Novel use for alum block?

[dpmtherrien]

I just returned from a week in Yellowstone Park with my wife and daughter, a wonderful time was had by all. It was my wife's and my second time there, but my daughters first. The wonder and awe she experienced will last her a lifetime, and just watching her will last the same for my wife and myself.

The reason for this post is that I seem to be prone to getting a cold sore on my upper lip at least two times a year, and always at the most unexpected times. I usually have a perscription medicine available for these outbreaks. I never know when one will occure, and I'm sure that anyone else who experiences these cold sores can relate to what I'm saying. Well of course I woke up one morning on this trip and sure enough there was one just starting, same place as always. I went to my dopp kit for my script and what else? I had left it home. As anyone who is also prone to these nasty things can relate, once they break open one is due to suffer with an open sore for a week to ten days. I had nothing to treat the sore with, but I did have a small alum block that I use for travel in my kit. Being that the alum block is antiseptic, I thought what the heck, why not try something different. I wet the block and rubbed it over my lip in the area the cold sore was starting. The experience was a slight burn, and the bitter taste of the alum. But the amazing thing was that the sore didn't break open, the pain and burn of the sore didn't happen, and about 4 days later the sore went away without any of the usual effects of a cold sore. I would have to say for anyone getting a cold sore to try the alum block on the spot thats developing the sore. I was amazed at the results, and it sure beats a prescription medication. Has anyone else used the alum block in an unconventional way?

Regards,

Paul

 

[HoratioCaine]

Paul, thanks for sharing that experience. I don't suffer from cold sores, but I can still empathize with you; they don't look like any fun at all. What a lucky break the alum block worked for you. Just out of curiosity, how does one of your sores typically react to the prescription medication? Was its reaction to the alum similar, or is the alum a second-best option for when you're in a jam? Anyway, glad to hear you salvaged your trip. It sounds like it was a great time for you and the family.

 

[Eman]

Paul, I really appreciate you sharing your story and I am glad that Alum saved your trip. I don't get cold sores very often but when I do they seem last forever. I will try the Alum trick next time I get one. I am always looking for a better/natrual way to treat things, the less medication the better. Again, thanks for sharing.

 

[ryanl7640]

It can also be used as a deodorant

 

[kzoo1]

I also rub it on acne. Seems to make it go away faster.

Also use it on my feet as a deodorant - really helps!

Thanks for the tip about cold sores - I get them occasionally as well (thanks, Mom!).

 

[HoratioCaine]

It can also be used as a deodorant

...for better smelling herpes.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Paul, thanks for sharing that experience. I don't suffer from cold sores, but I can still empathize with you; they don't look like any fun at all. What a lucky break the alum block worked for you. Just out of curiosity, how does one of your sores typically react to the prescription medication? Was its reaction to the alum similar, or is the alum a second-best option for when you're in a jam? Anyway, glad to hear you salvaged your trip. It sounds like it was a great time for you and the family.

I found that the alum block worked better than the prescription. the script would sometimes allow the cold sore to open anyway. I've found that the alum block can be used for many things just because its antiseptic. I keep another alum block at home, and I think for the one or two times a year I get a cold sore I'll just use the block from now on.

 

[kingfisher]

....
Thanks for the tip about cold sores - I get them occasionally as well (thanks, Mom!).

Um, dude, there's absolutely no way of telling where you got it. Sorry, but you can't blame your mother.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Paul, I really appreciate you sharing your story and I am glad that Alum saved your trip. I don't get cold sores very often but when I do they seem last forever. I will try the Alum trick next time I get one. I am always looking for a better/natrual way to treat things, the less medication the better. Again, thanks for sharing.

It worked for me Eric. The block is antiseptic, I was in a bind, and I thought I had nothing to loose. I only get one or two cold sores a year and their always at a totally unexpected time. I used the block morning and at night, and sometimes once or twice during the day. It only takes a couple of seconds to apply.

 

[dpmtherrien]

...for better smelling herpes.

Amen.

 

[HoratioCaine]

Um, dude, there's absolutely no way of telling where you got it. Sorry, but you can't blame your mother.

There are a couple potential scenarios where he could have a pretty good hunch he got it from his mom, but I hope for all our sakes those didn't happen.

 

[nhprm]

I use alum for Canker Sores. I had assumed everyone did in my childhood, as my mom was the one who introduced the idea; in my adult life, I've come to find that tons of people don't. It works great and I actually like the 'taste.'

 

[Bertilak]

I use alum for Canker Sores. I had assumed everyone did in my childhood, as my mom was the one who introduced the idea; in my adult life, I've come to find that tons of people don't. It works great and I actually like the 'taste.'

An old standby remedy of my childhood. Hmm -- haven't had a canker sore in many years (decades, actually). Must work pretty good!

 

[dpmtherrien]

I use alum for Canker Sores. I had assumed everyone did in my childhood, as my mom was the one who introduced the idea; in my adult life, I've come to find that tons of people don't. It works great and I actually like the 'taste.'

My grandfather told me to get some alum when I was about 12 years old. I did use it on canker sores and it worked really good. In all the years since I still have that container of alum, its still good, and the price sticker on the container shows 59 cents. Some things never go bad.

 

[Bertilak]

My grandfather told me to get some alum when I was about 12 years old. I did use it on canker sores and it worked really good. In all the years since I still have that container of alum, its still good, and the price sticker on the container shows 59 cents. Some things never go bad.

About five years ago I helped my parents move from a house they lived in for 48 years. I hadn't lived there for 36 years. While cleaning out the 2nd bathroom (the one I used when I lived there) I noticed the old tin of alum powder in the medicine cabinet. It got tossed. Just too many things more worth saving to keep something like that.