Cassia Alata/Tawas is a chemically hydrated aluminum potassium sulfate that possesses a specific crystal shape and is soluble in water and reacts with acid. Tawas has a chemical formula KAl(SO4)2·12H2O. It is non-toxic, has somewhat a sweet acidic taste. There are several types of Alum in the market like potassium alum, soda alum, ammonium alum and aluminum alum, but the more common is the potassium alum.
Tawas has varieties of uses. Tawas has industrial, cosmetic, culinary applications as well as some medicinal and health benefits.
Scientific Name: Cassia alata
Other names:
Alum, potassium alum, soda alum, ammonium alum and aluminum alum and Alum.
Tawas is a transparent salt crystal that is soluble in water and widely used as a deodorant and astringent. This crystal has been used in traditional medicine having a number of medicinal uses and health benefits including treatment of hemorrhoids, sores, and others.
Tawas Traditional Medicinal Uses and Health benefits
Tawas has a long history of medical usage and has a long list of folkloric health benefits for the following conditions.
- Tawas is popularly used as a deodorant – Tawas is a safe natural way to control body odor or deodorant. Tawas is hypoallergenic, easily washable, it is not an antiperspirant thus it does not clog the skin pores. Tawas works by eliminating the odor-causing bacteria so the body would not smell while maintaining the natural way of sweating. Tawas are applied by gently rubbing the crystal in the armpits or feet while the area is damp from showering or washing. Tawas leaves an invisible layer to the areas it is applied. The crystal has no scent and gives 24-hour protection.
- Tawas is as astringent. Tawas acts as astringent in small cuts to stop bleeding and infection. Tawas is also used as a soothing agent during or after body hair removals by waxing or shaving.
- Tawas is also used to treat hemorrhoids. Tawas powder dissolved in five parts water has been used to shrink hemorrhoids and stop them from bleeding
- Tawas for canker sores. Powdered Tawas is commonly cited as a home remedy.
- Tawas as a mouthwash. Tawas are also used as a mouthwash to protect against tooth decay and gum diseases. Tawas are used as an ingredient in some toothpaste and commercial mouthwash.
Science Research: Cassia alata Health Benefits
Tawas or Alum used as adjutant in human vaccines
Alum or alum is used in many human vaccines as an adjuvant based on its ability to enhance the body’s response to immunogens. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC97997/
Antibacterial action of Alum or Alum
In a study published in “Indian Journal of Medical Research” 1996. Potash alum or Alum was found to inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms in water that has the potential to cause an epidemic. Such as V. cholerae and V. cholerae. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8783521
The astringent action of Alum or Alum
A study published in “Chemical Senses” 1994, identified alum (Alum) as one of the chemical compounds that possess a high astringency effect comparable to or even better than gallic acid and citric acid. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8055264
Alum or Alum used in the Treatment of Hemorrhage
In a study reported in “Ann Chir Gynaecol” 1987, patients suffering from severe hemorrhage from the bladder were subjected to continuous irrigation with 1% alum solution. The bleeding ceased in 8 patients and was temporary in only one of these cases. In 2 patients with thrombocytopaenia the treatment failed. No side effects were noticed. Serum aluminum level was measured in one patient and the value was normal. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3674728
Alum (Alum) other Usages
Industrial Water Purification
Alum is commonly used in industrial applications as an agent in water purification. Alum is used in reducing the turbidity or cloudiness of water. When dissolved Tawas is mixed with cloudy water, the suspended minerals and particles are attracted together by the action of Tawas creating a heavy gelatinous substance that settles at the bottom called precipitates. The resulting clear water above is then ready for further filtration and purification.
Cosmetics
In the 1950s, men sporting crew cut or flattop hairstyles sometimes applied Tawas to their front short hairs as an alternative to pomade[citation needed]. When the hair dried, it would stay up all day.
Culinary
Tawas powder may be used in pickling recipes as a preservative to maintain fruit and vegetable crispness.
Tawas are used as the acidic component of some commercial baking powders.
Tawas were used by bakers in England during the 1800s to make bread whiter.
Flame retardant
Solutions containing Tawas may be used to treat cloth, wood, and paper materials to increase their resistance to fire.
Tawas are also a component of foaming.
Tawas are also used in fire extinguishers to smother chemical and oil fires.
How to Get and How to Use Tawas
Where can I get or buy Tawas?
Tawas can be bought in powder or crystal form. Tawas are commonly available in most drugstores and health stores. Tawas is also sold by street vendors near churches or in wet markets.
Tawas powder is also available in the spices section in supermarkets for pickling purposes. Tawas are not known to be harmful when taken in recommended dosages. However, individuals should always take caution before using it for any internal treatment.
Dosage, Warnings, and Side Effects of Tawas
Tawas is generally safe for topical use as deodorant, astringent, for mouthwash or for skin and sore wash Tawas is safe for topical use even for infants, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Effect of potash alum (aluminum potassium sulfate) on human semen and sperm.
However in a study reported in “Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology” 1998, different concentrations of potash alum solution have different effects on sperm, motility/death, and fructose level of the semen. Higher concentrations have higher effects.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10225065
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. There is no sufficient studies done to investigate the adverse or side effects of Alum consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended to avoid its use.
