Colloidal Silver is a traditional remedy made of particles of silver suspended in a liquid medium, commonly dispersed at 1/10 or 1/1000 of a micron in water or gel. Silver has been used to dress wounds, ulcers and skin infections noted as early as 78 AD when Pliny the Elder documented the remnants of smelting silver has "healing powers as an ingredient in plasters." It was also stated that Cyrus the Great, king of Persia from 550 to 529 BC, stayed healthy by drinking water only from silver flagons. Before his death in 375 BC, Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” wrote in his medical texts that silver had beneficial healing and anti-disease properties
As modern science as discovered germ theory, elemental silver was recognized for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Silver was quickly utilized to protect medical and laboratory equipment in treatment facilities globally. The diffuse microscopic suspension Colloidal Silver was first invented in 1890's, becoming the preferred choice of physicians for immune strengthening and supporting the body’s innate healing process before antibiotics were invented
Source: A naturally occurring element, silver is found in whole grains, medicinal mushrooms, mammalian milk, spring water and sea water. High-quality supplements are made by responsible manufacturers from pure silver compounds
Benefits:
Antimicrobial Properties: Colloidal Silver can break down and weaken cell walls of certain bacterial strains including (but not limited to) E. Coli and Salmonella, some insect-spread viral infections like Zika or dengue, and fungal strains such as Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum - generally responsible for tinea pedis or athlete's foot
Disease Prevention: Its disinfectant properties are environmentally safe to be used around the house in the kitchen or bathroom, on cutting boards or sponges, to purify drinking water dispensers or containers, or in room sprays to eliminate odors
Wound Healing: Studies have confirmed silver-containing wound dressings are a more effective barrier against infection after injury or following invasive surgical procedures to prevent secondary co-infection
Digestive and ENT Health: Due to its broad spectrum of antimicrobial effects, Colloidal Silver can be taken internally or added to rinses and sprays to treat internal infection in the gut, ears, nose and throat. It can bust biofilms or help maintain long term balance to fight chronically offending diseases
Anti-tumor Effects: Ongoing studies are showing that it has dose-dependent cytotoxic effects, specifically in breast cancer cells, through induction of apoptosis
Risks: In high doses, 'argyria' or discolored skin changing to a bluish-grey hue has been cited in frequent and repetitive use. Direct contact of silver compounds without dilution may cause skin irritation or burn. It is best to purchase manufactured silver products rather than making unmeasured lower dose concentrations at home and risking accidental injury
Sustainability: An abundant and naturally-occurring resource, Colloidal Silver is not at risk of depletion
Processing: Colloidal Silver is created with a generator. The process involves DC voltage in the presence of two types of pure silver immersed in distilled or reverse osmosis water. Once the silver is molecularly split, the water changes to a golden hue. The density of the microscopic silver particles can be measured with timing or testing to ensure proper strength and dosage, typically as PPM or parts per million. The solution is then bottled and stored for later use
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17651227 - For antimicrobial dermatological applications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23017226 - Antimicrobial activity in bacteria, fungi, and viruses
https://aem.asm.org/content/73/6/1712.short - Antibacterial activity against E. Coli
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27611658 - Antiviral uses in Zika, Dengue and Malaria
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27649147 - Therapeutic properties, actions and uses
https://journals.lww.com/dcrjournal/Abstract/2011/08000/ - Use of silver nylon following surgery
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/colloidalsilver - NCCIH Report on Colloidal Silver
https://jeccr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-9966-29-148 - Cytotoxic effects in breast cancer