Health and Medical Benefits of Silver: Part Three – Colloidal Silver

Part Three of a Three-Part Series

In the last blog post, we talked about some of the current traditional uses of silver in the health and medical community.

Before concluding this introductory 3-part discussion about the health and medical benefits of silver, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about colloidal silver.  It is a controversial topic, and I’m not offering any opinions about it.  I’m just sharing documented information that is currently available.

Regardless of your opinion regarding medicinal colloidal silver, it’s important to know how popular the use of colloidal silver is, which therefore increases the usage of silver and, as an investor, can affect your portfolio!  The more silver is used, the more it will be worth.

What is colloidal silver?  It is a fluid which contains minute silver particles held in suspension, where the particles carry a slight negative electrical charge.  It contains less than 5% ionic content.  Ionic silver, Ag+, is dissolved silver with a positive charge.

How is it used from a health and medical standpoint?   Colloidal silver has a long history in medicine as a natural antibiotic.  It is very effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  Topically, it can be used to fight fungal infections of the skin or nails and to promote the healing of burns, wounds, cuts, rashes, and sunburn.  It is also said to be useful for healing mouth sores, as eye drops, and as a gargle to fight bad breath.  You can spray it on air-conditioning filters and air ducts and vents to prevent germs from growing.

The controversy arises about the safety of taking colloidal silver internally.  The FDA states that there is no scientific evidence to back up any medical claims that manufacturers of these products have made, such as building up the immune system to prevent and cure colds, flu, and pneumonia.  While silver has been used as an antibiotic and antimicrobial element for centuries, the FDA points out that it can react different externally (referred to as in vitro in the literature) than in vivo (internally).   Therefore it is illegal in the U.S. (and Australia) to make any claims other than selling it as a supplement when taken internally.

While proponents of colloidal silver argue that the FDA has banned medicinal silver because it poses a threat to the antibiotics industry, there is still only anecdotal evidence to back up their claims.  The FDA and the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine also say there is no evidence that there is a dietary requirement for silver, and state there is no such thing as a silver “deficiency.” 

However, one thing that everyone seems to agree on is that silver accumulates in the body.  If you ingest too much silver over a period of months or years, your skin, eyes, nails, and gums can turn blue.  This is a condition called Argyria, and it is irreversible.  While it generally doesn’t pose a health problem, it is definitely a cosmetic one.  If you feel that colloidal silver does help you, therefore, be sure to take it as recommended and in reasonable doses.    

Because colloidal silver loses its potency over time, some people prefer to make their own on an as-needed basis.  Here is an example of a colloidal silver generator.  Notice their published directions for use:  “Can make one glass or one gallon or more at a time from distilled water. May be applied directly to cuts, rashes, earaches, toothaches and burns. Store in a cool, dark place. NEVER REFRIGERATE or HEAT. Complete instructions included. Colloidal silver water is not to be used every day except as a gargle in the morning, and should only be swallowed if there is any bacteria, fungus or virus, inflammation, or cold/flu is present. Can consume up to 16 to 32 oz daily for up to 14 days. May be applied topically as needed anytime.”  If you would like to try this, here is a link you will find interesting:  Alternative Health & Herbs Remedies Colloidal Silver Generator

If you want to try a nasal spray:  Source Naturals Wellness Colloidal Silver Nasal Spray, 10 PPM , 2-Ounce (Pack of 2)

If you want a dietary supplement: Liqumins Dietary Supplement, Sea Minerals with Silver, 32 fl oz

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