Overview
Alum is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for burns. Sphatika (Alum) is a translucent crystalline mineral. It is widely used both externally and internally. External uses include as a hemostatic (to stop bleeding), in eye wash, in skin diseases, and as an antiseptic gargle. Internally, purified alum is used in cough, diarrhea, and leucorrhea. Bhasma of Sphatika is used in respiratory disorders. It is a common household remedy. Verses: 117-118.
How Alum Helps with Burns
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Alum has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing burns:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Amla (sour)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya), Sour (Amla)
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu
- Potency (Virya)
- Sheeta
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Hydrated potassium aluminium sulphate
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: स्फटिक, सौभाग्य
Hindi: फिटकरी
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
Verses 10 through 104 describe detailed procedures for the purification (Shodhana) and calcination (Marana) of various metals, minerals, and gems including: Rajata (silver), Tamra (copper), Lauha/Ayas (iron), Naga (lead), Vanga (tin), Yashada (zinc), Mandura (iron oxide/rust), Kamsya (bell-metal), Pittala (brass), Makshika (iron/copper pyrite), Vimala, Tuttha (copper sulphate), Kasisa (green vitriol/iron sulphate), Shilajatu (mineral pitch), Srotanjana, Sphatika (alum), Tankana (borax), Abhraka
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
Sphatika (alum), vidruma (coral), conch shell, madhuka (licorice), and honey as well.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 12: Raktabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Blood-type Conjunctivitis)
Conch shell, sea-foam, sea-born maranduki, alum, kuruvinda (ruby/corundum), coral, and ashmantaka.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 15: Chhedya Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases Requiring Excision)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 12: Raktabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Blood-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 15: Chhedya Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases Requiring Excision)
Other Herbs for Burns
See all herbs for burns on the Burns page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.