with daily use.
Other Uses
Alum isn’t just for beauty! It also:
- Purifies Water: Binds to impurities, making water clear.
- Preserves Food: Used in pickling, baking, and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
DIY Alum Recipes
Try these simple, natural blends at home:
1. Alum & Lemon Underarm Brightener
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp powdered alum
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 tbsp red glycerin
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Method:
Mix all ingredients into a creamy paste. Apply to underarms after a warm shower. Use daily.
2. Alum & Glycerin Firming Lotion
Ingredients:
- Powdered alum
- 3 tbsp glycerin
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp moisturizer
- 5 tbsp rose water
- Juice of ½ lemon
Method:
Blend ingredients and massage onto skin in circular motions. Leave for 1 hour or add to bathwater.
3. Alum & Starch Tummy Tightener
Ingredients:
- Powdered alum
- Olive oil
- Cornstarch
- Water
Method:
Mix into a light paste. Apply to abdomen with a soft brush, let dry, then rinse with warm water.
4. Alum & Egg White Face Mask
Ingredients:
- Powdered alum
- 1 egg white
Method:
Combine and apply to face (avoid eyes). Rinse with cold water after drying. Finish with rose water. Use 1–2 times weekly.
5. Alum & Musk Deodorant
Ingredients:
- Powdered alum
- Liquid or powdered musk
Method:
Mix and apply to underarms.
6. Alum & Hazelnut Oil Pore Minimizer
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp alum powder
- ¼ cup hazelnut oil
Method:
Massage onto face for 5 minutes, leave for 15, then rinse with cold water.
7. Alum Teeth Whitener
Ingredients:
- Powdered alum
- Water
Method:
Dip a wet toothbrush into alum, brush for 5 minutes, then rinse. Use 3 times weekly.
8. Alum Breast Reduction Rub
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp powdered alum
- 1 cup cold water
Method:
Mix and massage onto breasts. Rinse with cold water after drying.
Important Notes
- Moderation is key: Avoid excessive use.
- Keep away from children: Use under medical supervision if needed.
- Inhalation risks: Overexposure may irritate lungs or cause coughing.
Alum is a versatile, natural powerhouse—but like any remedy, use it wisely! 🌿✨
