Colloidal Silver

Colloidal Silver – Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Colloidal silver is a solution that features tiny (nanometer-sized) silver particles suspended in a liquid base, usually water, that is typically marketed as an antibacterial agent and topical wound dressing. While using metal for health purposes may seem counterintuitive to some (heavy metal intoxication anyone!?), silver has been used for over six thousand years in medicinal applications.

The production of Colloidal silver entails the electrolysis of distilled water using two electrodes – one of which must be made of silver. The quality of the colloidal silver is entirely dependent on the purity of the silver electrode, which is why silver electrodes of 99.99% purity are required.

History of Colloidal Silver

The first medical use of colloidal silver goes back to 1891 when a surgeon is said to have used it to clean wounds and prevent microbial infections. Similarly, it was once common practice to drop a silver coin into a container of milk as a preservative to prevent the growth of algae, bacteria, and many other undesirable organisms. Colloidal silver was a regular part of medical practices until about the 1940s, with the advent of the antibiotic era. Today, colloidal silver is sold as a dietary supplement.

Colloidal Silver Benefits and Uses

Oral use of Colloidal Silver 

First and foremost, colloidal silver is used both internally and topically as an antibacterial and disinfectant thanks to its proven effects against pathogenic organisms. Indeed, in oral use, colloidal silver has been shown to be able to kill over 650 disease-causing organisms, including antibiotic-resistant superbugs – unfortunately a growing phenomenon. 

In addition, colloidal silver can effectively fight most respiratory tract, sinus, ear, nose, and throat, as well as gastrointestinal infections. 

Colloidal silver can also be used as a gargle for sore throats, and mouth sores, as well as to kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. In topical application, colloidal silver can be used to optimize wound healing, as well as can be applied to fungal infections on the skin or the nails, and to prevent the infection of wounds, cuts, rashes, burns, and sunburns. It’s also often recommended to treat acne. 

Topical use of Colloidal Silver

What’s especially unique about silver used as a topical antiseptic, is that once applied, it gets incorporated directly into the bacteria it kills. As a result, these dead silver-infused bacteria can kill additional bacteria (more bang for your buck!). A lesser-known, yet quite interesting application for colloidal silver is as a natural treatment for hair loss, and to promote hair regrowth in cases of alopecia.

Colloidal Silver Around the House

Colloidal silver makes an awesome disinfectant and cleaning agent for air filters, ducts, and vents, as well as general home cleaning. Indeed, colloidal silver can be a great alternative to conventional, toxic, chemical-based home care products, thanks to its antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral qualities which make it the prime choice for a natural cleaning solution.

Colloidal Silver Supplement Varieties

In Canada, colloidal silver dietary supplements can easily be purchased from online retailers, as well as can be found in most health food stores and many pharmacies. They come in a variety of different formats, including:

• Antiseptic Cream – for injuries, burns, scrapes, as a wound dressing
• Eyedrops – for dry eyes, infections, pink eye, allergies, inflammation
• Homeopathic Granules/Pellets – for immune support and cold and flu symptoms
• Liquid Silver Solution – for internal or external use
• Liquid Tincture – for oral use, immune boost
• Lozenges – to soothe sore throats and boost immunity
• Throat Spray – for immune protection - antibacterial, antiseptic, sore throats
• Toothpaste – for dentine desensitization (sensitive teeth)
• Topical Gel – for sunburns, and other burns, skin irritation, etc

The shelf-life of colloidal silver supplements is pretty long – typically around 3 years. When in-store, always inspect product labels carefully and check the best before date, to ensure your product has not expired or is not close to expiry.

Recommended Dosage Ranges

Colloidal silver supplements can have very different suggested dosings based on dilution, which is why it's important to always follow label instructions carefully, to ensure you’re using the appropriate amount. Below are some basic dosing guidelines taken from some of the best-selling colloidal silver supplements currently on the market:

Liquid colloidal silver solution

• For oral or topical use – apply 2 to 5 drops directly to the skin

• For wound dressing – 1–2 drops directly to a wound or apply onto a Band-Aid

• As an antifungal for Candida – 5 to 10 drops vaginally, or anally for infections, and parasitic infections

Colloidal Silver Tincture – 1 eyedropper daily 

Colloidal Silver Eyedrops – 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) for pink eye and other infections 

Given that colloidal silver is intended for short-term use (typically up to 14 days at a time), it's always best to discuss the appropriate dose for you with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner. This will ensure you get optimal results.

Potential Side Effects and Cautions of Colloidal Silver

While colloidal silver is widely sold as a dietary supplement, its safety profile is often called into question.  The biggest potential issue is that if it is taken in large quantities over a long time, silver can accumulate inside the body. Of course, if you stay within the recommended dosing and use it for no more than 14 days at a time, colloidal silver is not only safe,but also extremely beneficial for wounds, improving skin disorders, and preventing the flu, pneumonia, and eye infections. Colloidal silver has also been extensively studied for its potential ability to lessen symptoms of COVID-19 infections thanks to its powerful microbicide effects.

Possible side effects associated with a prolonged high intake of colloidal silver include:

• Argyria – a condition that causes a person's skin and/or eyes to take on a permanent silver-blue tone as a result of high and prolonged intake of silver

• Reduced ability to absorb a range of medications – such as antibiotics, and thyroxine used to treat thyroid deficiency (hypothyroidism)

• Increased risk of iron-deficiency anemia