Colloidal silver, known for its powerful antimicrobial properties, has seen various production methods over the years, each contributing to its legacy as a natural remedy. As we explore the evolution of colloidal silver, we uncover its production’s intricacies and past and present applications.
From Grind to Electro-Colloidal Processes
In the early 1900s, colloidal silver was produced using two primary methods: grinding and electro-colloidal. Each technique had its unique characteristics and limitations.
The process involved grinding silver into fine particles, which were then suspended in a solution. However, this method had a significant drawback: the particles produced were often too large, causing them to settle at the bottom of the solution over time. This sedimentation reduced the effectiveness of the colloid, as the silver particles, essential for its antimicrobial action, were no longer evenly distributed. Some manufacturers have introduced stabilizers, commonly proteins, to mitigate this issue and slow settling. While effective in delaying sedimentation, these stabilizers disrupted the electrical charge on the silver particles, ultimately diminishing their antimicrobial efficacy.
The chemical method emerged in response to the grinding process’s limitations. This method involved the reduction of a silver salt solution to produce colloidal silver. While it offered a more efficient production process, it introduced new challenges. Using powerful acid solutions in the chemical method made removing all chemical residues from the final product difficult, leading to potential side effects for consumers. Moreover, the resulting colloidal silver solution often had an acidic pH, typically between 4.5 and 5.5, which contrasted with the more neutral pH of 6.5 found in a ‘true’ colloid of silver.
The electro-colloidal process represented a significant advancement in the production of colloidal silver. This method involved striking an electric arc between silver poles submerged in water, creating extremely fine silver particles suspended in the solution. The electric charge on each particle allowed them to remain in suspension without stabilizers or chemicals, thus preserving their full antimicrobial potential. When executed correctly, the electro-colloidal process produced a ‘true’ colloid of silver, free from the drawbacks of earlier methods.
The Importance of Particle Size and Solution Color
A critical factor in the quality and effectiveness of colloidal silver is the size and uniformity of the silver particles. Particles that are too large can lodge in the fine lining of the digestive tract, potentially causing harm and leading to scar tissue formation. Conversely, smaller, uniformly sized particles are more effective in their antimicrobial action and are less likely to cause adverse effects.
The color of colloidal silver is another key indicator of its quality. As the size of the silver particles increases, the solution’s color changes from yellow to brown, red, gray, and eventually black. Ideally, a colloidal silver solution produced through the electro-colloidal process should be colorless, indicating the presence of appropriately sized particles and the absence of impurities or artificial colorings.
Colloidal Silver in Modern Medicine and Natural Health
In recent years, colloidal silver has regained popularity as a natural remedy, praised for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Dr. Gary Smith, a medical researcher, suggests that silver plays a crucial role in supporting the body’s natural defense system. Individuals with inadequate silver intake may be more susceptible to illness, highlighting the importance of this trace element in maintaining overall health.
Laboratory tests have shown that properly prepared colloidal silver, with a concentration of 3 to 5 parts per million (ppm), is highly effective against various infections and microbes, including viruses and fungi while having minimal impact on beneficial bacteria. However, higher concentrations, particularly those above five ppm, can disrupt the delicate balance of the digestive tract, underscoring the importance of using colloidal silver in moderation.
Colloidal silver’s versatility extends beyond oral consumption. It can be applied topically to cuts, scrapes, and skin irritations, gargled, used as a rinse for acne and eczema, or even inhaled for respiratory issues. Its tasteless, odorless, and non-stinging properties make it a gentle yet powerful remedy for a wide range of conditions.
The following is a partial list of the more than 650 diseases that have been successfully treated with colloidal silver:
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- Acne
- Anthrax
- Appendicitis
- Arthritis
- Athlete’s foot
- Bacterial infections
- Bladder infections
- Blood poisoning
- Boils
- Burns
- Candida albicans
- Catarrh
- Chronic fatigue Syndrome
- Colitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Cryptosporidium infection
- Cystitis
- Dermatitis
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Diphtheria
- Dysentery
- Ear infection
- Eczema
- Epstein Barr virus
- Eustachian tube infection
- Fibrositis
- Gastritis
- Gonorrhea
- Hemorrhoids
- Herpes virus
- Impetigo
- Influenza
- Intestinal disorders
- Keratitis
- Legionnaire’s disease
- Leprosy Lesions
- Lupus
- Malaria
- Meniere’s disease
- Meningitis
- Neurasthenia
- Opthalmia
- Paratyphoid fever
- Pleurisy
- Pneumonia
- Polio virus
- Prostate disorders
- Pruritis
- Psoriasis
- Pyorrhea
- Rheumatism
- Rhinitis
- Ringworm
- Rosacea
- Salmonella infection
- Scarlet fever
- Seborrhea
- Septicemia
- Septic ulcers
- Shingles
- Skin cancer
- Sores
- Staphylococcus infection
- Streptococci infection
- Sunburn
- Syphilis
- Tetanus
- Tonsillitis
- Trench foot
- Tuberculosis T
- Typhoid
- Ulcers
- Warts
- Whooping cough
- Yeast infections
The FDA and Colloidal Silver
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized certain forms of colloidal silver as pre-1938 drugs, allowing them to be marketed without the extensive safety and efficacy evidence required for post-1938 drugs. However, not all colloidal silver products meet the ‘true’ colloids criteria, as particle size and effectiveness can vary significantly between products.
Who’s Embracing Colloidal Silver Today?
Colloidal silver continues to be a staple in various fields of medicine and natural health. In the United States, silver is used in bone surgery and is a key component in burn treatment centers, where its antimicrobial properties help prevent infections. Naturopaths and chiropractors often incorporate colloidal silver into treatments for conditions such as Cryptosporidium infections, Candida, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Colloidal silver is also widely used in water purification systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Swiss government have approved silver-based water filters for homes and offices. NASA and major airlines like Air France and British Airways utilize silver water purification systems to ensure safe drinking water.
The Next Generation of Colloidal Silver
Inventor Wayne Rowland created a new manufacturing process for the next generation of colloidal silver, using Tesla lightning as its power source and infusing Rife healing frequencies. This process results in a finer resolution of silver, yielding higher healing results.
To date, no other manufacturer is using this technology. Rowland’s colloidal silver is branded simply as Silver Water and is safe to use as alternative drinking water.
The Timeless Efficacy of Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver has withstood the test of time, evolving through various production methods while maintaining its reputation as a potent antimicrobial agent. As modern research continues to explore its potential, colloidal silver remains a valuable tool in both conventional and alternative medicine, offering a natural and effective solution for a wide range of health concerns. Whether used for its historical applications or embraced in contemporary treatments, colloidal silver continues to shine as a beacon of natural healing.