Surely, many have heard of alum, but few know what they are. The benefits and harms of this product have long been discussed by doctors and scientists, but ordinary people often do not even suspect that with this tool many diseases can be cured.
Material Content:
What is alum
Alum is a white crystalline powder that is mined during the processing of clay or bauxite. In terms of their chemical composition, these are double aluminum salts with potassium and ammonium sulfate. The origin of raw materials has nothing to do with medicine, however, it is in this area that the product has become very widespread.
In pharmacies, as a rule, they sell burnt alum obtained after heating to 160 degrees and the loss of more than 50% of the initial volume, in 50 g plastic jars.
It is interesting that the product needs to be stored in a hermetically sealed container, since with direct contact with oxygen the minerals simply erode.
Health benefits
The product has a strong moisture-absorbing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Most often it is used for such purposes:
- to combat excessive sweating;
- normalization of the sebaceous glands;
- emergency healing of various lesions of the skin;
- elimination of pathogens.
To achieve maximum effect, it is important to follow the instructions.
Instructions for use
The product is used only for external use in the treatment of fungal diseases, diaper rash, stomatitis, seborrhea, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, trophic ulcers.The drug is not intended for internal use and when taken orally can cause considerable harm to health.
To heal ulcers, it is enough to apply a pinch of powder on the wound surface. At first, the sensations will be unpleasant, but the next day the effect will be noticeable even with the naked eye.
Application in gynecology
Alum is widely used for cervical erosion, inflammation of a different nature, itching and an unpleasant burning sensation in the vagina. The tool is used in the form of douching, as well as lotions and tampons.
The option of preparing a solution for douching with erosion:
- In a liter of clean filtered water, dissolve 1 tbsp. l copper sulfate and alum. Stir to dissolve the crystals.
- Boil the mixture and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes. Cool. Store in a cool place.
- For the preparation of a solution of 1 tbsp. l funds diluted in 1 liter of slightly warm water.
Alum potassium alum helps with thrush, removing the fungus. Crystals block the active reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and destroy them due to their antiseptic properties. To prepare the product, you need to dissolve 2 tsp. powder in a liter of water, bring to a boil, cool and use as directed by a doctor for douching or washing.
With increased sweating
People who suffer from excessive sweating often cannot find the perfect remedy to get rid of their problem. Preparing a home antiperspirant for sweating armpits is not difficult:
- Dissolve 1 tsp. powder in 250 ml of water.
- Enter your favorite essential oil (3-4 drops of your choice). Mix.
- Pour the product into a suitable spray can.
At first, the liquid will need to be sprayed onto the skin of the axillary hollows twice a day, and when sweating decreases, once will be enough.
Those with heavy sweating feet can fight this common alum. After a few days, sweating almost completely disappears, and various minor injuries and cracks heal. They even recommend putting powder in socks and shoes, which is constantly used to enhance the effect and eliminate the specific smell of sweat.
But it must be borne in mind that sometimes, due to too frequent use, the skin can become too dry, therefore, for prevention, after applying alum, the feet need to be moistened with cream.
With an ingrown nail
The use of powder for ingrown toenails has its own characteristics. The process looks like this:
- Make a hot bath of water with sea salt or a strong chamomile infusion. Keep feet until fluid is completely cool.
- Apply powder to problem areas and rub it with intense movements. Particular attention should be paid to the tissues near the ingrown nail plate.
- Apply a bandage and fix it securely.
Alum is also able to cope with fungi on the nail plates.
How to use for stomatitis
This inexpensive and affordable remedy copes with stomatitis, relieving swelling, soreness and itching. After use, a thin barrier forms on the surface of the affected area, which protects the wound from the penetration of extraneous components. This greatly speeds up the healing process and stops the secretion of blood.
Mode of application:
- Take a glass of chilled boiling water and mix with 5 g of alum, so that the powder is completely dissolved.
- Put the container in a cool place for 48 hours.
- Shake well before use.
- Use to rinse the mouth every 4 hours.
Children need a less concentrated solution. For kids who do not know how to rinse their mouth on their own, you can simply lubricate the wounds with a cotton pad or an ear stick moistened with a tool.
A similar solution can be done to gargle with angina. But its concentration should be weaker: the liquid should taste slightly acidic and tart.
The tool helps to cope with bad breath. The main reason for the "fragrance" is the accumulation of bacteria and toxins in the oral cavity, and rinsing with alum just removes unnecessary microorganisms.
Alum in cosmetology
Based on this powder, you can prepare many different cosmetics.
Anti-aging mask recipe:
- Prepare protein, 2 tsp. fat cream, 5 g of boric acid, 1 g of alum.
- Beat the protein, introduce the remaining components.
- Mix thoroughly and apply evenly on the skin. Hold a third of the hour.
- Rinse off with a little warm and then cool water.
With this product, you can try to get rid of age spots. The mask recipe is very simple: mix whipped protein with freshly squeezed lemon juice and alum.
The powder is often used to remove hair over the upper lip. To do this, the crystalline must be mixed with a small amount of rose water in a ratio of 1: 2, mixed and applied to an area with undesirable vegetation. Leave to dry, then apply again. So you need to continue until the mixture runs out.
During pregnancy and lactation
Since the product is used exclusively externally, if necessary, it can be used both by expectant mothers and nursing mothers. The drug does not adversely affect the fetus and does not reduce lactation.
Contraindications and possible harm
Of the possible contraindications, the following should be mentioned:
- individual intolerance;
- skin hypersensitivity.
Therefore, before use, any alum-based product should be tested on a small area of the skin. If no side effects occur within a quarter of an hour, it can be used without fear.
Proper use of alum can be of great benefit. The tool is inexpensive and affordable, so everyone can use it.
