Natural Minerals

White Phitkari (Potash Alum)

Name: White Phitkari (Potash Alum)
Brand: Herbasense
SKU: HV-PHT-100
Price: 4.49 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (40 reviews)

Natural crystal · potassium alum

Also known as: Phitkari, Sphatika, Alum, Fitkari, Potash Alum
Origin: India

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Size

Phitkari is the original multipurpose crystal, and every barber's shop in India has one on the shelf. It is potassium alum: a naturally occurring astringent mineral that tightens tissue on contact, which is why it stops a shaving nick bleeding in seconds and why it has been the standard aftershave block for a century.

In Ayurveda it is sphatika, a strongly astringent, antiseptic mineral used as a gargle for a sore throat and tender gums, as a soak for sweaty feet, and — rubbed damp under the arms — as the oldest natural deodorant there is. It works by making the skin inhospitable to odour-causing bacteria rather than by blocking sweat, and it is completely fragrance-free.

Supplied as clear natural crystal. Wet it, use it, let it dry, and it lasts months.

Customer voices

Reviews40

0.0

out of 5 · 40 reviews

Would recommend: 93%
Verified buyers: 36

Most helpful review

13 found this useful

Daniel M.Verified

3 weeks ago

Exactly the traditional grade

A very small amount is enough, so this will last me a long time. Have already recommended it to two people in my family. Very happy, and I will be reordering.

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Showing 6 of 40 reviews

Daniel M.Verified
3 weeks ago
Exactly the traditional grade
A very small amount is enough, so this will last me a long time. Have already recommended it to two people in my family. Very happy, and I will be reordering.
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Arjun N.Verified
2 months ago
Good value for the quality
The traditional grade, which is surprisingly hard to source in the UK. I use it two or three times a week and have barely made a dent in the pack. Delivery was quick and it was well packaged.
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Liam O.Verified
2 months ago
The traditional grade, which is surprisingly hard to source in the UK. I use it two or three times a week and have barely made a dent in the pack. Five stars from me.
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Yusuf O.Verified
2 months ago
Reliable every time
Clear instructions on the pack, which I appreciated. I use it two or three times a week and have barely made a dent in the pack. Exactly as described on the listing.
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Emily C.Verified
last month
Clear instructions on the pack, which I appreciated. I use it two or three times a week and have barely made a dent in the pack. Slightly slower delivery than I expected, but the product itself is excellent.
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Raj P.Verified
3 months ago
Exactly what I remember from home. Works exactly as the traditional preparation is supposed to. No hesitation in recommending it.
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Ask the herbalists

Questions & answers4

4 of 4 answered

How do I know I'm getting the genuine article?
Ellie B. · 4 weeks ago
- Every lot is identity-checked against a reference sample before packing, and we keep the batch records. If anything about a pack looks off to you, send us a photo and we'll look into that lot.
  HerbasenseOfficial answer· 3 weeks ago
How much should I use at a time?
Tom W. · 2 months ago
- Start at the low end of the range on the Dosage tab above and give it time. More isn't better with this one.
  HerbasenseOfficial answer· last month
Is this suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Tom W. · 2 months ago
- Yes — it's a single plant ingredient with nothing of animal origin used in the product or the processing. The full ingredient list is on the Ingredients tab above.
  HerbasenseOfficial answer· 2 months ago
Where is it sourced from, and is it tested?
Meera P. · 3 months ago
- Sourcing is listed under Origin at the top of this page. Every batch is checked on arrival for identity and purity before it's packed, and we keep the batch records for each lot we sell.
  HerbasenseOfficial answer· 3 months ago