Silver has been used for many centuries to treat ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, general fatigue, as well as flus and the common cold. Colloidal silver is a homeopathic nutritional supplement composed of nano-sized silver particles, in very small increments, suspended in ionized water, and is taken internally or applied to the skin. Colloidal silver is readily available and widely used as a natural supplement for adults as well as children.
Current Use for Children
A colloidal silver supplement is a popular homeopathic alternative treatment option for children, often used instead of, or in addition to, antibiotics. It is also thought to be helpful in boosting the immune system to help fight all sorts of viruses and infections.
Colloidal silver is a relatively safe option for children, if used with caution and moderation, but long-term use and high doses can lead to trouble. Silver particles in high concentrations have demonstrated the potential for argyria, a harmful disease of silver toxicity. This buildup of silver salts causes an ashen gray appearance to the skin externally and contaminates organs on a microscopic level. The amount of silver found in tissues is directly proportionate to how much is consumed. So proper dosage of colloidal silver, especially with children, is extremely important.
Dosage
Since there is such a stigma attached to the use of colloidal silver, it is best to use extreme care. Minute doses in short-term intervals is most likely the safest option for using colloidal silver when treating children.
Preparation of products may vary among manufacturers of colloidal silver products. Refer to the individual bottles for recommended dosage, making sure to account for the size and weight of the child accurately, to prevent any toxicity. Take extra care to use a reliable brand that has a business history and reliable production techniques.
There are many plans available on the Internet for DIY colloidal silver; the drawback of this is the inability to regulate dosage, and it is not a safe option for use with children, especially since their small bodies can quickly absorb extreme levels of silver.
Effectiveness
Many companies market their colloidal silver products to treat major illnesses such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes and other infectious diseases with no substantiated evidence to support these claims. Despite this fact, and the possible side effects, colloidal silver is still widely used as a natural antibiotic.
History of Silver as Medicine
The historical use of the mineral silver by mankind is long and wide spread. Medical records have cases of doctors using silver as medicine starting in eighth-century Persia. Traditionally, silver has been used for epilepsy, mental disorders, sinus infections, heart palpitations and burns, as well as hundreds of other applications. It has been utilized in numerous forms such as pills, creams, sprays and elixirs, mostly for preventing infection.
Modern Medical Silver
Physicians use of injected silver and silver nitrate capsules as an internal treatment has declined in the past few decades, due to problems associated with its use. Since 1975 the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary have not listed colloidal silver products for use as medicine.
Something to consider, though, is that therapeutic doses typically used in modern medicine are going to be greater than a homeopathic dose, which is minute by nature. Colloidal silver is homeopathic and purposefully made to be a very weak concentration.
Cautions
Consumption of large doses of colloidal silver cannot only create argyria, it can result in a coma, pleural edema or blood thinning, and has been attributed to some fatalities. Silver salts can be deposited in vital organs leading to irreversible damage.
Consider the potential side effects seriously; colloidal silver should be used in short, controlled durations.
In 1999 the FDA issued a rule stating that all over-the-counter products containing colloidal silver or silver salts, for internal or external use, cannot make claims of healing efforts toward any particular ailments or diseases.
References
- "Colloidal Silver: Risk Without Benefit"; Stephen Barrett, M.D.; 2005
- Dermatology Journal: "Systemic argyria associated with ingestion of colloidal silver"; Akhil Wadhera, M.D., Max Fung, M.D.; 2005
- Colloidal Silver: Natural Standard Monograph; Natural Standard Database; accessed 4/21/2010.
- Patient and Consumer Information on Colloidal Silver; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database; accessed 4/19/2010.
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