What Is Colloidal Silver Medicine?

In the world of alternative medicine, colloidal silver is recognized as a cure-all, able to tackle virtually any ailment. While its devotees swear by it, colloidal silver has never earned FDA approval and lacks mainstream scientific research supporting its effectiveness.

Features

• Colloidal silver consists of microscopic bits of silver suspended in a liquid.

Function

• Silver possesses antibacterial, antiseptic and germicidal properties, according to SilverMedicine.org.

How It Is Used

• Colloidal silver can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.

Benefits

• When taken orally, colloidal silver has been reported to treat a wide range of health conditions, including ear infections, bronchitis, emphysema, fungal infections, Lyme disease, sinus infections, stomach ulcers, yeast infections, gastritis, gum disease, common colds and flu, according to HealthInfo.org. When applied topically, colloidal silver can be used to treat acne, burns, eye infections and assorted other skin inflammations.

Warning

• Ingesting too much colloidal silver over too long a time can lead to a condition called argyria, in which the skin turns bluish gray, according to the website of the Mayo Clinic.