Although alum is not an herb, it is still an important component of herbal medicine. Alum is actually the aluminum potassium sulfate crystals that are collected and refined from alum stone or other aluminous ores. The crystals are usually irregular in size and either colorless or yellow-white. The crystals are ground down into a powder for use.
In traditional Chinese medicine, alum is considered sour and cold, and is associated with the Lung, Spleen, Liver and Large Intestine channels. It helps to dispel phlegm and eliminate dampness. In vitro studies have shown that alum can fight infections caused by a variety of bacteria, including S. aureus, pneumococcus, salmonella and anthrax bacillus. High concentrations of alum can inhibit the grown of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis and tetanus. Alum can also be applied to combat conditions such as diarrhea and bleeding from the gums.
The typical dose of alum is between 1.5 and 3 grams, taken with water as a decoction.
Alum is most often available as a powder, which can be found at many herbal shops and Asian markets.
Overdoses of alum can irritate the mucus membranes that line the gastrointestinal tract, and may cause nausea and vomiting. Patients who have a weak constitution, or who have stomach disorders, should use alum with caution. In addition, it should not be taken by women who are pregnant or are attempting to become pregnant. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with alum. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking alum or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
References
Governor Gavin Newsom has retracted the proposed budget cuts to the Medi-Cal acupuncture program for low-income Californians for the 2024-2025 budget year. This decision marks a significant victory for health care providers and advocates who have long championed acupuncture as a vital component of comprehensive medical care.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
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Fair and appropriate wages in health care are typically based on economic evaluations. A simple literature review illuminates that acupuncture is missing economic evaluations; which implies you are either underpaid or overpaid. The complexity of services provided by most American acupuncturists, which they are trained and certified to provide, must be reimbursed fairly.
