Alum (Fitkari): Surprising Household and Health Benefits Beyond Skincare

Highlight: 

Askari Jaffer

Alum, commonly known as fitkari in India, is a crystal-like mineral salt used for generations in traditional households. While famous for its skincare properties, alum offers numerous practical benefits for health and everyday domestic use.

Alum refers to a group of double sulfate salts containing aluminum combined with potassium, sodium, or ammonium. The most common type in cosmetics is potassium alum. Besides beauty uses, alum plays roles in water purification, dyeing, and various industrial processes.

Household Benefits of Alum

Water Purification
Alum is widely used to purify water by causing impurities to clump and settle as sediment, making water cleaner and safer to use.

Fabric Colour Fixative
It helps preserve the brightness of dyed fabrics by preventing colour fading during washing.

Health Uses of Alum

Skin and Wound Care
Alum accelerates wound healing, reduces acne, tones skin, and helps stop minor bleeding, such as after shaving.

Oral Hygiene
Used as a mouthwash, alum aids in healing mouth ulcers, strengthens gums, and helps keep teeth white.

Natural Deodorant
Alum’s antibacterial and astringent properties make it effective in controlling body odour naturally.

Relief from Throat and Fungal Issues
Gargling alum dissolved in water can soothe sore throats and combat fungal or skin infections.

Important Precautions

• Avoid excessive alum use on skin to prevent dryness.
• Always dissolve alum in water before applying to wounds.
• Consult a healthcare professional before ingesting alum or using it in food.