Alum is a mineral found in nature in both pure and impure forms, derived from alumen ore. It is a colourless, clear, odourless, crystalline mass or granular powder with a sweetish astringent flavour.

Alum might be helpful for bleeding gums, gingivitis, pyorrhoea, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, piles, vaginal inflammation, leucorrhoea (whitish or yellowish coloured discharge from the vagina), gonorrhoea, kidney and bladder abscess (swelling with pus), renal and bladder stones, conjunctivitis, ear abscess, dandruff, burns, breast hypertrophy (increase in size), stomatitis, dementia (memory loss), asthma and bleeding. However, more research is required to prove the effectiveness of alum for the above-mentioned conditions. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor. Do not self-medicate.

It can be made suitable for potential use by humans by dissolving it in boiling water, filtering the solution, and evaporating it to produce crystals, which can be preserved for future use.

Yes, alum is soluble in water. As the molecular formula of alum contains water molecule, it is water-soluble.

The chemical formula of potassium alum is K2SO4Al2(SO4)3.24 H2O.

Alum is used in depilatory waxes that are used for the removal of body hair or applied to freshly waxed skin as a demulcent (relieves inflammation or skin irritation). However, a doctor/specialist should be consulted before using it for the above-mentioned purpose.