Alum stone: 5 benefits and uses of this mineral

In recent times there is a boom in the interest in using products of natural origin. There is more and more understanding about the excessive consumption of chemical products, which damaged our body and nature, so alternative options are highly considered.

The alum stone has begun to be seen as an alternative in some cases, and is that in addition to being economical it is harmless for our body and for the environment. The uses and benefits of feed stone are not known to everyone, but this article explains everything there is to know.

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5 Benefits and uses of alum stone

Alum stone is a white and semi-transparent mineral. It is essentially made up of potassium and aluminum, and can be purchased in herbal stores, health food stores or pharmacies. Of course, it is important to make sure that it is an alum stone of 100% natural origin.

Due to its composition, this stone is astringent, hypoallergenic, antiseptic, antibacterial and antiperspirant. It is thanks to these properties that it is used in the cosmetic and medical area, and the uses and benefits of alum stone are valued by different sectors.

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1. Deodorant

The most popular use of alum stone is as part of deodorants. Due to its antibacterial and antiperspirant properties, it is ideal to replace common deodorants. In addition, it can not only be applied to the armpits, but it is also suitable to prevent foot odor.

To use this mineral, it must be applied to clean and dry skin. It is pertinent to soak the alum stone a little in water and then rub it gently over the area. In some stores you can find this mineral in its powder presentation, which facilitates application on the feet.

After applying it, it leaves a thin and transparent layer, which allows to combat the action of the microorganisms that cause the bad smell, which diminishes. The natural antiperspirant action of alum stone is due to the fact that potassium contracts the pores of the skin, preventing sweat from escaping.

Another advantage is that it does not stain neither the skin nor the clothes. It can be used without fear of unwanted spots appearing in the underarm area. Also, while a regular deodorant lasts about a month, the alum stone can last up to a year (depending on its size).

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2. after shave

Alum stone can be used in place of aftershave lotion. This use is due to the fact that the alum stone is astringent. This means that it contracts and dries out organic tissues, also helping to reduce inflammation.

These particularities allow alum to soothe irritated skin and scars in general. When applied to the affected area, it reduces the amount of secretions, which accelerates healing.

To use the alum stone after shaving or waxing, just wet it a little and rub gently on the desired area. Its action helps to stop bleeding, reduce inflammation and close the typical small wounds left by the rake.

By having an anti-inflammatory and healing effect, it also helps reduce the appearance of pores. For this reason it can be used after shaving the beard, legs, armpits or any other area of ​​the body that is shaved or waxed.

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3. Fight acne

Alum stone is a good ally to fight acne. Due to its antiseptic and astringent properties, alum cleanses the skin and helps to eliminate the bacteria that lodge in the pores and that cause pimples.

In addition, applying the alum stone on the skin helps to improve its tone. In this way, the pores are not so open, which makes it difficult for new pimples to appear. Its use is also recommended to treat the lesions caused by acne.

To use alum to fight acne you can make a mask. To make it, you have to mix alum stone powder with the whites of two eggs until it forms a homogeneous paste. Then it is applied to the face and after 20 minutes it is removed with warm water.

It can also be used directly on acne wounds. It is enough to wet the stone a little and apply it gently on the affected areas. Then it is left to act for a few minutes and later it is rinsed with warm water.

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4. Heal sores

Alum stone is also highly efficient to heal sores. Anyone who constantly suffers from sores can try to cure them with alum. It is surprising how effective mineral can be.

Applying alum stone on the sores is a good idea thanks to its antibacterial properties and healing, and it is that with the alum stone the bacteria that cause these inconvenience

To use the alum in this way, it is necessary to purchase the powder or spray presentation. If it is applied in a spray, you just have to spray it on the sore. It is advisable to reduce with a little water.

If you want to take advantage of the benefits of the lighting stone using it in powder, it is suggested to dilute 2 tablespoons of alum in a cup of water. In this way, you proceed to gargle or use this mixture as if it were a mouthwash. It feels like a kind of intense burn, but it doesn't really cause much pain.

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5. Reduce stretch marks

Alum stone also helps reduce stretch marks. Although the truth is that the alum stone cannot make them disappear, it does help reduce the red tone and the relief of stretch marks.

The use of the alum stone for this benefit is through the presentation in powder or in the form of crystals (similar to grain salt). It acts as an exfoliant when rubbed on the skin, with the advantage that this mineral has an anti-inflammatory and healing action.

When taking a bath, apply the alum stone after lathering. It should be rubbed in a circular motion for a few minutes, and then rinsed and dried. When finished, you have to apply a moisturizing cream.

If this process is carried out 2 to 3 times a week, the stretch marks diminish their coloration and even the relief diminishes. In addition, it can be used to exfoliate any other part of the body, helping to tone the skin.

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Bibliographic references

• Greenwood, N. N. and Earnshaw, A. (1997). Chemistry of the Elements (2nd Edn.), Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

• Kuehl, B.L., Fyfe, K.S. and Shear, N.H. (2003). Cutaneous cleansers. Skin Therapy Lett. 8(3), 1–4.

• Picon, M.; et al. (2005). L'alun de Mediterranée. Center Jean Bérard.