For centuries, ancient cultures around the world have marveled at the properties of silver, one of the seven metals of antiquity, as mentioned in classic chemistry and alchemy. [1]
The ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who is also known as the Father of History, first noted that other civilizations managed to find different uses for the metal, most notably the Persians, who used it to keep their food and water fresh. [2]
Aside from its domestic functions, several civilizations, such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, also found that silver and its compounds possess health-promoting properties, which they all used to their advantage. [3]
This soon led to the practice of using silver-based compounds to support the body’s natural ability to heal in ancient Macedonia, according to records written by the esteemed ancient physician Hippocrates -- a practice that would eventually be adapted by the Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus around 1520.
The market for silver-based health products, according to reports, grew to such an extent, that by 1940, at least 50 silver products were marketed in the United States alone.
Among the products used and marketed during that time, however, none matched the efficacy of colloidal silver.
A primer on colloidal silver
Colloids, by definition, are mixtures that have tiny particles evenly distributed throughout the solution. These are also known as colloidal dispersions because the substances remain dispersed and do not settle to the bottom of the container.
Colloidal silver, as the name suggests, is structured in the same way: A mixture of silver ions and silver nanoparticles suspended in distilled water. [4]
First used in 1891 by a surgeon named B.C. Crede to combat external threats, colloidal silver grew in popularity between 1900 to the late 1930s, during which time it became the preferred choice of physicians when it came to supporting a healthy immune system and the body’s natural ability to heal. [5]
Its use was further promoted by the likes of Alfred Searle, the founder of the international pharmaceutical conglomerate, Searle Pharmaceuticals, who noted in a medical volume that application of colloidal silver effectively helps eliminate external threats without any toxic effects on humans. [6]
In addition, Henry Crooks, a pioneering researcher on colloidal silver and its medical uses, noted that colloidal silver has the capacity to neutralize external threats within six minutes in a laboratory setting, a property promptly echoed by the British Medical Journal in its February 1923 issue. [7]
Since then, those who are looking for more natural alternatives to synthetic compounds have started rediscovering the health benefits of colloidal silver.
The mechanics of colloidal silver
According to experts at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, colloidal silver works very well in combating external threats especially when applied topically [8]. According to several studies, the efficiency of colloidal silver in combating external threats is mostly dependent on the size and shape of the silver nanoparticles, as well as their concentration in a solution. This means that the smaller the particle size, the higher the efficiency, and the greater the surface area the particles can reach, especially if it has a greater concentration. [9] [10]
The new Silver Age?
Products containing colloidal silver are starting to gain popularity in the United States in the 21st century, mostly in the form of topical solutions, mineral supplements, soaps, shampoos, creams and general cleansing products.
According to experts, this upward trend in the use of colloidal silver could be part of a steadily growing pushback against the artificial and inorganic compounds and potentially-toxic cleansers and personal care products that have dominated the market for the last half century or so.
What edge does colloidal silver have over other cleansing and personal care solutions?
Numerous studies have demonstrated that colloidal silver has powerful, natural cleansing properties. This means that it can be used to help protect you from external threats -- all without the potentially toxic and environmentally damaging effects of other cleansing solutions. [11]
This is because colloidal silver solutions, compared to most modern cleansing and personal care formulas, do not contain artificial and dangerous ingredients that have been linked to adverse health effects.
For example, alcohol, which is a potent cleaning solution in its own right, has been linked to the deterioration of the skin’s protective surface. This means that continued exposure to high concentrations of alcohol can lead to damaged skin.
Two other chemicals that are usually used as additives in many cleaning solutions, meanwhile, are chlorhexidine and methyl salicylate. Despite being powerful cleaning agents, these two ingredients have been linked to adverse health effects as well -- especially in high doses.
Widely used in scented products such as soaps, detergents and air fresheners, chemicals known as phthalates are notorious for their serious, adverse effects on the body's endocrine system. What’s even more troubling is that research actually suggests that these types of chemicals are readily absorbed by the body.
Some of the amazing properties of colloidal silver include*:
- Colloidal silver supports the body’s natural protection against external threats
- Colloidal silver promotes good hygiene and optimal cleanliness
- Colloidal silver can treat minor cuts, burns and bug bites
- Colloidal silver is made from natural ingredients and contains no dangerous chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances or colors, or petroleum byproducts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on colloidal silver
Common questions about colloidal silver include:
Is silver a dangerous heavy metal?
Silver is considered a precious or “noble” metal, which means it is largely inert or non-reactive in its pure state. In other words, silver cannot be oxidized or broken down to toxic compounds, unlike lead and mercury, both of which easily form toxic salts and other compounds that have harmful effects on the body.
Where and how should you store colloidal silver?
Colloidal silver must be stored at room temperature since extreme fluctuations in ambient temperature can shorten its shelf life.
In this same regard, care must be taken to ensure that colloidal silver is kept out of direct sunlight, and that it is stored in either amber or cobalt colored glass containers.
In addition, colloidal silver must be kept away from appliances that emit strong electromagnetic frequencies, such as televisions and computers, since these can cause the silver ions in the colloidal solution to lose their charge at a faster rate.
With all that in mind, a kitchen cupboard or a bathroom medicine cabinet can be an ideal spot to keep your bottle of colloidal silver.
How do you integrate colloidal silver into your daily routine?
Despite possessing a mechanism that seems to have come straight out of a science fiction novel, colloidal silver is surprisingly easy to integrate into one’s daily routine. Want to naturally cleanse your hands after tending to your garden? Just spritz on a bit of Colloidal Silver Extra Strength Spray. Want to keep your oral health at an optimal level? Gargle with some Colloidal Silver Mouthwash & Gargle. Got minor scratches, burns or bug bites from being outdoors? Just apply some Biostructured Silver First Aid Gel. You can even use Colloidal Silver Skin Soother for your beloved pets during the hot summer season.
Explore our collection of colloidal silver products here.
Do you know of any other ways that the natural properties of colloidal silver can support your health? Do you know of any other natural cleaning solutions? Do you know other personal care routines where colloidal silver can be integrated? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Share this article with your friends and tell us how natural cleansing formulas such as that of colloidal silver, positively impacted your overall health and wellness.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases
