Shabb - alum

Essence.
Dioscorides says: “There are many types of alum, but in medicine only three are used for treatment: split, wet and round. The split alum is Yemenite; they are white with a yellowish tint, astringent and sour; this is like the “color” of alum. Sometimes a stony variety of alum is found; they are not astringent in taste and are not classified as alum.

Nature.
Hot, dry in the second degree.

Actions and properties.
Alum delays the flow of juices, dries, stops all bleeding and prevents the flow and outpouring of excess to the organs.

Cosmetics.
Alum with zifta water is used for dandruff and lice, as well as for bad breath and armpit odor.

Wounds and ulcers.
Wine grounds with an equal amount of alum dries difficult to heal and corroded ulcers, and with an equal amount of Andarani salt, alum is used against corrosion and fire burns.

Organs of the head.
Water boiled with alum helps if you rinse your mouth with it for toothache.