The Colloidal silver reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Colloidal silver

Colloidal silver is silver in very fine particles, suspended in water. It can be prepared by any of several methods:

• Electrical method: Pass 12-30 volts through two silver electrodes in mineralized (salt) water for 2-3 minutes per glass. Put a small light bulb in the circuit. If the bulb lights, the water is conducting and the process starts. If not, add a little salt. Use to disinfect unsafe water (as while camping).
• Commercial method (e.g., Micropur): use 0.3-0.32% solution. Use 1 drop for 2 liters of water, or approximately 2 drops per gallon. Wait 20 min to drink.

Colloidal silver has been claimed to kill various microorganisms. Continued ingestion of colloidal silver may result in argyria. Colloidal silver is good for application on (even non-healing) wounds / burns (req. higher concentration of Ag).

While high concentrations of colloidal silver will certainly kill many bacteria in vitro, the use of colloidal silver as an internal (in vivo) medicine is controversial. In 1999 the US FDA has banned over-the-counter sales of such products, or their advertisement as providing health benefits. In 2002, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration made a similar ruling [1].

External links

http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/PhonyAds/silverad.html