What Is Colloidal Silver?
Colloidal silver is a product that contains microscopic flakes of pure silver. Usually the flakes are suspended in demineralized water or another liquid. Colloidal silver is often touted as an antibacterial agent and a topical wound dressing. Some people claim it can cure a cold faster, heal the body better, and even treat cancer or HIV. But, does colloidal silver really strengthen your immune system? Is it actually safe for everyday use? Keep reading if you’re considering using colloidal silver.
What does Colloidal Silver do?
Colloidal Silver is a powerful, natural antibiotic. It is the most usable form of the most effective disease, germ, virus and fungal killers. It has been found to be both a remedy and prevention for colds, flu, all infections and all fermentation due to any bacteria, fungus or virus.
It has been reported to rapidly subdue inflammation and promote faster healing. The body needs Colloidal Silver to fight disease causing organisms and to help healing. If taken on a daily bases, Colloidal Silver provides a second immune system resulting in more energy, vitality, vigour, relaxation, faster healing and reduced bodily toxins.
Is Colloidal Silver Safe?
Colloidal silver is a popular product in holistic health circles. But in 1999 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release stating that there was no evidence to suggest a clear health benefit for colloidal silver. Rather, there’s evidence of some risks associated with using colloidal silver.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that people taking colloidal silver may be actually risking their long-term health for a product that doesn’t improve immunity or promote healing.
Side Effects & Safety
Colloidal silver is likely unsafe when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or injected intravenously (by IV). The silver in colloidal silver products gets deposited into organs such as the skin, liver, spleen, kidney, muscle, and brain. This can lead to an irreversible bluish looking skin that first appears in the gums. It can also stimulate melanin production in skin, and areas exposed to the sun will become increasingly discolored.
Health Benefits of Colloidal Silver
There’ve been some benefits from applying silver ointments to the skin. Health claims of colloidal silver include:
- antimicrobial properties
- help heal skin wounds
- possible treatment for acne
- aid in conjunctivitis treatment in newborns
Colloidal silver products claim that it’s an antimicrobial, germ-fighting agent. At least one clinical study indicates that this claim can’t be proven.
Colloidal silver is also claimed to promote healing of skin wounds. According to one study, silver-containing wound dressings are a more effective barrier against infection than other products that make similar claims. The NIH also supports the idea that colloidal silver can be an effective wound dressing. Colloidal silver is an ingredient in some acne treatments and cosmetics. It’s also sometimes used in an eye drop formula to prevent conjunctivitis in newborns. As long as colloidal silver is used topically and in small amounts, it doesn’t pose a great risk of argyria.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of colloidal silver depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for colloidal silver. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages is always important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
If you decide you’d like to try colloidal silver, check to make sure that it won’t interact with any prescriptions you’re taking. Always, consider topical use first. Never exceed the dosing recommendations put forward by the EPA. If you experience side effects at any point, such as nausea or skin discoloration, stop using colloidal silver immediately.
