What Is Alum (Fitkari)? Surprising Household and Health Benefits Beyond Skincare You Must Know
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Alum, known as fitkari in India, is a traditional household staple with roots tracing back generations. While it's popularly used for skincare - like soothing acne or as a post-shave aid - this natural mineral salt offers a wide array of practical uses that go far beyond just beauty. Affordable and easily accessible, alum’s powerful antibacterial and astringent qualities make it a versatile remedy for everyday health and home needs.
What Exactly Is Alum?
Alum refers to a group of double sulfate salts containing aluminium combined with metals such as potassium, sodium, or ammonium. The most common form used in cosmetics and household applications is potassium alum. Apart from skincare, alum is widely applied in water purification, fabric dyeing, and industrial processes.
Household Uses of Alum You Didn’t Know About
1. Water Purification
Alum is a natural purifier. It helps settle impurities in water by clumping dirt particles together, making it easier to filter and get clean water - used in both rural and urban settings.
2. Fabric Colour Fixer
Want your clothes to keep their vibrant colours longer? Alum acts as a colour fixer, preventing fabric colours from fading during washing.
3. Natural Deodorant
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, alum controls body odour naturally. It’s often found in deodorants and can be used directly as a chemical-free alternative to keep you fresh all day.
1. Wound Healing and Skin Care
Alum speeds up wound healing, reduces acne, and tones the skin. It’s especially handy for stopping minor bleeding after shaving or small cuts.
2. Oral Hygiene Booster
Rinsing the mouth with water mixed with alum helps heal mouth ulcers, reduces gum problems, and keeps teeth looking white.
3. Soothing Sore Throats and Fighting Infections
A simple alum gargle provides relief for sore throats and helps combat fungal and skin infections thanks to its antiseptic qualities.
Important Tips for Using Alum Safely
Alum or fitkari may seem like an old-school remedy, but its versatile nature makes it a valuable addition to every home - whether for keeping clean water, freshening up naturally, or aiding simple health issues. Its low cost and wide availability only add to its appeal as a trusted household essential.
What Exactly Is Alum?
Alum refers to a group of double sulfate salts containing aluminium combined with metals such as potassium, sodium, or ammonium. The most common form used in cosmetics and household applications is potassium alum. Apart from skincare, alum is widely applied in water purification, fabric dyeing, and industrial processes. Household Uses of Alum You Didn’t Know About
1. Water Purification
Alum is a natural purifier. It helps settle impurities in water by clumping dirt particles together, making it easier to filter and get clean water - used in both rural and urban settings.2. Fabric Colour Fixer
Want your clothes to keep their vibrant colours longer? Alum acts as a colour fixer, preventing fabric colours from fading during washing. 3. Natural Deodorant
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, alum controls body odour naturally. It’s often found in deodorants and can be used directly as a chemical-free alternative to keep you fresh all day.Health Benefits of Fitkari Beyond Skin Care
1. Wound Healing and Skin Care
Alum speeds up wound healing, reduces acne, and tones the skin. It’s especially handy for stopping minor bleeding after shaving or small cuts. 2. Oral Hygiene Booster
Rinsing the mouth with water mixed with alum helps heal mouth ulcers, reduces gum problems, and keeps teeth looking white. 3. Soothing Sore Throats and Fighting Infections
A simple alum gargle provides relief for sore throats and helps combat fungal and skin infections thanks to its antiseptic qualities. Important Tips for Using Alum Safely
- Avoid applying alum directly in large amounts on the skin, as it may cause dryness.
- Always dissolve alum in water before applying it to wounds or using it as a mouthwash.
- Consult a healthcare professional before consuming alum or using it in food preparations.
Alum or fitkari may seem like an old-school remedy, but its versatile nature makes it a valuable addition to every home - whether for keeping clean water, freshening up naturally, or aiding simple health issues. Its low cost and wide availability only add to its appeal as a trusted household essential.
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