Phatkhri Safaid | پھٹکڑی سفید

Description

Phatkhri Safaid at sknatural is the salt of aluminium sulphate. Alum, a general term for a class of double sulphates containing aluminium and metals such as potassium, ammonium, and iron, is widely used. Medicinal alum consists of colorless, transparent crystals with an acid, sweetish, astringent taste. These crystals are obtained by dissolving the available crude material from the market in boiling water and then evaporating the water entirely. It is warm in second order, dry in third order.

Other names:

Arabic Name(s): Zaj Abiaz
Urdu Name(s): Phitkari, Phitkri, Phitki
English Name(s): Alum, Shab-i-Yemeni

Properties:

Astringent, sedative, antihaemorrhagic (haemostatic), antispasmodic, antiseptic, antiperiodic, in repeated doses ’emetic’. Desiccative for secretions, diminish supply of blood. Powdered alum is corrosive, in small amount as detersive and cleanser.

Recommended dosage:

25-50 mg.

Medicinal uses:

A weak solution or powder mixture of alum, combined with other suitable ingredients, benefits various applications. It effectively treats spongy or bleeding gums, loose teeth, ulcers of the mouth and tongue, as well as fissures of the tongue in consumption and excessive salivation. When combined with honey, it relieves aphthae and thrush.

Additionally, a lotion made of alum, borax, and water serves as a remedy for the purulent state of eczema. Moreover, when mixed with Armenian bole and catechu, it becomes a useful application for swollen gums and toothache. Cloth saturated with alum solution in acacia gum solution effectively treats bleeding piles and prolapse of the uterus or anus. Locally applying it provides relief in tonsillitis, diphtheria, croup, and pharyngitis.

Furthermore, as a collyrium in rose water, it treats chronic purulent ophthalmia, conjunctivitis, sore eyes, etc. Alum lotion effectively checks internal hemorrhages from the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and excessive menstrual flow, as well as leucorrhoeal discharge tinged with blood. Externally, some hair dyes and lotions include alum, aiding in checking bleeding and sweating.

In cases of chronic diarrhea, diarrhea preceding cholera, gastric and intestinal catarrh, Phatkhri Safaid is administered orally with other suitable ingredients like Acorus root in recommended doses. About 25 mg in rose water given twice a day proves useful in whooping cough and asthma. Additionally, when given internally, it aids in alleviating chronic gonorrhea. Sprinkling powdered alum on putrefied wounds or ulcers of the skin acts as a useful desiccative and antiseptic. Moreover, alum extensively clarifies water by removing dirt and soil particles.