Phitkari Red - Fitkari Lal - Potash Alum

Alum, also known as phitkari, is a transparent salt-like mineral that is used in both cooking and medicinal. Alum is available in several forms, including Potassium Alum, Ammonium, Chrome, and Selenate.

In Ayurveda, alum (Phitkari) is used as Sphatika Bhasma, a form of Bhasma (Pure Ash). Sphatika Bhasma, when combined with honey, is used to treat whooping cough by reducing mucus buildup in the lungs. Alum Bhasma, because of its drying characteristics, may also aid with diarrhoea and dysentery.

Alum and wax have historically been used by women to remove unwanted hair. Because of its astringent properties, it is also beneficial for skin tightening and whitening. Alum is useful for decreasing acne scars and pigmentation marks because it shrinks cells and removes excess oil from the skin. When applied topically, alum has been demonstrated to be beneficial for mouth ulcers due to its powerful healing capabilities.

Alum can be applied to the affected area of the skin after being diluted with water. To help your skin detoxify and mend, add a few drops of alum to your bathwater.

Alum stones are commonly used as after-shave treatments. It is used as a styptic for minor bleeding from shaving incisions.

Because it can inhibit the bacterial development that generates body smell, alum is used as a natural deodorant for body odour.

Alum is used to relieve minor bleeding from cuts and abrasions. To halt bleeding, apply alum powder on the wound. However, major injuries and uncontrollable bleeding demand medical assistance.