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Colloidal Silver: Miracle Elixir or Plague of the Living Dead?

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Biology 103
2002 Second Paper
On Serendip

Colloidal Silver: Miracle Elixir or Plague of the Living Dead?

Christine Traversi

If someone told you that they were in possession of something that could cure any illness almost instantaneously, would you believe it? If you were told that there was a small risk of permanently changing the color of your skin, would you be willing to run the risk and take it anyway? The name of this elixir is colloidal silver, and it is concocted by suspending microscopic silver particles in liquid. Colloidal silver has been claimed to be effective against hundreds of conditions and diseases, including cancer, AIDS, parasites, acne, enlarged prostate, pneumonia, and a myriad of others. However, long-term use of this silver can lead to a conditional called argyria, where a buildup of silver salt deposit on the eyes, skin, and internal oranges change the skin permanently metallic ashen-gray, making the individual have permanent death pallor. Does colloidal silver really carry the medicinal cure-all properties it is claimed to have, or is it just risk without benefit?

Silver has been used for hundreds of years as both a medicine and preservative by many cultures around the world. The Greeks used silver vessels to help keep water and other liquids fresh. Pioneers put silver coins in the wooden water casks to keep the water free from the growth of bacteria, algae, and other organisms, and placed silver dollars in milk to keep it fresh. In 1901, a Prussian chemist named Hille and Albert Barnes discovered a method of preparing a true colloid by combining a vegetable product with a silver compound and patented it as Argyrol, the only non-toxic antibiotic available at the time. Another scientist, Crede, advocated the use of colloidal silver to fight bacterial infections because colloidal silver is non-toxic and it carries germicidal properties and through his work introduced colloidal silver into medicine (1). The colloidal state proved to be the most effective means to fight infections because it demonstrated a high level of activity with very low concentrations, and also because it lacked the caustic properties of salt. By the mid 1930s there were more than four-dozen silver compounds on the market, although there was a wide variation of their effectiveness and safety. The first reason for the vast differences is that the compound was available in three forms: oral, topical, or injection form. Second, some were true colloids and some were not, with some containing 30% silver by weight and others hardly had any. Third, the freshness of the colloid, the time elapsed since manufacture, had a lot to do with the effectiveness of the compound (2).

In the 1940s, the use of colloidal silver in the medical field began to taper off mainly due to the advent of the modern antibiotics, but also due to three other reasons. The first was the high cost. Even in the depression era of the late 1930's, colloidal silver was reported to have been sold for as much as $200 per ounce (in present day dollars.) The second reason was that many of the silver products available at the time contained toxic forms of silver salts or very large particles of silver related to the available technology of the time. The third reason is that in 1938 the federal Food and Drug Administration established that from that point forward, only those "drugs" which met FDA standards could be marketed for medicinal purposes (1). In 1999, the FDA banned the use of colloidal silver or silver salts in over-the-counter products. Silver products can and are sold as "dietary supplements" in health stores only if they make no health claims, but many advertisers ignore the last restriction and still promote the benefits of the use of colloidal silver.

Prolonged contact or too much of colloidal silver can result in argyria, which produces a "gray to gray-black staining of skin and mucous membranes produced by silver deposition" (3). The normal human body contains about 1 milligram of silver, and the smallest amount of silver ingested reported to cause argyria ranges from 4-5 grams to 20-40 grams. The silver is deposited on the face and diffused all over the skin, and as the individual is under the sun the silver darkens as a result of being oxidized by strong sunlight, thus producing the silver/blue/gray complexion (4). There are a few physical signs that suggest the onset of this condition: the first is a gray-brown staining of the gums, later progressing to involve the skin. The color is usually slate-gray, slightly metallic, or blue-gray and may appear after a few months of silver treatments. The second sign is that the hyperpigmentation is most apparent in the sun, with the exposed areas of skin, especially the face and hands. There are different theories to explain the blue-gray pigmentation to sun-exposed sites, but there are no definite explanations. The third sign is the hyperpigmenatation of the nail beds. The fourth sign is a blue discoloration of the viscera, which is apparent during abdominal surgery (3). While the majority of the individuals using colloidal silver will never developing argryia, some individuals are at a higher risk than others. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that people with low vitamin E and selenium levels are more susceptible to argyria, as well as individuals with slower metabolisms. People with slower metabolisms have the rest of their natural eliminative systems working more slowly and can be more easily overwhelmed (4). Cases of argyria were most prevalent when silver medications were commonly used, the 1930s and 1940s, and have since become a rare occurrence. The famous "Blue Man," who was exploited in the Barnum and Bailey Circus sideshow, had a classic case of argyria. The most recent case of argyria is Stan Jones, Montana's Libertarian candidate for Senate. He started taking colloidal silver in 1999 for fear that there would be shortage of antibiotics due to Y2K disruptions. People ask him two questions: if his blue-gray skin is permanent and if is he dead. His usual response is that he is practicing for Halloween (6).

Advocates of colloidal silver believe there is a call for urgent action for the use of more natural alternatives than antibiotics due to the increasing difficulty in treating infections. Colloidal silver is argued to be the best alternative, safe for pets, children, plants, and all multi-celled organisms. From his own bacteriological experiments, Dr. Henry Crooks supports the use of colloidal silver, claiming that all known disease-causing organisms die within six minutes of the ingestion of silver. Medical promoters of the use of colloidal silver allege that the presence of colloidal silver near a virus, fungus, bacterium or any single celled pathogen disables its oxygen metabolism enzyme, or its chemical lung, so to say. Within a few minutes, the pathogen suffocates and dies and is cleared out of the body by the immune, lymphatic and elimination systems (5). People in the medical field against the use of colloidal silver argue that just because a product effectively kills bacteria in a laboratory culture does not mean it is as effective in the human body. Products that kill bacteria are actually more likely to cause argyria because they contain more silver ions that are free to deposit on the user's skin.

There are compelling arguments both for and against the use of colloidal silver as an alternative to antibiotics. However, very little research has been done to test the effectiveness of the use of silver in the human body to fight infections, and the risk of argyria increases as the number of people using silver increases while the amount of information known remains constant. If I had an infection of some kind and had the option of taking an antibiotic or drinking colloidal silver, I would choose the antibiotic. For starters, there is more information about the drug. Many scientists have performed experiments with the drug and know a lot about its effects in the human body. Not much is known about colloidal silver, and the risk of taking too much and permanently changing the color of my skin outweighs any benefits the silver may contain. As more research and testing is done about the effectiveness of colloidal silver, it may be discovered that it is a wonderful alternative to antibiotics, but until it is proven safe and effective with low risks involved, then I believe that people should stick to the safe side and take something they know will be effective and not make them look permanently dead. Furthermore, I find it a little disconcerting that colloidal silver kills all bacteria within five minutes. I would worry if it was doing some other damage along the way and I would worry about other possible long-term effects. I believe that too many people are jumping on the bandwagon concerning colloidal silver; I think an extra measure of caution is necessary due to evident health risks involved. In conclusion, I see a need for further research to be performed regarding colloidal silver, its usage protocol and clinical issues.

 

References

1) IPS site on colloidal silver

2) A Brief History of Silver and Silver Colloids in Medicine

3) Argyria

4) Argyria

5) Colloidal Silver: Risk Without Benefit

6) Blue is the Color of My Candidate's Skin

 

 

Continuing conversation
(to contribute your own observations/thoughts, write Serendip)


10/17/2005, from a Reader on the Web

You must work for the FDA!!!! Why don't you read Natural Cures they Don't want you to know about, and see what a "wonderful" government we have.

 

Additional comments made prior to 2007
I been using colloidal silver for 21 years. My skin is flawless. Because of my proven user of the colloidal silver, my whole family is on it. People who experience blue/gray skin Does Not necessary the cause from colloidal silver.

The FDA has NO document records of any danger from colloidal silver.

I wrote to the FDA under the Freedom of Information Act. I requested all information in the agencyís files that showed deaths, allergic reactions, harmful drug interactions or argyria resulting from colloidal silver use. This is what the FDA has to say:

...we have searched the records FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) and

has been unable to locate any cases that would be responsive to your request....

Now, how anyone dare to make such a claim that ARGYRIA cause by colloidal silver?

After 21 years of using the CS, my life has never been better. I would recommend people to keep on using it as long thing think they needed it. If knowingly that they are sick that is.

PS. If you think Rosemary story is true. You are being trick by the FDA and the Pharmaceutical people ... Nit Ron, 28 August 2006

 

 

I agree with the last poster. You must work for the FDA! ... Carol, 1 September 2006

 

 

I have been taking Colloidal Silver now for over Six years, I use it for everything and anything. When ever my dogs or cats are not up to par I give them colloidal silver. I produce my own CS, using only distilled water, .9999 Silver and an electric current. My friends, family and myself have found it works wonders on cuts, bruises, dry eyes, colds, flu and anything else that is caused by a one-celled pathogens, without damage to tissue-cell enzymes. Thru my years of use, we have cured parvo, we have dissolved cysts, after falling down have prevented black eyes and stopped infection in open scrapes. I truly believe that this natural antibiotic is one of the true natural drugs. From what I have read the disease you are talking about was not caused by "True Colloidal Silver", but from Colloidal Silver and another agent, usually choride. So for my own use I will never go to a doctor for colds, flu, artiritis etc., because I am living proof that it works. No Colds, Flu or any kind of virus in the past 5 years. Not bad for a 53 year female. Thanks for letting me vent ... Roxanne Robinson, 14 January 2007

Comments

Al Atomico's picture

Colloidal Silver Atoms

Lets face it, when comes down to CS you are going to have critics on both sides of the fence, on one side you have the 75 year old illuminati established 1% (some of the richest pharmaceutical companies in the world) that privately fund companies to discredit anything that goes against Big Pharma Agenda, including the FDA. While its true that "Traditional" nanoparticle colloidal silver that is made with chemicals can instigate argyria. Not so the Silver Atoms. Colloidal Silver Atoms are made with zero chemicals from start to finish, have the smallest particle size in the world (at LEAST to 250 million atoms per 5 nm particles, some particles have been measured up to 200 nm, then the atom capacity of a 200 nm particle could be billions of atoms), and because of the high PPM values, you have more particles attached to water molecules that the measly 10 - 20 PPM of chemically laced traditional nanoparticle colloidal silver. All in All Colloidal silver Atoms outperform anything out there and are actually the safest product on the market due to the none chemical usage.

Allison visitor's picture

ASAP Silver and MRSA

I have 2 questions, does anyone know about how much 22PPM silver to use to help kill MRSA in the bone? And is this safe to use as an eye drop for irritated eyes? I have a tear duct that is giving me fits and hubby possibly has mrsa in a bone in the foot? Thanks! This is a good site.

Serendip Visitor's picture

This comment is i pn reguard

This comment is i pn reguard to your question about use of colloidal silver in the eye. I have a dog (Haley)who had a terrible eye infection this year. We took her to veterinarian who prescribed both topical and internal antibiotics. After 2 weeks of treatment the infection had gotten worse and the medicine was gone. At this point I had a genuine fear my dog could loose her eye sight(due to the infection creating a "milky film" over the cornea) and I knew I had to do something but nothing I had tried was working. Then I remembered a time I used colloidal silver in my own eyes when I thought I contracted pink eye, which provided almost instant relief of discomfort and within hours seemed to clear the infection, and decided to see if it would help her. That night I applied a single drop to each of her eyes, the next morning both eyes had completely cleared and she seemed to have no irritation. I have used it to treat her eyes twice since, and I am proud to say Haley has beautiful gold, functioning, eyes!

Serendip Visitor's picture

re: MRSA IN BONE

I would suggest going to Results RNA website. I have found in the past they are very good about responding to questions. While she is now living out of country, I've had Dr Lyn Hanshew even contact me by phone in the past. She has been passionate about finding natural remedies for cancer. I appreciate her and her work so very much.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Eyes

I have put it in my eye successfully. I have read that it was used to be put in babies eyes at birth as a precaution against infection.

I also have put it in my diabetic dog's eyes. It is an easy way to administer it to him (easier than getting it in his mouth.) I give him a drop in each eye two or three times a day to help him stay well. Our vet said that diabetics can get sick easier so I give it to him as an immunity booster / preventative. It is CRAZY ... but I noticed after several months it is reducing the white circles in his eyes and he can see better! That is my experience.

I don't know about the bone issue.

brent's picture

This Stuff Works

I'm not into medicine as much as a lot of people are but i heard about this from a friend which his mother told him about it after breaking down to her in tears that he contracted herpes from his partner. Now he came to me freely because he was now free of the embarrassment of the breakouts he was having. he said he took 12 drops in his drinks in the morning and 12 with whatever he drank before sleep. The first time he used it also placed a small amount on his problem areas and he said literally the next day he woke up the bumps and breakout were gone.. He couldn't believe it. I almost had a hard time as well, but considered why would he tell me such an embarrassing thing unless he had some sort of life changing experience. He says even with being prescribed acyclovir which he claimed worked only some of the time for the break out, and took forever. That Nothing has worked like this and he was happier then ever. He also says he hasn't had any breakout or any signs of it since with NO side effects. I been researching it more and to my surprise heard a TON of success stories other then his own and will now start implementing this in my daily life.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Following this thread of

Following this thread of discussion.

Serendip Visitor's picture

lol

So the article states they would rather take antibiotics than silver because there isn't enough information about it?? LaughOutLoud!!! Google is taking over the voice of the Doctor. Our neighbors' experiences are gaining the trust of the people, that the Doctors use to have. Simply because there is so much negative feedback about antibiotics as well as constant global Misdiagnosis!! We are all becoming weary of BigPharm and are searching out old methods that were used by our ancestors 'before' BigPharm took over and became greedy. As to the article.....open your eyes. There is tons of information regarding silver and how our ancestors used it to cure almost everything. Isn't that proof enough?????????? Now we can read about people's positive findings using silver...today! I am one of those. It has cured my gastro issues (THAT WERE CAUSED FROM ANTIBIOTICS!!) as well as a family members. Just like anything....use in moderation and keep an open mind! God Bless*

Emilienne Russo's picture

Nano-Silver

Obviously the author of the article is highly uneducated in this matter or is working for the FDA....There is a difference though between Nano Silver and different types of Silver solution. My advise,Do serious research before writing any articles....because the people who take responsibility for themselves ...have also a lot more common sense than you think. Sad that common sense is not so common anymore. Get Sovereign Silver or contact : Dr rima Leabow from the natural solution foundations...God Bless you all in your search for truth. Emilienne-Practitioner

heathertomlinson's picture

is colloidal silver good for glaucoma?

i have glaucoma for a few years now and to be truthful i am afraid to use any kind of prescribed medication i prefer natural remedies...i would appreciate if you would send your response to my email..god bless you.

pk's picture

anecdotal evidence

anecdotal evidence is accepted in a court of law, to deal with serious issues like justice, but medical science won't accept it because it only deals with issues like, say, life and death.

Serendip Visitor's picture

C.S.

There is one guy Paul Karason who made his silver INCORRECTLY... he used tap water.. your supposed to use DISTILLED WATER... he "over cooked" it, ie 1hr per 8oz of distilled water @ 27volls dc with two 4" .999 pure silver electrodes SO his silver particles were TOO BIG, then he chose to drink BUT ALSO WASHED his face with this to cure a skin blemish. In one video HE ADMITS he made his silver incorrectly AND washed his face directly with it for 10 years!!! Even still he had NO ADVERSE HEALTH ISSUES other than blueish / grayish skin... His larger particles got trapped in the skin of his face and just like silver grains in a photo, they turned blue... He died last year at 62 from a stroke, heart attack and pneumonia, plus he was a smoker and looked overweight. I used to get bronchitis / pneumonia every year UNTIL i bought a nebulizer and inhaled my C.S. haven't had bronchitis yet in 4 years!!! I used to get antibiotics, flu shots, that was the sickest point in my life!!! Yes you can take too much C.S. , get an upset stomach etc. If your treating a specific thing.. you can take up to 2 oz a day for say a month then go back to 1oz a day the rest of your life!! I've done this for 6+ years. If you google dr Bob Beck you can educate yourself on Colloidal Silver, then google SOTA instruments & find a good machine and make SAFE CHEAP C.s.

Serendip Visitor's picture

colloidal silver

Colloidal silver IS 100% the real deal, I use it, my kids use it, my wife uses it, and i use it for my pets if and when needed. Pharmaceutic colloidal silver, can turn your skin blue if not correctly made/ingested too much. I have been using silver daily for 5 or 6 years straight, no issues or any complaints or side effects. Works for so many things, without side effects, and for less than a doctor visit or prescription. Pink eye, food poisoning, stomach flu, infected cuts, cleaning mold, diaper rash, you name it, it at least helps, and never hurts. There are no side effects, that i have read about or ever seen personally. Unfortunately many people see one bad thing about it and dismiss it from their thoughts, but then will turn around and use a prescription that has dozens of side effects and most likely will not work or cause other issues. I honestly do not have anything bad to say about colloidal silver, and like i said i have steadily used it for several things, and taken it daily for 5 to 6 years with no issues.

Serendip Visitor's picture

link

please can you post a link because i find it very hard to find the real stuff. thanks

Serendip Visitor's picture

Colloidal Silver and Lyme's Disease

What blows my mind is the FDAS claims. There are far more testimonials of success than blue man syndrome, as far as pharmaceuticals go why don't they publish Stephen Johnson's Syndrome, full blown 10s. That is a side effect of Antibiotics, Advil and many other drugs. This is an allergic reaction that is way more common than Agryia . This condition burns you from the inside out. Do they ever tell us about the serious side effects of pharmaceuticals ? It is clearly motivated by greed. I have been suffering from Chronic Lyme's Disease for 4 years, after 4 months of antibiotic use, and many supplements and Microbial's, Still not completely better. Found ACS200 extra strength, after 2 weeks I have had more improvement than Ever. I am starting to feel like me again. I got scared for a few days because of all the warnings? I now realize that regaining my health and vitality is way more important to me. Not to mention how much money I spent on the Never ending Meds?

Serendip Visitor's picture

Curing Lymes with Colloidal Silver!

May I ask you how much of the Colloidal Silver you took daily?
What were your symptoms?
I* have started taking it for my Lyme condition, but not sure how much to take a day.
I hope in the mean time you are now Lyme free,

Thank you Kristina

Serendip Visitor's picture

Cat pyometro cured by Colloidal Silver

We just adopted a female cat who had a litter of kittens 2 months ago. It has been week 2 and she started bleeding from her private. She was very very tired and lifeless. I googled heavily to see what it could be. Pyometra kept up over and over again as a match to her symptoms. It's strongly suggested to take cat to a vet for emergency spay and heavy antibiotic treatment or cat will die. I did not have the money. I gave her ,only yesterday, about 2 and a half dropperfuls of Sovereign Silver four times last night. A few hours later she was her usual self bouncing off the walls and play fighting with one of her kittens, she still has one left. We used the 10 ppm's. We have her on it still today. I read of another family cat who also cured pyometra on Silver at a similar dose 3x's a day for 3 weeks. I will be doing the same. I have been giving my own family Silver for years for many different illnesses. This stuff is safe and it is amazing. Using a reputable brand is key. Sovereign Silver is an excellent one on the market.
Peace and good health to you and yours and your critters as well.

JJJ's picture

Prostatitis

Has anyone ever cured or controlled prostatitis with colloidal silver? I was wondering how much colloidal silver I should take and what brands would you reccommend? It appears that I have a bacterial form of prostatitis even though nothing shows up in my urine? It started when i noticed a very mild burning sensation when I urinated, which i believe started out as a urinary tract infection. After about three months of this on an off mild burning sensation and living and working in Florida, I went to a General practioner there and had my psa tested and it came back 10.9 which is very high. Putting me on Cipro at 500mg twice daily, he sent me to a urologist to figure out why the rise in my psa. The urologist was not understanding of my symptoms and put me through alot of expensive test and office fees and wanted to do a biopsy on me. During this time and while on cipro and feeling really alone and scared and facing a biopsy and not understanding why my urologist never had my psa re-tested to see if there was a change in my psa as a result of being on cipro, I took matters into my own hands and went to a independent lab there in Florida and had my psa retested. It showed my psa came down to 8.6 then over a course of several weeks my psa came down to 6.5 then 5.6 then 3.6. Showing my urologist that my psa was coming down he decided that he still wanted to proceed with a biopsy scheduled for the following month. Deciding to seek a second opion from my doctor in Michigan, I came back home. By the time early June came and back home in Michigan my Psa was at 1.89. My family doctor here, who understanding my psa was coming down definately felt this was an infection and not cancer. He also felt I was on cipro long enough and I might be developing a resistance to it and switched me to bactrim and I've been on this for one month and now going on my second month. Having a recent psa testing even lower at 1.25 was clearly a indicator to him that this was an infection and the antibiotics were working. SO......., I cant help but wonder what the possibilitys would have been if I would have known about colloidal silver and a general practioner who knows how to administer it right from the start??? Would it have produced the same results if I were on colloidal silver instead of the antibiotics and there risky side effects??? Will I develope a resistance to antibiotics should the prostatitis return??? Which by the way , is a real possibility? In closing, I"ve decided I need to be prepared and so I am looking for an alternative !!! I am really becoming alot more proactive with my health and would like to hear from others who have dealt with Prostatitis using colloidal silver and perhaps other herbs. I also would like find a good analytical Physician who is interested in both current forms of western medicine and alternative medicine. Someone who actually cares and shows results. Thanks for taking time to read and i hope to hear from you!!!

Serendip Visitor's picture

colloidal silver

Hello JJJ, I have only good things to say about colloidal silver and prostate, including reoccurring UTI's. For about 20 years now I have fought the battle with both of these. Saw palmetto and antibiotics worked for about 10 of these years and one day it just stopped working. My body just rejected it I suppose. Anyone who deals with Prostate and UTI knows within 2 weeks that it's back with all it's pain and worry. So at this point even after thinking I might have gotten a bad batch of Saw Palmetto, the manufacturer sent me their most recent product and still no relief. So the search was on again... you know the doctor visits, research, different products, PSA etc..... .My pastor has a wellness center and showed me lots of research articles for colloidal silver and he also pointed out that we use to get this small amount of silver in our eating utensils etc... . At this point the antibiotics were taking so long to heal the UTI's and still feeling bad all the while I needed to give it a try. Well I am pleased to say it worked, and I take a very small amount of it. What I take is just Distilled water with 5 PPMillion,and I only take about 30ML ( or a cough medicine measuring cup ) a day. I have not had a UTI for about 5 years now and my PSA is a '1' as of yesterday. I am grateful to say that there is this option available. If there is a side effect to this small amount of silver ,I have a feeling the long turn use of antibiotics would be worse. Also JJJ it does cure my old cats UTI's every time and I can tell by the look on her face she is grateful also. :) PN6STRING. God is good.

Serendip Visitor's picture

With Properly made and dosage of colloidal silver IT WORKS!

1. Make sure you're taking a properly made product.
Pure distilled water and .9999 pure silver, no additives.
Proper voltage and current.
Proper length of time.

2. There is a formula based on EPA data for how much you can take daily.
http://www.thesilveredge.com/how-much-colloidal-silver-can-you-take-safely-each-day.shtml

As you see the formula calls for less than an ounce a day. And you don't take it every day, only when you have an infection.

(ALL of the stories of 'blue people' I read were taking at QUART a day or more, sometimes for years, and it wasn't pure colloidal silver, it had salt added which made it silver chloride, which NOT the same thing.)

I have been fighting severe lung infections most of my life (since age 8, I'm 61 now).
I lost 2/3 of right lung age 14 (surgically removed).
Pneumonia dozens of times.
In my mid 20's the cause was diagnosed as what is today called CVID. Common Variable Immunity deficiency.
Years of infections, antibiotics and steroids have severely damaged my lungs.
In the 90's I was diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in my lungs. Dr's said it was very difficult to get rid of (they were right about that.)

My routine became to take an antibiotic for 10 days, stop. Within a few days my lungs would flare up again and I'd take another antibiotic for 10 days, etc. I was rotating 3 or 4 and I was taking them more and more often.

I tried colloidal silver for a brief time 15-20 years ago. But it was too expensive then and I also got scared off by the 'Blue Man'.

Over the years much more information was available on the internet so on June 11, 2012 after leaving the doctor's office with yet one more antibiotic prescription, I opted instead to go to the Health Food store and buy a bottle of Colloidal Silver.

It was a local area brand with little information on the bottle besides 15ppm.

I put 6cc (1 & 1/5 teaspoon) in my nebulizer, twice a day. Within a day or two I began to improve!
By the end of a week I was more clear than I had been in months.

Fast forward 19 months (1/17/2014). I am 19 months antibiotic FREE! Not bad since previous years I had to take as many as 20 10 day rounds of stuff like TOBI, Levaquin, Doxycycline and Cipro... and Prednisone, lots of it.

In the last 19 months I have average about ONE 8 ounce bottle of colloidal silver per month (85% particle/15% ionic). That's less than 1/2 ounce a day. About 2 6cc nebulizer cups, or just under a Tablespoon.

In August 2013 I suspended my semi-weekly IV's of immune globulin. For 25 years, every 2 weeks I was getting an IV to try to boost my immunity. Yet I was still fighting lung infections.

After I got the lung infections totally under control, I opted -- with my Doctor's approval -- to suspend the IV and see how it goes. It goes fine! :)

Colloidal Silver is not a 'cure all' for me. It is a treatment. My lungs are still damaged, they still collect mucus, but it is manageable and not infected. My sinuses cleared up after a few weeks and I rarely have to blow my nose more than once a day now. (I could barely keep it open before.)

So take your studies and your FDA rulings and your nay expert opinions and put them where the sun don't shine.

Colloidal silver works for me, as I need it, in the proper doses.

Note I've chosen not to buy a generator for making my own brew, as least for now. First I wanted to give it a year and see. I've passed that now, but I still have little confidence in the home generator market. There are too many conflicting 'experts', and I believe most of the generators make mostly ionic colloidal silver with a small mount of nano-partical colloidal silver. (although I use both kinds -- just to cover all bases). I would rather buy it than worry about my 'mix' all the time.

I found what I view as a reliable and reputable supplier and by buying in bulk I've gotten my cost way down and far below what I was paying on my co-pay for antibiotics, which makes it practically free. :)

Larry
ps. One other note. I used colloidal silver exclusively in my nebulizer for the first 6 months. About a year ago I started sipping up to an ounce twice a day for 2-3 days when I started getting a lung flare up or a cold. I do this along with the regular inhaled treatment. I pour 1 ounce and sip about a third of it, holding it under my tongue for as long as I can (target is 2 to 10 minutes.), swishing it around my mouth and throat occasionally, then swallow. Repeat for 2nd and 3rd sip. The long you can hold it under your tongue the faster it gets into your bloodstream and off to where the infection is.

Natural's picture

RE: JJJ prostatitis

JJJ, this comment on CureZone might be of interest to your scenario:

-------------------
"My experience shows that prostate difficulties can develop with a kind of protein poisoning syndrome, with undigested proteins causing high blood ammonia levels that can poison any tissue, including the heart, and putting the prostate at risk. I'd suggest wiping out high blood ammonia levels with B-6, espcially the metabolized form called P-5-P. You don't need a lot, just regular doses. Stay hydrated as this can concentrate ammonia levels that will harm tissue. Absolutely monitor protein consumption, we really just need a little, and especially watch seemingly harmless forms like soy, particularly indigestible. Then run the standard high zinc (sunflower seed), Saw Palmetto protocol or use one of the informercial-type prostate products."

source: http://curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=84330
-------------------

Cheers!

Serendip Visitor's picture

Alarming Misinformation

There is no information to confirm that colloidal silver causes argyria. In fact, the "Blue Man", Paul Karason, had NOT been taking colloidal silver prior to his skin turning blue. (http://www.naturalnews.com/035219_colloidal_silver_blue_man_skin.html)

You should do some research before you perpetuate lies in an article you purport is for the purpose of educating the public.

Your references refer to more trite, ignorant, biased and unfounded garbage. The onus is on you to prove these preposterous allegations. You have not done so here.

Until you can provide fact-based information to support your ridiculous notions, I suggest you stick to topics that you might know something about. Like "how to comb hair" or something you might actually have experience with.

from "Truly Disgusted"

Serendip Visitor Robert's picture

colloidal silver

I came across this blog, or whatever it is, and was eager to read more about colloidal silver. Good and bad, I am always thirsty for more data, more input.
I have been a regular user of CS for 3 years now, having come across it when I had a urinary tract infection. Someone told me about it, and because I am very skeptical, and fearful of antibiotics, having had some very bad reactions in the past, I was motivated to give it a try. Well, it fixed me up in short order, and thus began my research. Since then, I have obtained my own very high quality generator, and now produce my own CS.
In these last few years, many, many family members and friends have tried it on a myriad of troubles, and infections and the like, nearly always with unparallelled success! I find it ironic in no small sense that the same government which refuses to allow any scientific data to be made available to the general public regarding silver, yet allows every citizen to pump their own gasoline and diesel fuel with no training or permit...perhaps not a sterling example, but the sentiment is apparent here.
Arthur Conan Doyle, in his Sherlock Holmes books, had Holmes quote " When in doubt, Watson, follow the money. Invariably, it will lead to the culprit."
I have found this to be sage advice over the years, and used it to solve many a mystery...

While the 'blue man' still reigns as the supreme fear mongering device to ward off CS use, it seems apparent to at least me that with 10 million users in North America, there ought to be more smurfs around...
Many attempts have been made to patent certain formulae of CS, but since it is so simple, and that one cannot patent an element, they have failed. And thank goodness, or Johnson and Johnson would own CS, and control its distibution, and even more importantly, it's pricing...making it once again available only to the very rich!
It would seem to be a strong example of legitimacy to find CS in use in the Space Station for purifying the water...imagine, chlorine is NOT good for you?
It would also seem to be another supportive example to find that it is in use in Mexico City, where water treatment trouble has been an issue for a very long time. If we check, I believe we will find a drastic improvement in the last year or so...
Interesting also is that on newborn babies, their eyes are wiped with a silver solution to prevent infection, and also that every major burn clinic has silver lined blankets for burn victims, to guarantee against infection...
Recently, in third world countries, CS has been used to treat outbreaks of conjunctivitis, often requiring only one or two treatments. Which, by the by, consist of no more than literally spraying the CS solution directly onto the eyes...
My doctor friend, who is a wealth of knowledge regarding natural treatments and medicinal properties of herbs and plants, has suggested to me that in order to turn into a 'smurf', one would have to drink gallons of CS daily over a period of years! Which, ironically is just what that 'blue man' did! Not only that, he was using ordinary water, not distilled water, and was without doubt obtaining some interesting salts in his process...
Just some food for thought, people. I care not a whit how you feel about CS, or even whether you use it or not. I care only for the truth, in whatever form it takes, and the proof for me, is in the pudding...

There are so many more examples of CS use I could cite here, but as they are merely observation and hearsay, I will not. Suffice it to say that those people, having been cured of their maladies, are the ones who's opinion counts. From acne to yeast infections, I have seen with my own eyes what I need to see, and it is enough. I rue the day then the FDA manages to strangle the public into being force fed their brand of cure, which incidentally kills more than 10,000 people every year...nevermind the endless list of side effects, ranging from headache, to nausea, to anal leakage!!! Who is kidding who?

Demagogue's picture

Recommend a reasonably priced machine to make my own CS

Please recommend a good machine! I want to buy one but have no idea how to know if it works properly.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Good CS machine

I found the "LifeForce EZ-2" Compact Colloidal Silver Generator (about $80.00) on Amazon.com. It works well when you follow the included instructions, and buy a 1000 ml Erlenmeyer flask ($10.00) to make the CS in, then after it makes it (it is actually ionic silver at this point), follow the directions on youtube for turning ionic silver into colloidal silver, the SilverLungs machine ( $500.00) uses dextrose powder ( $7.00) and heat to turn it into colloidal silver. I just took a slightly heaping 1/4 teaspoon of dextrose powder and stirred it in right after the ionic silver was done and I watched it and it looked like it was turning the correct clear amber color on it's own before I turned on the heat from the stove. As soon as I turned on the heat it quickly turned amber and I took it off the heat right then instead of heating it for ten minutes. Before I started the ionic silver, I followed the kit's directions and heated the water to get it to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. I made a higher concentration with this kit than is possible with the SilverLungs machine because that has an automatic shutoff. After I got the water to 82 degrees F, I let the silver wires sit in the water for a total of two hours and ten minutes. The filled 1000ml flask is about 5 cups, I fill it to one inch from the top. It needs to be stirred periodically, but that is in the instructions. I have tried it with a glass jar and it did not come out as well as with the flask. The SilverLungs machine uses the flask as well. Also, the color of CS should be very clear honey amber or dark yellow (lower strength).

Trendgiver's picture

my experience

I come from Germany and I have googled alot on the CS topic. I use it myself for about 2 years and I can say DAMN IT WORKS. It helped me out by gum infection and some bad colds. I make it myself with a device from Russia. It has two silver electrodes and the adapter, to be operated from 220 V Current. I have also noticed a remarkable effect on wounds and cuts. It heals up 3 times faster than usual and no scars remain. Paracelsus said : "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; only the dose permits something not to be poisonous." So it is about CS. I wouldn't say it is a universal cure, but it's a great medicine. which has helped so many people. No matter what the FDA say, in Europe, especially in Germany many people use it and I have never seen any "blue man" walking around. But if this thing helps me to stay alive, I don't care if I even get purple, most important I feel GOOD!

Linda 's picture

mold in the bathroom

We had mold start growing in the basement and it grew into our bathroom. It was all over the walls and ceiling. I sprayed colloidal silver around the frame of the window. The mold just ran down the wall. I cleaned the rest of the bathroom with straight bleach. About 8 months later the mold was back where I cleaned with bleach. Yet the window frame where I sprayed the CS had absolutely no mold. So now when I clean the bathroom, I clean with CS.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Herpes

Can this colloidal silver truly cure hsv. Not just suppress but cure?

Love this stuff's picture

I thought this was a hoax as

I thought this was a hoax as well. My mother kept pushing ASAP Silver Solution on me and I decided to try it. After the first month of taking it I broke out in a boil like rash that would clear up in 3 weeks then move to another spot. This lasted about 4 months. I went to my GP to find out what was wrong and he said it was an allergic reaction. I made an appointment with an allergist, $5K in test later and all they could find was EBV and I still had the boil like rash. After 4 months of taking Silver Sol my rash disappeared and I started having panic attacks. I never had these before and it scared me. After about 3 months of non-stop panick attacks they started to go away. Prior to taking Silver Sol I had all the symptoms of Lyme disease, I also have had cold sores since I was a child. I truely believe Silver Sol was killing my Lyme disease and cold sore virus. I have tons of energy now, no rash and not one cold sore ( I use to get them about 4x a year). I have asked my doctor to schedule another EBV test to see if I still have it. Also if I have any stomach or gut issues I take a dose of Silver Sol and it gets rid of the problem. It also works on my dermatitis on my face. I love this stuff!!

Tom D.'s picture

Hmmm....

I went into a herbal store and asked the owner what's the best thing for skin, eyes, and colds? Without hesitation he gave me Silver Sol. He called it "The cure-all ointment." I didn't realize how expensive it was (25 bucks for 5oz). However, if it was indeed the cure-all $25 is not that bad.
He began to sit me down, take his time, and tell me what SS has done for him and his family. Talk about being impressed! I ended up buying it and the DVD it came with. Unfortunately, I used up the bottle to the point of squeezing the very last drop. But as I was doing that, The caution label on it said, Do not use this product for long usage. I wonder what did that caution message mean because the herbal guy and you and other satisfied SS users have used it for years and years.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Colloidal Silver: Miracle Elixir or Plague of the Living Dead?

I always stop reading a "credible" article when the spelling is bad. I stopped reading this one at "internal oranges".

Serendip VisitorJulia Williams's picture

colloidal silver

Thank you for the comment about misspelled words. If someone doesn't take the time to proof read their research, I quit reading it as well.

Atomicus's picture

Colloidal Silver Proven to kill HIV

University of Nuevo Leon, in Mexico, have done exhaustive and conclusive studies and clinical trials in “Laboratory Conditions” proving that silver indeed does kill HIV-1
Conclusions From the Study:
Finally, we propose that the antiviral activity of silver nanoparticles results from their inhibition of the interaction between gp120 and the target cell membrane receptors. According to our results, this mode of antiviral action allows silver nanoparticles to inhibit HIV-1 infection regardless of viral tropism or resistance profile, to bind to gp120 in a manner that prevents CD4-dependent virion binding, fusion, and infectivity, and to block HIV-1 cell-free and cell-associated infection, acting as a virucidal agent. In conclusion, silver nanoparticles are effective virucides as they inactivate HIV particles in a short period of time, exerting their activity at an early stage of viral replication (entry or fusion) and at post-entry stages. The data presented here contribute to a new and still largely unexplored area; the use of nanomaterials against specific targets of viral particles.
Before anyone downplays the report, what must be understood that is that University of Nuevo Leon is the most respected Research Institution Latin America and highly respected in EU, Mexico and Latin America.
Finally we have scientific proof that colloidal silver does work!
Their Clinical Trials have been published and are there for the world to look at and download. (See the link at the bottom)
Now that we know that silver works, we have to determine our options:

Colloidal Silver atoms Colloidal Silver atoms have the smallest particle size on the planet, highest PPM, and made with NO chemicals.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Argyria and Laser

Well, eight years ago, I ingested colloidal silver more than my body could get rid of and I unhappily turned gray on my face because of it. Some people noticed it and some people didn't. Anyway, here I am knowing I have what they call Argyria. Colloidal silver has helped a lot of people keep their bacteria and virus' at bay, but is it worth the side effects of turning a different color? My bedridden mother was able to heal her bedsore with colloidal silver when absolutely nothing else seemed to work though she wasn't ingesting it, just applying it.

I've read that laser can really help minimize the gray or blue colored skin caused by Argyria on some individuals. I searched and found a doctor experienced in using the right kind of laser, thank goodness he was willing to help me. This doctor also removes tattoos which is kind of what Argyria is, a tattooing of the skin from ingesting too much colloidal silver. I found Dr. Steven Popkow MD in Los Angeles, California. He is a very gentle and understanding doctor which is so important when it comes to such a sensitive issue. For those seeking help also, his business address is: Skin Laser Center, 12027 Venice Blvd., Suite B, Los Angeles, California 90066 The phone number is: (310) 915-8060

I've had 2 treatments so far and yes it is quite painful, but so worth it. I've got my original color back before I had Argyria and I am completely thrilled. With additional laser treatments, Dr. Popkow can treat the rest of the spots that get missed here and there. I feel what Dr. Popkow charges is very reasonable. The cost is around $200 hundred a treatment.

So, for the people on the west side of the United States, there is a doctor who helps with the discoloration of Argyria and for those who live even further who might want to travel to see Dr. Popkow.

Today, I don't have to walk around worried about who might be wondering why my face is gray because it's not anymore. I think being ashy made me look like I wasn't well even though I felt completely fine. The embarrassment of having someone say something about the gray color of my face felt uncomfortable even though I was completely frank. I'm not a person that likes to hide, so I just went on living, but I feel the relief big time now thanks to Dr. Popkow. He has definitely changed my life for the better. The joy I feel is immeasurable.

I take chlorella everyday to help chelate metals out of the body internally. The silver is not just in the skin so cleansing is very important.

This is my journey and my BIG lesson and I hope that I may be of help somehow to others.

I can't speak for everyone with Argyria as I know some people with Argyria are darker gray or bluer than others, but for me, the laser treatment worked at lighting my skin color to a more natural skin tone. I hope it can help you also though there are no guarantees. I'm completely happy with my results and I feel normal again. I would love to see relief for others as well. I know what you all are going through.

Serendip Visitor's picture

becoming a smurf

I read your posting about argyria, and have only one question really. How much CS did you imbibe, and over how long a period of time, and in what concentration???
Your post seems a bit ambiguous on this point. And since it is the only point of the post, that begs one to question it...
I personally have been taking CS for 4 years, at much higher than recommended dosage, with no sign of bluing in either my skin or my nails, so I have to wonder at the inordinate quantity you must have ingested.

Mostly I think your post is fraudulent, yet I feel a challenge is necessary. Please provide substantiation to your 'claim' so we can all breathe easier...

Serendip VisitorSusan's picture

Coloidal Silver

Thank you for your very honest story. So often all I hear from the folks promoting colloidal silver is that only those who use it incorrectly can experience argyria. This just isn't true, yet I hear it repeated over and over. Glad the laser treatments worked for you.

I just can't imagine that taking an antibiotic for 7 days to rid one of an infection would not be preferable to ingesting a potentially toxic metal for who knows how long. It makes no sense.

Tabitha's picture

Tell me that again...

Tell me again how preferable 7 days of antibiotics are when they no longer work because bacteria has mutated and become antibiotic resistant and you're on your 4th or 5th round of 7 - 10 day antibiotics and nothing has worked.

Leon's picture

argyria

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have read a lot of warnings about this side effect but have not come across any one person talking about it. I have been told and believe that if you take the colloidal silver made in the right way it will never turn you blue. I take a lot for everything and haven't turned blue yet. We give it to our 4, 5 and 6 year old sons and they have not turned blue we use Smart Silver brand.. I want to ask what kind di you take? How long did it take for you to turn blue? Also I am a new blogger and I am trying to build an audience will you visit my site and comment on silver with your experience. here is a link to the article where I talk about silver effectively treating an abscessed tooth in our 5 year old.

Serendip Visitor 1's picture

I would never give something

I would never give something to a loved one without 100% proof that it was safe. Testimonials aren't enough, it needs a clinical trial to get past me. Don't buy into scams! Notice there is only one brand and they don't do any independent testing?

Serendip Visitor's picture

That is not true. There are

That is not true. There are many, many brands out there of colloidal silver. And, just like any other product from bread to car tires; some are better than others. Many brands strive for quality. For example, one particular brand S*lv*r Sh*eld, does have in house as well as independent testing.

There are studies on the effectiveness of Collodial Silver as well.

What do you think people used as medicine for thousands of years before 'modern' medicine was developed in the last 200 (or so) years?

Serendip Visitor's picture

would never give something

100% proof that it is safe??? You can't say that about ANY medicines your traditional Western doctors, or doctors would prescribe to you. The medicines that you have taken yourself, and that you have given to your children - the prescribed ones and the over-the-counter ones - did you have proof that they were 100% safe" and could not produce ANY undesirable side effect? No, of course you didn't. You took a chance, because you trusted your doctor or pharmacist.

Shelle's picture

100% safe?

Haven't you ever read all of the side effects from all of these "proven to be good for you" meds out there? And in this day & age, we have absolutely NO idea of what "they" are putting into anything...from antibiotics to your blood pressure pills! I would take a natural remedy over a "traditional" med any day...and I'm a nurse!

Serendip Visitor's picture

independent testing

Rarely are testing or clinical trials done independently. Most the time it is done by biased testers

Serendip Visitor's picture

silver

Have you thought about how many clinically tried,
FDA approved drugs have killed thousands of people? How about all the FDA approved drugs that are being pushed on us day and night through commercials...ever listened to the long list of possible side effects? How about that one that is being pushed for depression, yet one of the possible side effects is suicidal thoughts? So who is really doing the scamming?

Serendip Visitor's picture

Reply to Clinical trials.

If your criteria of use as safe and effective is a new drug application (four stage clinical trials) then you will never see a variety of substances as safe effective. Vitamin C, Dimethylglycine, Trimethyglycine wouldn't pass. No one would spend the money. For example Dimethylglycine, it can't pass the LD 50 study as previously no dosage could kill one lab rat let alone 50% of the lab animals. (Lethal Dosage 50%). Until you can determine a level that kills 50% of the test animal, you cannot determine a safe dosage.

A pound by mouth administered to a test subject and a 1/4 by IV of DMG caused no adverse reaction, but it is not considered safe.

Oh, by the way. Flouride was never proven safe before given wholesale to the US public. Neither was DES. The Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Health and Human Services cited studies showing the rate of dental fluorosis (41 percent) among American teenagers is the factor in changed dosage.

The CDC and EPA did not cite the independent studies suggesting water fluoridation may also cause damage to the liver, kidneys, thyroid, bones, brain and fetus. They also neglected to mention that infants are not to consume fluoridated water until age 1. Infant distilled water is sold with added fluoride.

But as to silver, the conclusion of the ATDSR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
U.S. Public Health Service) peer reviewed by public and private institutions for the CDC determined the following on Silver: Rats had to consume large amounts of water (containing 2589 ppm or about 2.6 grams of silver per liter) at a concentration that is about between 5%-10% (male and female rat weights respectively) to cause harm or at 70 Killograms, I would have to ingest large quantities of water containing 3.5 Kilos of Silver (350,000 ppm) to cause harm. As the document is 145 pages long, I will summarize: Silver is not a carcinogen or a teratogen. Harm wasn't found in Miners breathing silver dust, except one study when a non kidney toxin (cadmium) was present, consequently disallowed.

There is one death associated with colloidal silver from status epilepticus. The status epilepticus occurred nearly three months (and 24 radiation treatments for prostate cancer) after discontinuing colloidal silver. The four neurologists concluded in their paper that silver was the cause, however neither previous or subsequent studies on laboratory animals (including argyric rats) could reproduce the condition. As 42,000 people die from SE in 30 days (the patient was in a coma for three months before death), the possibility of coincidence is very high (occurrence of SE is 40 out of 100,000).

As an estimated 8 million people use colloidal silver, and have over 10 years the less than a dozen cases reported cases of argyria is very low. Just some food for thought.

Violet's picture

So now I'm wondering...are

So now I'm wondering...are there any ACTUAL health risks from excessive silver consumption? I mean, other than enhancing my usual "Goth" look with built-in makeup? After decades/centuries/millennia, someone must know something.

David's picture

Colloidal Silver

I had a bad spider bite. I was given colloidal silver to try. Bite healed in less than a week. Months later it was still healed but I still had a large hard bump. I let a nurse practitioner look at it and she said it looked like it was a brown recluse bite. She asked what I put on the bite and I told her. She smiled and said that she could not endorse such a claim but that she believed me. I now believe in colloidal silver.

Serendip Visitor's picture

lymphnodes swollen

over the last week i've been getting swollen glands all over my right side. My throat, my armpit and even down in my groin area all on my right side the lymph glands are swollen. Is CS the best idea for this problem. Response appreciated!

Anonymous's picture

topographical use

What are the effects of long term topogrphaical use? I use it for odor control by spraying under my arms etc.

Anonymous's picture

colloidal silver in use to erradicate TB

i have "old/dormant" TB which despite the doctors reassuring me it is old/dormant STILL has destroyed terribly me in a great many ways,-personality,confidence,body- all my muscles have simply disappeared and my stomach is so swollen like I'm 4 months pregnant (yet i'm a guy) ,energy (Energy the worst side effect as i used to be a real human dynamo). my quality of life is so bad now compared to what it used to be. I find it increasingly harder to live like this.It happened at 36 and it is still no improvement seven years later.I feel like a frail 90 yr old too often.Are there ANY known cases of CS reducing it's (TB) affects/hold on the body? please help me.