Colloidal silver has been used since the Middle Ages in many areas of medicine and is still gaining popularity today as an alternative remedy for viruses, bacteria, fungi and numerous other ailments due to its antimicrobial effect . In alternative medicine , colloidal silver is credited with many positive properties , while reports are also circulating online claiming that taking it can turn you grey or blue. Supporters describe the effects of colloidal silver as varied, but caution is advised, as it is not a cure-all and has been little researched to date.
Thanks to modern technology, it is now even possible to produce colloidal silver by electrolysis at home, dissolved in distilled or double-distilled water . But what lies behind the miracle remedy that represents the forerunner of our modern antibiotics? In our blog post, we explain what colloidal silver is, when it is used, and how its mode of action works.
Contents
- What is Colloidal Silver?
- Colloidal silver: effects and side effects
- Possible side effects of silver water
- Colloidal silver: Use in the medical field
- Colloidal silver applications: External use
- Colloidal silver applications: Internal use
- Making colloidal silver with distilled water
- From distilled water to silver water - here's how
- FAQ - frequently asked questions
What is colloidal silver?
When colloidal silver is mentioned, it generally refers to a form of silver use that is also known as “silver water” . This refers to very fine particles of nanosilver or liquid dispersions of sparingly soluble silver compounds.
The so-called silver colloids are the smallest particles before the atom that still possess their individual properties. These particles are up to 750 times smaller than a red blood cell.
They are not soluble and form a colloidal system together with distilled water, in which all the silver particles have the same electrical charge . Due to their tiny size, when colloidal silver is used internally, the particles can also reach regions of our body that are difficult to access.
Colloidal systems are extremely important for life on our planet. For example, blood is also a colloidal system, although strictly speaking it is an emulsion (droplets in a liquid). Colloidal silver is a suspension (solid particles in a liquid).
The size of the silver particles – the colloid – depends on the manufacturing process . The particles can be mechanically broken down using colloid mills or obtained through electrolytic and chemical processes .
In short: Colloidal silver is electrically charged silver ions in water, which are generally 1 mm to 10 nm in size. The smaller the particles, the better they can be absorbed by the body. Colloidal silver is a dispersion consisting of pure silver and water consists and free of minerals is.
Colloidal silver: effects and side effects
Silver has antibacterial properties and inactivates a wide variety of bacteria, pathogens, and viruses even in small amounts – some may still remember their grandmother's old household trick of making a jug of milk last longer by adding a silver coin.
For this reason, high-ranking people also preferred silver dishes and cutlery in every historical era. The effect of colloidal silver is multifaceted and includes antimicrobial properties.
The use of colloidal silver extends to various areas, although the scientific evidence is often limited. The exact mode of action of colloidal silver is still being researched, with various studies and experiments having demonstrated an inhibitory effect on bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi .
The tiny particles of colloidal silver penetrate even single-celled pathogens and disrupt their ability to absorb oxygen, while healthy cells remained unaffected. Parasitic organisms such as worms are also said to be destroyed by corresponding treatment. Many practitioners of alternative medicine therefore consider colloidal silver a kind of natural antibiotic.
Furthermore, a connection has been drawn between shorter wound-healing times and dressings treated with colloidal silver. However, it should be noted that such experiments were often conducted using artificial bacterial colonies rather than on the human body.
In Germany, colloidal silver is currently approved neither as a medicinal product nor as a dietary supplement due to the lack of further research and is officially intended only for external use in the form of facial toners or creams.
Nevertheless, people around the world swear by using colloidal silver as a medicine. Any such consultation with the respective primary care physician should always take place.
Possible side effects of silver water
Colloidal silver should always be used sparingly and in small doses at a low concentration. Otherwise, excessive silver intake can lead to so-called “argyria.” In this condition, the smallest silver particles accumulate in the skin and internal organs, causing an irreversible blue discoloration , particularly of the eyes, face, hands and arms.
Some case reports on argyria also point to additional side effects that can last for several days and are comparable to the side effects of antibiotic therapy :
- Neurological disorders such as increased sensitivity to smells or taste disturbances
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Nausea
- Skin irritation
If colloidal silver is used only for a short period and in small amounts , the occurrence of side effects is unlikely. Nevertheless, care should be taken to drink plenty of water during use. This can help prevent overdosing and any side effects.
Important! The use of colloidal silver is not recommended in cases of silver allergy, a existing pregnancy as well as while breastfeeding not recommended.
Colloidal silver: Use in the medical field
The use of colloidal silver is divided into external and internal use . In both areas of use, the focus is on combating bacterial infections and inflammation . The external use of colloidal silver is more widespread than internal use.
While the substance is often used externally as a quick remedy for burns, wounds and inflammation or insect bites, no scientifically established health benefits are attributed to internal consumption.
Drinking colloidal silver is promoted by some as a remedy, but it is controversial and potentially risky. For this reason, colloidal silver should never serve as a substitute for medication , but should only be used as a supplement in consultation with an appropriate specialist.
Since silver water is said to have few side effects at a low dosage , the remedy is becoming increasingly popular in alternative medicine for alleviating everyday complaints.
Some uses of colloidal silver recommended by various health advisers are:
- regularly drinking small amounts to strengthen the immune system
- drinking small amounts of colloidal silver to strengthen the immune system
- for fighting colds, flu, or bronchitis
- as ear drops for treating ear infections
- spraying it on atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, boils, herpes, etc.
- spraying it on burns to prevent infections and accelerate healing
- for fungal infections or itching in the genital area
- for treating insect bites
In addition to traditional homeopathic use for colds, inflammation, sore throats, and infections, users also swear by its use for bad breath, allergies, and gum inflammation.
Nevertheless, it should always be kept in mind that the effects of colloidal silver in these applications have not been clearly scientifically proven.
Colloidal silver applications: External use
Externally, colloidal silver is primarily used for treating skin conditions and in the form of cosmetic products such as creams, soaps, or lotions.
The antimicrobial effect of silver water is primarily used for acne, warts, and atopic dermatitis, but also for treating burns, insect bites, rashes, cuts, and other injuries.
Due to the incomplete data, the caring effect of colloidal silver remains questionable. This is based solely on user testimonials - there is no scientific basis.
Its efficacy in supportive care for atopic skin conditions , on the other hand, has been investigated in small studies and observational applications , which is why a range of dressings containing colloidal silver are now also equipped for antibacterial wound healing.
Colloidal silver applications: Internal use
While some studies have been conducted on external use and partial efficacy has been confirmed , there is no scientific evidence whatsoever for the therapeutic success of ingesting colloidal silver.
The internal use of colloidal silver is primarily intended to stimulate cell growth and strengthen the immune system as well as have a detoxifying effect. Whether for neurodermatitis, Lyme disease, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract or gums, colds, or even depression and allergies - silver water appears to be a miracle cure for a wide range of applications .
This blocks the bacteria's metabolism, ultimately causing them to die. Colloidal silver should only be consumed under medical supervision and with great caution, as its long-term effects have not been fully researched.
Colloidal silver can be used in various forms:
- as a rinse,
- Inhalation
- or simple drops are also possible.
For gum or oral conditions, for example, silver water is gargled; for inflammation of the nasal cavity and colds, it is used as a spray.
When using silver water internally, always keep the dosage in mind and take the product with plenty of water as an adjunct . It should also be noted that taking colloidal silver should never replace a therapy, but merely complement it.
Usually, a small teaspoonful is taken daily - until the symptoms have been sufficiently relieved . However, it should not be taken for longer than two weeks, or only for as long as agreed with a qualified therapist .
Also note that you should not drink large quantities of colloidal silver.
Making colloidal silver with distilled water
Since colloidal silver loses its effectiveness over time, it is recommended to make it whenever it is needed. This can easily be done at home. All you need is single- or double-distilled water and a special generator with rods made of pure silver (over 99.99%).
As a rule, commercially available generators have two silver rods. The rods connected to the silver generator are immersed in heated, distilled water, where they begin releasing silver particles after just a few minutes.
The longer the generator remains switched on, the higher the concentration of colloidal silver. A concentration of 5 to 25 ppm (parts per million) is generally aimed for. If tap water, mineral water or salt water is used instead of distilled water to produce colloidal silver, there is a risk of forming potentially harmful silver salts.
Although using distilled water requires a constant voltage of at least 24 volts and more time, the finished colloidal silver is of very high quality. If you would like to practice making silver water with distilled water yourself, you can purchase suitable distilled water and bidistilled water from our Medicalcorner24 online shop
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From distilled water to silver water - here's how
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkQuawiGWUw
Preparation: Clean the glass container thoroughly with distilled water to ensure that the quality of the colloidal silver is not impaired by impurities
Filling with water: Fill the glass container with distilled water. The amount depends on the desired quantity of colloidal silver.
Electrode setup: Attach an alligator clip to the end of each silver rod or the silver wire. Make sure that the silver rods do not come into contact with each other when immersed in the water.
Connection to the power source: Connect the free ends of the alligator clips to the power supply. Make sure that each clip is connected to one terminal to form an electrical circuit.
Voltage setting: Set the power supply to a low voltage, ideally between 24 and 30 volts. Excessively high voltage can lead to the rapid release of silver particles, which may impair the quality of the colloidal silver.
Starting the process: Switch on the power supply. You should soon see small bubbles forming on the silver rods - a sign that the silver release process has begun.
Duration of electrolysis: The time required to produce a specific concentration of colloidal silver depends on the set current and the amount of water. A general rule of thumb is to run the process for between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on the desired silver concentration.
Monitoring: Monitor the process and the color of the water. A slight yellowish discoloration may indicate the formation of colloidal silver. If necessary, use a conductivity tester to check the concentration of silver in the water.
Ionic-Pulser electrolysis devices for producing colloidal silver at home
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Colloidal silver: Alternative treatment options
Many people swear by colloidal silver as a remedy. However, there are also other natural treatment methods that have similar effects. These are usually purely plant-based, such as tea tree oil or echinacea. They also include natural products such as propolis and aloe vera. These methods are better known in Germany and have been researched more extensively than colloidal silver.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Tea tree oil (obtained from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and known for its strong antimicrobial properties) |
Very effective for skin problems High antimicrobial effect |
Suitable for external use only May cause skin irritation |
| May cause skin irritation Propolis (a natural product made by bees. It is often referred to as "bee glue" and is used by bees to seal and sterilize their hive) |
Natural product Versatile antimicrobial effect |
Unpleasant taste Higher risk of allergies |
|
Echinacea (also known as coneflower, a genus of plants in the daisy family)
|
Helpful for colds Strengthens the immune system |
Allergic reactions possible Antimicrobial effect is limited Usually only helps with prevention |
|
Aloe vera (a plant whose leaf gel is used for various purposes)
|
Promotes wound healing Generally well tolerated |
Antimicrobial effect is limited May have a laxative effect when taken internally |
The choice of a suitable method should always be based on the individual areas of application and take personal tolerability into account.
It should be noted that colloidal silver is not approved as a medicinal product in Germany, while other methods, such as echinacea, have been studied more extensively.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
What is meant by silver water?
Colloidal silver, also called “silver water,” is a natural substance, which was used before the development of modern anti-inflammatory and anti-infective agents such as antibiotics to treat to treat internal and external infections. Since, unlike synthetically or semisynthetically produced active ingredients, silver water consists only of silver particles dissolved in distilled water consists, thanks to the biological composition to a an integral part of alternative medicine become. Silver water is currently not approved as a medicinal product in Germany, which is why the product is often sold as facial toner or purified water for technical purposes.
How dangerous is colloidal silver?
As a medicinal product, colloidal silver has been largely clinically unresearched. It is therefore not possible to fully classify it as either dangerous or safe. It is known that silver can kill bacteria and viruses. However, increased intake can lead to health problems, as silver is not a component found in the human body. In general, caution should always be exercised, especially when using it internally.
Due to the lack of scientifically recognized evidence - both of its effectiveness and of potential side effects - the product is assessed solely on the basis of user reports. Any side effects may, of course, also be attributed to contaminated or inferior products and improper use.
What does colloidal silver look like?
The coloring of colloidal water depends largely on the particle size of the silver particles. If the silver ions were obtained through electrolysis, they are so small that the silver water is usually completely clear and therefore visually indistinguishable from water. Colloids produced mechanically using mills are significantly larger. In this case, the particles may have different sizes, causing the solution to take on a color ranging from yellowish to brownish, depending on light refraction.
The color of colloidal silver therefore provides information about the manufacturing process. Quality characteristics can be inferred from the cloudiness - a high-quality product should always be clear and transparent , as cloudiness indicates impurities.
What does ppm stand for?
Ppm is not a unit of weight, but a A unit designation for ratios of quantities. It stands for "parts per million" and describes how much elemental silver a solution contains, with 1 ppm corresponding to one part per million parts. As electrolysis continues, the silver particles grow in size, resulting in an increase in the ppm concentration.
10 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, or 100 ppm - which silver water should I use?
At first glance, the choice seems simple: A higher silver content per liter, expressed as more mg or higher ppm, suggests better quality. However, the reality is more complex. To increase the ppm values, electric current must be passed through silver rods for a longer period, which causes more of the precious metal to dissolve. However, this produces not more, but larger silver particles. A decisive factor in the quality of colloidal silver is its total surface area, which at a a large number of small particles is greater is than a few larger ones. The optimum particle density is usually found at concentrations of 10 to 25 ppm. With longer electrolysis, even though the ppm values increase, the particles tend to clump together and form larger aggregates.
Can colloidal silver be used for animals?
Colloidal silver can also be used in use in dogs, cats, horses, and livestock, without any known problems or side effects being reported. It is often used in the form of drops for complaints such as conjunctivitis, ear infections, or open wounds. In addition, homemade creams based on colloidal silver are often used. Many pet owners and farmers also rely on this remedy for conditions affecting the mouth and gum inflammation.
Can colloidal silver be used daily?
Daily use of colloidal silver is not necessary. When used internally, colloidal silver serves as a remedy for specific emergency situationsin which the immune system appears to be significantly overburdened - for example during flu season, in cases of severe infections, or when experiencing health problems while on holiday. It is not a dietary supplement, however, which is intended for daily use and should not be used purely as a preventive measure.
