Colloidal silver has been used in many areas of healing since the Middle Ages. Due to its antimicrobial effects, it is also growing in popularity today as an alternative remedy for viruses, bacteria, fungi and many other ailments. In alternative medicine, colloidal silver is credited with many positive properties, while reports circulating online claim that taking it can turn you gray or blue. Supporters describe the effects of colloidal silver as wide-ranging, but caution is advised: it is not a cure-all and has been little studied to date.
Thanks to modern technology, it is now even possible to make colloidal silver at home using electrolysis, dissolved in distilled or double-distilled water . But what is behind this miracle remedy, which is the precursor to our modern antibiotics? In our blog post, we explain what colloidal silver is, when it is used, and how it works.
Contents
- What is colloidal silver?
- Colloidal Silver: Effects and Side Effects
- Possible side effects of silver water
- Colloidal silver: medical uses
- Colloidal silver uses: External application
- Colloidal silver applications: internal use
- Make colloidal silver with distilled water
- From distilled water to silver water - here's how
- FAQ - frequently asked questions
What is colloidal silver?
Colloidal silver generally refers to a form of silver for use that is also known as “silver water” . It consists of 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 retain their individual properties. These particles are up to 750 times smaller than a red blood cell.
They are insoluble 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 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, specifically an emulsion (droplets in liquid). Colloidal silver is a suspension (solid particles in liquid).
The size of the silver particles - the colloids - depends on the manufacturing process . The particles can be mechanically ground using colloid mills or produced using electrolytic and chemical processes .
In short: Colloidal silver consists of electrically charged silver ions in water, which are generally 1 mm to 10 nm in size. The smaller the particles, the more easily they can be absorbed by the body. Colloidal silver is a dispersion consisting of pure silver and water and is free of minerals.
Colloidal Silver: Effects and Side Effects
Silver has antibacterial properties and inactivates a wide range of bacteria, pathogens, and viruses, even in small quantities - some may 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 throughout history also preferred silver dishes and cutlery. Colloidal silver has diverse effects and includes antimicrobial properties.
Colloidal silver is used in various fields, although the scientific evidence is often limited. The exact mechanism of action of colloidal silver is still being researched, with various studies and experiments demonstrating that it has an inhibitory effect on bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi .
The tiny particles of colloidal silver can penetrate even single-celled pathogens and interfere with their ability to absorb oxygen, while leaving healthy cells untouched. Parasitic organisms such as worms are also said to be destroyed by this kind of treatment. Many practitioners therefore consider colloidal silver a type of natural antibiotic.
In addition, a connection has been drawn between shorter wound healing times and dressings infused with colloidal silver . However, it should be noted that the relevant experiments were often conducted using artificial bacterial colonies rather than on the human body.
In Germany, due to a lack of further research, colloidal silver is currently not approved as either a medicine or a dietary supplement and is officially intended only for external use in facial toners or creams.
Nevertheless, people around the world swear by using colloidal silver as a medicine. Any use should always be discussed with your primary care physician .
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 a condition known as "argyria." In this condition, tiny silver particles accumulate in the skin and internal organs, causing an irreversible bluish discoloration , particularly of the eyes, face, hands, and arms.
Some case reports also suggest that argyria may cause additional side effects that can last for several days and are comparable to the side effects of antibiotic treatment :
- Neurological disorders such as sensitivity to smells or taste disorders
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Nausea
- Skin irritation
If colloidal silver is used only for a short period and in small amounts , side effects are unlikely. Nevertheless, you should make sure to drink plenty of water while using it. This can help prevent an overdose and any potential side effects.
Important! Taking colloidal silver is not recommended if you have a silver allergy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Colloidal silver: medical uses
The use of colloidal silver is divided into external and internal use . In both cases, the focus is on combating bacterial infections and inflammation . Colloidal silver is more widely used externally than internally.
While the remedy is often used externally for quick relief from burns, wounds, inflammation or insect bites, no health benefits of ingestion have been scientifically established.
Some promote drinking colloidal silver as a remedy, but it is controversial and potentially risky. Therefore, colloidal silver should never serve as a substitute for medication , but should only be used as a supplement in consultation with an appropriate medical specialist.
Since silver water is said to have few side effects at a low dose , the remedy is becoming increasingly popular in alternative medicine for alleviating everyday complaints.
Some uses for colloidal silver recommended by various health advisers include:
- regularly drinking small amounts to strengthen the immune system
- drinking small amounts of colloidal silver to strengthen the immune system
- to combat colds, flu or bronchitis
- as ear drops to treat ear infections
- spraying it onto atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, boils, herpes, etc.
- spraying it onto burns to prevent infections and speed up healing
- for fungal infections or itching in the genital area
- for treating insect bites
In addition to its traditional homeopathic use for colds, inflammation, sore throats and infections, users also swear by it for bad breath, allergies and gum inflammation.
Nevertheless, it should always be kept in mind that the effects of colloidal silver for these uses have not been clearly proven scientifically.
Colloidal silver uses: External application
Colloidal silver is primarily used externally for treating skin conditions and in the form of cosmetic products such as creams, soaps or lotions.
Silver water's antimicrobial effect is primarily used for acne, warts, and neurodermatitis, but also to treat burns, insect bites, rashes, cuts, and other injuries.
Due to the incomplete evidence, the skincare effects of colloidal silver remain questionable. These claims are based solely on user testimonials - there is no scientific basis.
Its effectiveness in supportive care for atopic skin conditions has, however, been investigated in smaller studies and observational studies, which is why a range of wound dressings are now equipped with colloidal silver to support antibacterial wound healing.
Colloidal silver applications: internal use
While some studies have been conducted on external use and its effectiveness has been partly confirmed, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever that taking colloidal silver is an effective treatment.
Internal use of colloidal silver is primarily intended to stimulate cell growth, strengthen the immune system and have a detoxifying effect. Whether for neurodermatitis, Lyme disease, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract or gums, colds, or even depression and allergies, silver water seems 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 taken 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.
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 taking silver water internally, the dosage should always be monitored and the remedy should be taken alongside plenty of water . It should also be noted that taking colloidal silver should never replace a course of treatment, but only complement it.
Usually, a small teaspoonful is taken daily until symptoms are relieved . However, it should not be taken for longer than two weeks, or only for as long as agreed with an appropriate therapist .
Also note that you should not drink large amounts of colloidal silver.
Making colloidal silver with distilled water
Because colloidal silver loses its effectiveness over time, it is recommended that you make it whenever you need it. 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%).
Most commercially available generators have two silver rods. The rods connected to the silver generator are immersed in heated, distilled water, where they begin to release 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 targeted. If tap water, mineral water, or salty 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 takes more time, the finished colloidal silver is of very high quality. If you would like to try making silver water with distilled water yourself, you can buy suitable distilled water as well as twice-distilled water from our Medicalcorner24 online shop
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From distilled water to silver water - here's how
Preparation: Thoroughly clean the glass container with distilled water to ensure that impurities do not affect the quality of the colloidal silver
Filling with water: Fill the glass container with distilled water. The amount depends on how much colloidal silver you want to make.
Setting up the electrodes: Attach an alligator clip to the end of each silver rod or silver wire. Make sure the silver rods do not touch each other when submerged in water.
Connecting to the power source: Connect the free ends of the alligator clips to the power supply. Make sure each clip is connected to a terminal to form a circuit.
Setting the voltage: Set the power supply to a low voltage, ideally between 24 and 30 volts. Excessively high voltage can lead to a rapid release of silver particles, which can affect the quality of the colloidal silver.
Starting the process: Turn on the power supply. You should soon see small bubbles forming on the silver rods - a sign that the silver release process has begun.
Electrolysis duration: The time required to produce a specific concentration of colloidal silver depends on the current setting and the amount of water. As a general rule of thumb, let the process run 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 yellow tint may indicate the formation of colloidal silver. If necessary, use a conductivity tester to check the concentration of silver in the water.
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Colloidal silver: Alternative treatment options
Many people swear by colloidal silver as a remedy. However, there are also other natural treatments with 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 and have been studied more extensively in Germany than colloidal silver.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Tea tree oil (is obtained from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and is 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 called “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, it is a genus of plants in the daisy family)
|
Helpful for colds Strengthens the immune system |
Possible allergic reactions Limited antimicrobial effect Usually only helps with prevention |
|
Aloe vera (a plant whose leaf gel is used for various purposes)
|
Promotes wound healing Generally well tolerated |
Limited antimicrobial effect May have a laxative effect when taken internally |
A suitable method should always be selected based on the intended use and taking personal tolerance into account.
It should be noted that colloidal silver is not approved as a medicinal product in Germany, whereas other methods, such as echinacea, have been studied more extensively.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
What is silver water?
Colloidal silver, also known as “silver water,” is a natural substance that was used before the development of modern anti-inflammatory and anti-infective agents such as antibiotics to treat internal and external infections. Unlike synthetically or semi-synthetically produced active ingredients, silver water consists only of silver particles dissolved in distilled water, and thanks to its biological composition, it has become an established part of alternative medicine. Silver water is currently not approved as a medicinal product in Germany, which is why it is often sold as a facial toner or as ultrapure water for technical purposes.
How dangerous is colloidal silver?
Colloidal silver as a medicine is largely unresearched in clinical studies. It is therefore not possible to classify it definitively as either dangerous or safe. It is known that silver can kill bacteria and viruses. However, increased intake can lead to health problems because silver is not naturally 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 for its effectiveness and for potential side effects—the assessment of the product is based solely on user reports . Any side effects may, of course, also be attributable to contaminated or low-quality products or improper use.
What does colloidal silver look like?
The color of colloidal water depends largely on the particle size of the silver particles . When silver ions are obtained through electrolysis, they are so small that 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 can be different sizes , which can cause the solution to take on a color ranging from yellowish to brownish , depending on how it refracts light.
The color of colloidal silver therefore provides information about the manufacturing process. Quality characteristics can be inferred from its cloudiness—a high-quality product should always be clear and transparent because cloudiness indicates contamination.
What does ppm stand for?
Ppm is not a unit of weight, but a unit for expressing proportions. 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, which leads to 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, an electric current must be passed through silver rods for longer, which causes more of the precious metal to dissolve. However, this creates not more particles, but larger silver particles. What matters for the quality of colloidal silver is its total surface area, which is greater with many small particles than with a few larger ones. The optimal particle density is usually found at concentrations of 10 to 25 ppm. With longer electrolysis, although 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 for dogs, cats, horses, and livestock, with no known problems or side effects reported. It is often used in the form of drops for conditions such as conjunctivitis, ear infections, or open wounds. Homemade creams based on colloidal silver are also frequently used. Many pet owners and farmers also rely on this remedy for mouth conditions and gum inflammation.
Can colloidal silver be used daily?
Daily use of colloidal silver is not necessary. When taken internally, colloidal silver is used in specific emergency situations in which the immune system appears to be significantly overburdened - for example, during flu season, in cases of severe infections, or when health problems arise while traveling. However, it is not a dietary supplement intended for daily use and should not be used purely as a preventive measure.
