Colloidal silver is a suspension of 99% pure silver in purified water. It is made by running electric current through silver wire in a water bath. Silver has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, and has been studied to show its effectiveness and safety. It is considered safe if used at the recommended dosages, and if you use a good quality product.
Herpes Facts
Oral and genital herpes are both caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus has seven different strains, which can affect different parts of the body. Oral herpes causes canker sores in and on the mouth. They begin as blisters and heal as scab-like sores. These herpes sores are full of the virus and cause the sufferer to be highly contagious. Genital herpes does not always cause outward symptoms but is still very contagious. In women, symptoms can include burning and itching in the vaginal region, sometimes including canker sores. In men, symptoms are fewer and mainly consist of sores on the penis. Both forms of herpes are transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact.
How Colloidal Silver Works
Colloidal silver has been shown in studies to kill a variety of viruses and bacteria very quickly, including staph and E. coli, and there is promising research with HIV. In fact, the company that makes Curad™ bandages sells a product that includes silver right in the bandage. According to the company's brochure, “Silver inhibits the growth of bacteria by deactivating the bacteria's oxygen metabolism enzymes. In turn, this destroys the bacteria's cell membranes, stopping the replication of the bacteria's DNA (utopiasilver.com/products/curad-silver-bandages/index.htm).”
Finding the Best Product
An Internet search will provide you with numerous brands of colloidal silver to choose from. You can even find directions on making it for yourself. You should look for brands that have at least 20 particles per million (ppm) in de-ionized water. Look for the Better Business Bureau seal, or ask at your local health food store for a recommendation. Some of the most popular brands are Utopia Silver and Sovereign Silver. Look for the liquid to be clear to yellow in color. If it is dark there may be impurities or the silver particles may not be as small as they should be for maximum effectiveness.
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Dosage and Use
Colloidal silver can be taken internally, and is considered safe. Follow package directions, but generally a daily dose consists of 1 tsp. You hold it under the tongue for thirty seconds, then swallow. For canker sores, apply the silver directly to the affected area. You should see improvement within twenty-four hours.
Considerations
A rare condition known as argyria has been known to affect users of silver products. This condition is harmless, but it causes the skin to take on a grayish-blue tint. Argyria is irreversible, but it is associated with low-quality silver products, or overuse of silver salts rather than colloidal silver. If you use a good-quality product and following package directions, you need not be concerned.
References
Writer Bio
Theresa L Johnston is a Southern writer with expertise in alternative medicine, gardening and behavioral and women's health issues. She has been published at http://www.ehow.com, in "The Mostly ARTzine," and has edited several newsletters. She has written procedures manuals, call scripts, and youth group curriculum for her various employers over the last 10 years.