Today, silver is mainly thought of as decoration, although there are still some of us who understand the value of taking colloidal silver as a natural supplement. Although many of the traditional uses of silver have been replaced by antibiotics, it is, possibly surprisingly, still used in certain modern situations such as purifying drinking water on space craft.
Traditional uses of Silver include:
- A drinking water disinfectant
- Silver salts in the use of treating warts and burns
- Silver salve for burn victims
- A dilute solution sprayed in newborns eyes for the prevention of opthalma neonatorum (also called infantile purulent conjunctivitis). Opthalma neonatorum is an eye infection contracted during passage through the birth canal, usually from an STD such as gonorrhea. Prevention is practiced regardless of infection status, and today antibiotics are instead sprayed into newborns eyes (unless parents opt differently).
- In the early half of the 20th century, silver was used therapeutically, especially as a natural antibiotic against syphilis.
In most cases, the use of silver was replaced by more cost-effective options. Recently, there has been a resurgence in medical uses of silver–as natural antibiotic protection on catheters and other instruments used inside the body.
As for the negative side effects associated with the uses of silver, there have been no studies that demonstrate a negative effect–the only known side effect is argyria, which is extremely rare. For an in-depth look at the rise of criticism against all natural colloidal silver, check back next Thursday.
For now, what other uses of silver have you heard about? Are there any criticism of the uses of silver you’d like explained or discussed?
Products mentioned in this article
Why Colloids for Life
- True colloids, not ionic solutions. Predominantly metal nanoparticles — not dissolved ions or silver protein.
- Independently tested. Particle size, concentration and purity verified by the Colloidal Science Laboratory.
- Two ingredients. Pure metal and pharmaceutical-grade deionized water. No additives, no stabilisers, no salts.
- Shipping since 2003. Tens of thousands of orders, with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning any supplement programme.
