Through the ages, silver has been used to fight disease-causing organisms. Some think it has a bright future for treating a multitude of medical conditions including AIDS and cancer. Complied from a selections downloaded from the Internet, including “Colloidal Silver: the Amazing Alternative to Antibiotics”, The Association for Advanced Colloidal Research and “Colloidal Silver: The Natural Antibiotic Alternative” by Zane Baranowski Nexus Dec 1996-Jan 1997 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND RESEARCH |
Silver has long been known for its special properties. The people of ancient Greece and Rome used silver containers for keeping liquids fresh. Through the centuries, royal households carried on this practice by storing their provisions in silver containers. Privileged family members used silver eating utensils; they had their meals served on silver plates and their drinks served in silver cups. Indeed, the skin of ‘blue bloods’ reportedly had a bluish tinge due to the minute traces of pure metallic silver they regularly consumed. In American pioneering days, new settlers traveling to the West would put silver dollars in their milk to delay spoiling.
By the turn of the century, silver was regarded as a proven germ-fighting. In medicine, a solution known as Colloidal Silver was commonly used as a mainstay of antibacterial treatment. Although considered to be “high tech” at the time, the type of solution was technically inferior compared to today’s colloidal silver solutions. One of the drawbacks was that the particle size of the silver never reached its optimum ultramicroscopic size and thus its highest level of efficacy.
Back then, highly effective colloidal silver was very expensive to produce. The pharmaceutical industry wanted faster-working drugs that were cheaper and patent able. .In addition, when manufactured improperly, or taken at hundreds of times the proper dosage with extraneous silver compounds included, a permanent skin discoloration, called argyria, could result. For these reasons, colloidal silver fell out of favor. Even so, such prestigious journals as the New England Journal of Medicine and the Lancet (1914) published the results of scientific studies and examined the many successful uses of colloidal silver.
In 1910, Dr. Henry Crooks, a pioneer in colloidal chemistry, we that:
“...certain metals, when in a colloidal state, have a highly germicidal action but are quite harmless to human beings…it may be applied in a much more concentrated form and with better results…Bronchial tuberculosis….Staphylococcus pyogenes, various Streptococci and other pathogenic organisms are all killed in three to four minutes; in fact, no microbe is known that is killed by this colloid in laboratory experiments in six minutes, (and) the concentration of the (silver) does not exceed twenty-four parts per million…
Back then, highly effective colloidal silver was very expensive to produce. The pharmaceutical industry wanted faster-working drugs that were cheaper and patent able. .In addition, when manufactured improperly, or taken at hundreds of times the proper dosage with extraneous silver compounds included, a permanent skin discoloration, called argyria, could result. For these reasons, colloidal silver fell out of favor. Even so, such prestigious journals as the New England Journal of Medicine and the Lancet (1914) published the results of scientific studies and examined the many successful uses of colloidal silver.
In 1910, Dr. Henry Crooks, a pioneer in colloidal chemistry, we that:
“...certain metals, when in a colloidal state, have a highly germicidal action but are quite harmless to human beings…it may be applied in a much more concentrated form and with better results…Bronchial tuberculosis….Staphylococcus pyogenes, various Streptococci and other pathogenic organisms are all killed in three to four minutes; in fact, no microbe is known that is killed by this colloid in laboratory experiments in six minutes, (and) the concentration of the (silver) does not exceed twenty-four parts per million…
In 1919, Alfred Searle, founder of the pharmaceutical conglomerate of the same name, wrote in his book, The Use of Colloids in Health and Disease, that “....applying colloidal silver to human subjects has been done in a large number of cases with astonishing successful results. For internal administration, orally or hypodermically it has the advantage of being rapidly fatal to parasites without toxic reaction on its host. It is quite stable…” |
COLLOIDAL SILVER REAPPRAISED
Much later, in the 1970’s, colloidal silver once again became a valued substance. Doctors at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, stumbled upon it while searching for effective treatments for burn victims, having tried many other medicines.
Bio medical research has shown that no known disease-causing organism-bacteria, virus or fungus- can live for more than a few minutes in the presence of even minute traces of metallic silver.
Jim Powell reported in an article, “Our Mightiest Germ Fighter”, published in Science Digest (March 1978, pp. 59-60)
“Thanks to eye-opening research, silver is emerging as a wonder of modern medicine.
Much later, in the 1970’s, colloidal silver once again became a valued substance. Doctors at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, stumbled upon it while searching for effective treatments for burn victims, having tried many other medicines.
Bio medical research has shown that no known disease-causing organism-bacteria, virus or fungus- can live for more than a few minutes in the presence of even minute traces of metallic silver.
Jim Powell reported in an article, “Our Mightiest Germ Fighter”, published in Science Digest (March 1978, pp. 59-60)
“Thanks to eye-opening research, silver is emerging as a wonder of modern medicine.
An antibiotic kills perhaps a half-dozen disease organism, but silver kills some 650. What’s more, resistant strains fail to develop when using silver. Moreover, silver is virtually non-toxic.”
Larry c. Ford, M.D., Of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UCLA School of Medicine' Center for the Health Sciences, reported in November 1988 letter.
“I tested them (the silver solutions) using standard antimicrobial tests for disinfectants. The silver solutions were anti-bacterial for for concentrations of 10 organisms per ml of Streptococcus pyogenes, staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhea, Gardnerella Vaginalis, Salmonella typhi, and other enteric pathogens, and fungicidal for Candida albicans, Candida globato, and M. Furfur.”
Biomedical researcher Robert O. Becker, M.D., From Syracuse University, has reported that “Silver stimulates bone-forming cells into growing new bones where it had not healed for long periods of time.”, Dr. Becker is the author of The Body Electric and Cross Currents, and is also known for his work in regenerating the amputated limbs of bullfrogs.
According to Dr. Becker, “Silver did more than kill the disease-causing organisms. It promoted major growth of bone and accelerated the healing of injured tissues by over 50 percent In his research he discovered cell types that looked just like the active bone marrow of children. “These cells grow fast,” he wrote, “producing a diverse and surprising assortment of primitive cell forms able to multiply at a great rate, then differentiate into the specific cells of an organ or tissue that had been injured, even in pants over 50 years old. This ability overcomes the main problem of mammalian regeneration.”
Dr. Becker also discovered that silver “profoundly stimulates healing in skin and other soft tissues in a way unlike any known natural process…and kills the most stubborn infections of all kinds, including surrounding bacteria and fungus,” He concluded that, “What we have actually done was rediscover the fact that silver killed bacteria, which had been known for centuries…..; When antibiotics were discovered, clinical uses for silver as an antibiotic were discarded.”
Larry c. Ford, M.D., Of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UCLA School of Medicine' Center for the Health Sciences, reported in November 1988 letter.
“I tested them (the silver solutions) using standard antimicrobial tests for disinfectants. The silver solutions were anti-bacterial for for concentrations of 10 organisms per ml of Streptococcus pyogenes, staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhea, Gardnerella Vaginalis, Salmonella typhi, and other enteric pathogens, and fungicidal for Candida albicans, Candida globato, and M. Furfur.”
Biomedical researcher Robert O. Becker, M.D., From Syracuse University, has reported that “Silver stimulates bone-forming cells into growing new bones where it had not healed for long periods of time.”, Dr. Becker is the author of The Body Electric and Cross Currents, and is also known for his work in regenerating the amputated limbs of bullfrogs.
According to Dr. Becker, “Silver did more than kill the disease-causing organisms. It promoted major growth of bone and accelerated the healing of injured tissues by over 50 percent In his research he discovered cell types that looked just like the active bone marrow of children. “These cells grow fast,” he wrote, “producing a diverse and surprising assortment of primitive cell forms able to multiply at a great rate, then differentiate into the specific cells of an organ or tissue that had been injured, even in pants over 50 years old. This ability overcomes the main problem of mammalian regeneration.”
Dr. Becker also discovered that silver “profoundly stimulates healing in skin and other soft tissues in a way unlike any known natural process…and kills the most stubborn infections of all kinds, including surrounding bacteria and fungus,” He concluded that, “What we have actually done was rediscover the fact that silver killed bacteria, which had been known for centuries…..; When antibiotics were discovered, clinical uses for silver as an antibiotic were discarded.”
COLLOIDAL CHEMISTRY
The term ‘colloidal” refers to a substance that consists of ultra-fine particles that do not dissolve but remain in suspension dispersed in a continuous medium. These ultra-fine particles consist of many atoms or molecules of the original material, but so small they cannot be seen by the naked eye.” Not all types of colloidal silver are ‘true’ colloids. Properly manufactured colloidal silver is a liquid solution consisting of a minuscule number (3 to 5 parts per million) of submicroscopic particles of silver, held in suspension in pure water by a tiny electrical charge placed on each particle. |
In a ‘true’ colloid of silver, the ideal size of the silver particle falls within the range of 0.005 to 0.015 microns in diameter. The particles are animated by what is known as Brownian movement, which keeps them in suspension almost indefinitely. You could fit 1,000,000,000 of these submicroscopic particles into a cube that measures four one-hundredths of an inch or 250 thousandths to 25 millionth of an inch.
PRODUCTION METHODS
Many methods were used to produce colloids in the early 1900’s- most commonly , the grind process and the electrcolloidial process.
The main drawback to the grind method is that the silver particles are so large that they settle towards the bottom of the solution and much of the colloid’s value is lost. To offset this problem, some manufacturers add a stabilizer. By doing so, the silver particles tend to settle to the bottom much more slowly. Typically, the stabilizer used is a protein. The use of a stabilizer tends to disturb the charge on the silver particles, therefore blocking their action and reducing their effectiveness. A ‘true’ colloid does not require an artificial stabilizer or additive of any kind.
In recent years, the chemical process has been widely employed to replace the grind method. The chemical method provides a convenient shortcut, but it, too, falls short of the superior quality of ‘true’ colloidal silver. The reaction used is the reduction of a solution of a silver salt. The problem with using chemicals to produce colloids is the difficulty in getting them back out of the solution. These are powerful acid solutions which can cause negative side-effects in the consumer. Also, the use of chemicals has been shown to affect the overall pH of the solution. Typically , a chemical-produced colloid of silver is quite acid, having a pH of 4.5 to 5.5, while a ‘true’ colloid of silver has a pH in the range of 6.5.
The electrocolloidal process allows extremely fine silver particles to be suspended in solution by the tiny charge placed on the particles. It is done by striking an electric arc between poles made of metal, under water. If done properly, this method replaces the need for any chemicals, stabilizes or proteins, so the product can be called a ‘true’ colloid of silver. However, much of the efficacy of the colloidal solution depends on the actual size and uniformity of the silver particles. Particles that are too large may cause harm by lodging in the fine lining of the digestive tract and causing scar tissue to form.
COLOR
A critical indicator of the quality of the quality of colloidal silver is color. As the size of each silver particle gets larger, the color of the solution ranges from yellow to brown to red to gray to black.
Colloids of silver that are produced using the proper electrocolloidal method are a different color than the grind- or chemically-produced colloids, except in the case of some products that contain artificial food color to get the color right. The ideal form of colloidal silver is a golden yellow color.
PRODUCTION METHODS
Many methods were used to produce colloids in the early 1900’s- most commonly , the grind process and the electrcolloidial process.
The main drawback to the grind method is that the silver particles are so large that they settle towards the bottom of the solution and much of the colloid’s value is lost. To offset this problem, some manufacturers add a stabilizer. By doing so, the silver particles tend to settle to the bottom much more slowly. Typically, the stabilizer used is a protein. The use of a stabilizer tends to disturb the charge on the silver particles, therefore blocking their action and reducing their effectiveness. A ‘true’ colloid does not require an artificial stabilizer or additive of any kind.
In recent years, the chemical process has been widely employed to replace the grind method. The chemical method provides a convenient shortcut, but it, too, falls short of the superior quality of ‘true’ colloidal silver. The reaction used is the reduction of a solution of a silver salt. The problem with using chemicals to produce colloids is the difficulty in getting them back out of the solution. These are powerful acid solutions which can cause negative side-effects in the consumer. Also, the use of chemicals has been shown to affect the overall pH of the solution. Typically , a chemical-produced colloid of silver is quite acid, having a pH of 4.5 to 5.5, while a ‘true’ colloid of silver has a pH in the range of 6.5.
The electrocolloidal process allows extremely fine silver particles to be suspended in solution by the tiny charge placed on the particles. It is done by striking an electric arc between poles made of metal, under water. If done properly, this method replaces the need for any chemicals, stabilizes or proteins, so the product can be called a ‘true’ colloid of silver. However, much of the efficacy of the colloidal solution depends on the actual size and uniformity of the silver particles. Particles that are too large may cause harm by lodging in the fine lining of the digestive tract and causing scar tissue to form.
COLOR
A critical indicator of the quality of the quality of colloidal silver is color. As the size of each silver particle gets larger, the color of the solution ranges from yellow to brown to red to gray to black.
Colloids of silver that are produced using the proper electrocolloidal method are a different color than the grind- or chemically-produced colloids, except in the case of some products that contain artificial food color to get the color right. The ideal form of colloidal silver is a golden yellow color.
BIOCHEMISTRY
Medical researcher Dr. Gary Smith suggest that silver may be linked to the proper functioning of the body’s natural defense system and that people with an inadequate intake may be more prone to illness. Medical tests indicate no known adverse effects from the use of properly prepared colloidal silver. Indeed, there has never been a recorded case of adverse interactions with any other medications. Some lab tests have shown that ‘true’ colloidal silver in the range of 3 to 5 ppm has little effect on ‘friendly’ bacteria, while being highly useful against infections and in eliminating various microbes, viruses and fungi. Colloidal silver that is too concentrated (above 5 ppm) may upset the delicate balance of the digestive tract by destroying significant amounts of friendly bacteria. |
With 98% uptake rate, colloidal mineral are much more easily assimilated compared to mineral supplements derived from crushed and processed clay, rocks, and soil. And unlike many vitamin and mineral supplements where a higher concentration is sometimes more beneficial , with colloidal silver an excess in quantity does not mean more quality. In fact, the opposite is true.
FDA EVALUATION
A number of forms of colloidal silver have been officially recognized as pre-1938 drugs by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). However, not all forms listed were true colloids of silver because the size of the particles and the effectiveness varied markedly.
The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has stated:
“Colloidal silver is considered to be a pre-1938 drug. These products may continue to be marketed without submitted evidence of safety and effectiveness required of all drugs marketed after 1938 as long as they are advertised and labeled for the same use as in 1938 and as long as they are manufactured in the original manner.”
COLLOIDAL SILVER TREATMENT
Colloidal silver is tasteless, odorless and non-stinging to sensitive tissues. It may taken orally as well as put on a band-aid and applied directly to cuts, scrapes, open sores and warts.
It may also be as a rinse for acne, eczema and other skin irritations. It can be gargled, dropped into eyes and ears , used vaginally and anally, as well as atomized and inhaled into the nose or lungs.
The following is a partial list of the more than 650 diseases that have been successfully treated with colloidal silver:
Acne . Anthrax . Appendicitis . Arthritis . Athletes Foot . Bacterial infections . Bladder Infections . Blood poisoning . Boils . Burns . Cancer . Candida Albicans . Catarrh . Chronic Fatigue Syndrome . Colitis . Conjunctivitis . Cryptospoidium infections . Cystitis . Dermatitis . Diabetes . Diarrhea . Diphtheria . Dysentery . Ear infection . Eczema . Epstein Barr virus . Eustachian tube infection.
FDA EVALUATION
A number of forms of colloidal silver have been officially recognized as pre-1938 drugs by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). However, not all forms listed were true colloids of silver because the size of the particles and the effectiveness varied markedly.
The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has stated:
“Colloidal silver is considered to be a pre-1938 drug. These products may continue to be marketed without submitted evidence of safety and effectiveness required of all drugs marketed after 1938 as long as they are advertised and labeled for the same use as in 1938 and as long as they are manufactured in the original manner.”
COLLOIDAL SILVER TREATMENT
Colloidal silver is tasteless, odorless and non-stinging to sensitive tissues. It may taken orally as well as put on a band-aid and applied directly to cuts, scrapes, open sores and warts.
It may also be as a rinse for acne, eczema and other skin irritations. It can be gargled, dropped into eyes and ears , used vaginally and anally, as well as atomized and inhaled into the nose or lungs.
The following is a partial list of the more than 650 diseases that have been successfully treated with colloidal silver:
Acne . Anthrax . Appendicitis . Arthritis . Athletes Foot . Bacterial infections . Bladder Infections . Blood poisoning . Boils . Burns . Cancer . Candida Albicans . Catarrh . Chronic Fatigue Syndrome . Colitis . Conjunctivitis . Cryptospoidium infections . Cystitis . Dermatitis . Diabetes . Diarrhea . Diphtheria . Dysentery . Ear infection . Eczema . Epstein Barr virus . Eustachian tube infection.
THOUGHTS TO PASS ON
“The greatest medical discovery of our time is the awesome power within the human body to heal and rejuvenate itself! This tremendous discovery is destined to change the way we practice medicine in America. In the future, instead of cutting the body ….. Instead of drugging it….. Instead of working against natural systems… Doctors will strive to feed and enhance the body’s amazing power to self-heal. We’re starting to see the shift in awareness already…. The medical establishment still seems to believe that nutrition cannot prevent disease, and is practically useless in treating it. Yet, we now have scientific proof that diet is the single most powerful tool for the treatment of disease. More powerful than drugs. More powerful than surgery. More powerful than anything in a doctor’s bag. And you can do it yourself.” Dr. Julian Whitaker, M.D. |