Silver Ions Bust Through Bacterial Biofilms

A number of new studies demonstrate conclusively that antimicrobial silver busts through bacterial biofilms, and can even prevent microbes from forming biofilms. 

This is important news, because biofilms are the protective “fort”-like structures erected by colonies of pathogens in order to evade the effects of antibiotic drugs. 

Here’s what current clinical research is demonstrating about this most remarkable quality of antimicrobial silver…

Hi, Steve Barwick here, for www.TheSilverEdge.com...

It’s estimated that up to 80% of all infections involve biofilms, including but not limited to urinary tract infections, catheter infections, middle ear infections, dental plaque infections, gingivitis (i.e., gum infections), chronic sinusitis, burn wound infections, bone infections and some heart and lung infections as well.

Bacterial biofilms are essentially “slime cities” of pathogens protected by an “extracellular matrix” constructed of (and held together by) proteins and polysaccharides commonly referred to as extracellular polymeric substances (i.e., EPS).

After adhering to a surface, the bacteria begin secreting the proteins and polysaccharides which are in turn used to build the protective matrix around the bacterial colony as it grows.  This in turn acts as a “fort,” so to speak, making the colonies of pathogens far more difficult to kill even with the strongest of antibiotics. 

These bacterial biofilms are one of the main ways bacteria are able to defeat the effects of antibiotic drugs, other than through mutation.    

Thankfully, researchers are discovering that colloidal silver – in the form of silver ions – can effectively impair bacterial biofilms by destabilizing the protective extracellular matrix constructed around them.

In other words, the silver ions essentially poke holes in the walls of the bacterial “fort,” causing the walls to begin to crumble, and exposing the pathogens hiding inside.

New Study:

Silver Ions Bust Through Biofilms

In this study, published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (Dec. 2005, American Society for Microbiology) it was revealed that the extracellular matrix around Staphylococci epidermis biofilms have been found to be "markedly impaired" by very low levels of silver ions.

According to the study authors, silver ions destabilize the extracellular polymeric substances (i.e., EPS) of which the biofilm matrix is constructed and held together. 

The study authors state:

"Our AFM studies on the intermolecular forces within the extracellular polymeric substances of S. epidermidis RP62A and S. epidermidis 1457 biofilms suggest that the silver ions can destabilize the biofilm matrix by binding to electron donor groups of the biological molecules.

...This leads to reductions in the number of binding sites for hydrogen bonds and electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions and, hence, the destabilization of the biofilm structure...

...After the addition of silver ions and within 60 min of contact, the overall structure of the biofilm became partially destroyed and the inner structure of biofilm was exposed.

There were also significant amounts of EPSs around the damaged biofilm colony, confirming the effect of silver ions on the grown biofilm matrix."

Now that’s quite a mouthful, isn’t it? 

But in plain English the study authors are saying, essentially, that the silver ions destabilize the biofilms through an electro-chemical process that ultimately robs the biofilms of their structural integrity. 

The extracellular matrix, or “fort” that’s been constructed around the bacterial biofilm colonies begin to fall apart, thereby exposing the pathogens. 

Importantly, the silver ions can accomplish this within 60 minutes of exposure to the biofilms, and at very low levels.

The study authors focused on two different strains of Staphylococci epidermis --  a Staph bacteria of the skin that’s very similar to Staphylococcus aureus of MRSA fame.

Additional Evidence of Silver’s

Ability to Eliminate Bacterial Biofilms

Other pathogens such as Psuedomonas aureginosa are also known to protect their colonies from the effects of antibiotic drugs with biofilms. 

In another study, this one published in the journal Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, (Vol. 79, Issue 2, Sept. 2010), titled “Silver Nanoparticles Impede Biofilm Formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis”…

…it was demonstrated that a staggering 95% inhibition of biofilm formation could be achieved within 24 hours simply by treating the Pseudomonas microorganism with silver nanoparticles.

This may be one reason why colloidal silver is so effective against Pseudomonas infections, as well. 

Plaque on teeth is also a protective biofilm produced by dental pathogens.  Interestingly enough, in the past, silver has also been shown -- both in animal studies and in research for a dental patent -- to help rid teeth of plaque. 

Even E. coli bacteria have been known to produce biofilms.  And of course, E. coli is another pathogen known to be susceptible to the infection-fighting qualities of antimicrobial silver.

Even Works Against Fungal Biofilms

In another study, published in the journal Biofouling, titled “Silver Colloidal Nanoparticles:  Antifungal Effect Against Adhered Cells and Biofilms of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata,” it was found that silver nanoparticles exhibited fungicidal activity against two species of fungi “at very low concentrations.”

More importantly, it was discovered that the silver nanoparticles were effective in inhibiting biofilm formation by these fungi – in other words, the silver prevented the fungi from building biofilms. 

However, the researchers found that in the case of these two fungi, the silver nanoparticles were not quite as effective in breaking down existing fungal biofilm formations.

More Biofilm-Producing Bacteria Susceptible to Silver

In a more recent study published in June 2013 the journal Science Translational Medicine, titled “Silver Enhances Antibiotic Activity Against Gram-Negative Bacteria,” it was revealed by the study authors that silver treated bacteria weren’t even able to produce a biofilm at all, and that when drug-resistant biofilms were treated with silver, the bacterial resistance to antibiotic drugs was completely negated. 

“Overall, what we show is that small amounts of silver, non-toxic levels, can be used in conjunction with commonly used antibiotics to treat persistent infection and to treat bio-film based infections, which are problematic for medical implants,” study author Jim Collins said.

Also quite interesting is a 2001 press release from a company called NVID International, Inc., developers of a disinfectant product called Axenohl, which is “an ionic silver-based antimicrobial technology.”

Axenohl, composed of stabilized ionic silver, was tested in the municipal drinking water system in Grecia, Costa Rica, which had become non-potable (i.e., non-drinkable) due to coliform bacteria contamination.  

As a result of the use of only 78 parts per billion Axenohl in the city’s water supply – a remarkably small amount of silver -- the bacterial count decreased from over 200 CFU (i.e., coliform forming units) per 100 ml water to zero CFU per 100 ml water, in only 10 days. 

Moreover, “Axenohl proved to control and reduce the presence and growth of biofilm in the piping distribution network.”

So thanks in large part to recent research, it’s becoming abundantly clear that in many cases, silver is able to either inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilms, or even bust through and destroy existing biofilms, depending upon the type of pathogen involved. 

This is great news, because it demonstrates another important quality possessed by antimicrobial silver which is not possessed by Big Pharma’s failing prescription antibiotic drugs. 

And it offers new hope that antimicrobial silver will ultimately be recognized as the solution to the growing problem of drug-resistant pathogens.

Learn More…

If you’d like to learn more about the immune-boosting and infection-fighting qualities of colloidal silver, feel free to check out some of my other short articles by clicking the link in this sentence. 

To read how hundreds of experienced colloidal silver users have successfully used colloidal silver for literally dozens of different health conditions, just click the link in this sentence. 

And to learn how to make your own high-quality colloidal silver, in the comfort and privacy of your own home, for less than 36 cents a quart, just click the link in this sentence. 

Meanwhile, I’ll be back next week with another great article on making and using colloidal silver…

 Yours for the safe, sane and responsible use of colloidal silver,

Steve Barwick, author
The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual

Helpful Links:

FREE Colloidal Silver Safe Dosage Report

Colloidal Silver Secrets Group on Facebook

Make Your Own Colloidal Silver for Pennies

.999 Pure Silver Wire for Making Colloidal Silver

Subscribe to the Colloidal Silver Secrets Ezine

Videos on Making and Using Colloidal Silver

Real-Life Colloidal Silver Success Stories

Colloidal Silver Update (News & Views)

The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual

The Colloidal Silver Secrets Video

Colloidal Silver Cures MRSA

Colloidal Silver Kills Viruses

Colloidal Silver Secrets blog

Meet Steve Barwick

                                                                                                                                                  

Important Note and Disclaimer:  The contents of this Ezine have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Information conveyed herein is from sources deemed to be accurate and reliable, but no guarantee can be made in regards to the accuracy and reliability thereof.  The author, Steve Barwick, is a natural health journalist with over 30 years of experience writing professionally about natural health topics.  He is not a doctor.  Therefore, nothing stated in this Ezine should be construed as prescriptive in nature, nor is any part of this Ezine meant to be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.  Nothing reported herein is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  The author is simply reporting in journalistic fashion what he has learned during the past 17 years of journalistic research into colloidal silver and its usage.  Therefore, the information and data presented should be considered for informational purposes only, and approached with caution.  Readers should verify for themselves, and to their own satisfaction, from other knowledgeable sources such as their doctor, the accuracy and reliability of all reports, ideas, conclusions, comments and opinions stated herein.  All important health care decisions should be made under the guidance and direction of a legitimate, knowledgeable and experienced health care professional.  Readers are solely responsible for their choices.  The author and publisher disclaim responsibility and/or liability for any loss or hardship that may be incurred as a result of the use or application of any information included in this Ezine. 

Copyright 2013 | Life & Health Research Group, LLC | PO Box 1239 | Peoria AZ 85380-1239 | All rights reserved.

Colloidal Silver Blue Man Paul Karason Dies

Since 2008 when he first appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Paul Karason, the so-called “colloidal silver blue man” became the poster boy for argyria, the rare condition in which the skin becomes stained gray or blue due to excessive consumption of silver.

Internet sites dubbed him “Papa Smurf”…late night comedians poked fun at him… television news programs created a circus sideshow freak atmosphere around him…and colloidal silver naysayers used him as an example of what will (supposedly) happen to you should you even so much as glance sideways at a bottle of colloidal silver. 

But through it all, Karason remained the ultimate gentleman, always optimistically cheerful and quick-witted, with a self-deprecating sense of humor that won the hearts of many.  His death from heart disease, apparently due to his heavy tobacco smoking, was unrelated to his colloidal silver usage.  His passing saddens us all. 

Hi, Steve Barwick here, for www.TheSilverEdge.com...

You’ve probably heard by now that Paul Karason, the so-called ‘colloidal silver blue man,” passed away on Monday, September 23, 2013, at 62 years old, after suffering a heart attack followed by a stroke. 

This, according to an article on NBCNews.com’s Today Health website.

You’ll likely also remember that Karason’s rise to television and internet media fame back in 2008 largely took place after his original appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, in which he admitted that it was his excessive, long-term usage of colloidal silver that turned his facial skin blue.

What Causes Argyria?

The blue skin-staining from excessive ingestion of silver substances over long periods of time is a condition known as argyria.

The condition typically results after months or years of abusive usage of colloidal silver or related silver products, in which higher levels of silver are ingested on a regular basis than the body’s normal channels of elimination can handle. 

The excess silver particles gradually get pushed out to the skin by the body in an attempt to eliminate them.  That’s because the skin is the body’s third major organ of elimination after the liver and kidneys.

But once those silver particles reach the skin, they remain trapped there, and become “tarnished” upon exposure to sunlight.  This “tarnish” – much like a photographic process -- is what stains the skin a gray or bluish color.

While argyria is considered to be extremely rare – 20 or 30 documented cases in the last 20 years, compared to literally millions of responsible colloidal silver users who have suffered no problems whatsoever – it is nevertheless cosmetically unappealing. 

Most importantly of all, argyria is usually quite permanent.  However, there have been a few cases in recent years in which a form of laser tattoo removal has effectively cleared the skin of some argyria victims if the condition was not severe.

This is why I constantly write about the need to use colloidal silver safely, sanely and responsibly.  (See here, for example.)

And it’s why I have no trouble lambasting those internet sites that claim you can drink all of the colloidal silver you want without fear of consequences.  It’s simply not true. 

Here’s the truth: 

While colloidal silver, when used in moderation, has one of the safest toxicological profiles of any nutritional supplement on the face of the earth, the long-term abusive use of colloidal silver will sooner or later bite you in the butt by causing argyria. 

And the past five years of Mr. Karason’s life have been a public testimony to that fact. 

Karason’s Medical Problems Not Caused By Silver

Karason’s original appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show was followed by repeat appearances on MSNBC’s The Today Show. 

His story was also featured in literally hundreds of news articles in print publications, as well as in online news sources from around the world.

When some news stories suggested Mr. Karason’s health was in grave danger from his excessive usage of colloidal silver, the MSNBC Today Show had Mr. Karason undergo an extensive series of medical tests looking for signs of silver-induced toxicity.

But after examining the results of his medical tests, Karason’s doctor had to admit that other than the argyric skin-staining, he could find no additional medical problems that could be attributed to the silver. 

Karason’s blood work was normal.  His kidney and liver function were normal. And there were no signs of toxicity.

In short, the only consequence of his long-term and abusive use of colloidal silver was the argyric skin-staining.

Was Heavy Smoking a Contributing Factor?

According to Karason’s widow, he was a very heavy tobacco smoker. 

This apparently led to his recent battle with heart disease and ultimately to his premature death, just as it has with so many tens of millions of heavy smokers around the world.

But could his heavy tobacco smoking have also led to his argyric skin-staining?  That’s an interesting question.  Of course, there’s no way to know for sure.  But consider this: 

According to the “Quit Smoking” page on About.com, “Cigarette smoking speeds up the production of free radicals which in turn depletes levels of important antioxidants in the body.” 

This is vital to understand, because the body’s ability to effectively metabolize, process and eliminate silver depends in large part upon the presence of key antioxidant nutrients such as:

• Vitamin E (which tobacco smoking is known to deplete from the body’s tissues)

• Selenium (which tobacco smoking is known to deplete)

• And glutathione (which benzenes and cadmium from tobacco smoking are known to deplete)

So the very same antioxidant nutrients known to be needed by the human body in the metabolism, processing and elimination of silver are regularly depleted from the body by heavy tobacco smoking. 

So if smoking depletes these key antioxidant nutrients, it is at least theoretically possible that Mr. Karason’s heavy tobacco smoking may well have contributed not only to his heart disease, but also to his body’s inability to fully rid itself of the excessive levels of silver he was consuming. 

Though I admit there are no clinical studies to back-up my conjecture, it would nevertheless seem prudent that colloidal silver users might also want to take steps to limit activities such as heavy tobacco smoking, since this is known to deplete the body’s levels of the key nutrient antioxidants needed to metabolize and process silver.

At the very least, regular colloidal silver users should take heed, and make sure their diet contains plenty of the key antioxidant nutrients known to help the body effectively metabolize silver such as vitamin E, selenium and N-acetyl-cysteine (which helps increase the body’s stores of glutathione). 

As Dr. Jonathan Wright, M.D., has pointed out regarding colloidal silver and antioxidants in the past:

“Silver belongs to the family of metals that also includes copper and gold (both of which can also have numerous health benefits when they're used properly).

One of the primary concerns people tend to have about using these metals is the risk that they'll accumulate in the body and lead to heavy metal toxicity.

But if you have plenty of antioxidants in your diet, such as selenium, vitamin E, and amino acids like N-acetyl cysteine, you're safe from any harmful effects from this family of metals. Germs, however, are not."

Let a word to the wise be sufficient.

Excessive Colloidal Silver Usage

v/s Safe, Sane and Responsible Usage

Over the years I've written extensively about Paul Karason, as well as on the subject of argyria, and on the need to use colloidal silver safely, sanely and responsibly.

I’ve done so in my book, The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual…on The Silver Edge website…on the Colloidal Silver Secrets blog…and on my Colloidal Silver Secrets page on Facebook.

The main thing I’ll always remember about Paul Karason was his gracious attitude, and the charming humor he displayed when talking about his argyric skin condition. 

He openly admitted he was making highly-concentrated solutions of colloidal silver using salt as an accelerant to boost the concentration far above normal levels. 

And by his own admission he was drinking between 10 to 20 ounces per day of this highly-concentrated colloidal silver chloride solution. Indeed, he apparently did so daily for over 10 years before his facial skin began to turn blue.

Not only that, but according to televised accounts of his colloidal silver usage, he admits he was also vigorously rubbing this concentrated colloidal silver chloride solution into his facial skin each day, in an attempt to overcome a perceived skin condition.

Of course, a normal oral dosage of colloidal silver is about a teaspoonful, which can be taken up to several times a day when sick. And a normal concentration of colloidal silver is about 10 ppm.  

What’s more, topical usage of colloidal silver is generally limited to occasional need, such as for relief from cuts, burns, bug bites, and topical fungal and bacterial infections such as athlete’s foot, toenail fungus or even MRSA.   

So not only was this gentleman’s homemade colloidal silver far more concentrated than normal (based on the colloidal silver solution he displayed on national television, I'd estimate it was about 100 ppm or higher -- i.e., 10x the normal concentration)…

…but he was also drinking dozens of times the normal daily dosage of colloidal silver (i.e., he was drinking 10-20 ounces a day rather than a few teaspoons full per day). 

And then he also rubbed these highly concentrated silver solutions into his facial skin as well, which later turned blue.

The lesson to be learned from Paul Karason’s life as the “colloidal silver blue man” is that excessive and abusive usage of colloidal silver does indeed have consequences, just as excessive usage of any natural substance inevitably will.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Paul Karason.  We do hope the news media will finally let the man have his peace.  And we ask the colloidal silver naysayers to at least show him some modicum of respect in his death.

May he always be remembered for his shy, quiet charm, his wit, and his willingness to come clean and publicly admit that he caused his own problem through his long-term abusive usage of colloidal silver. 

Learn More…

You can learn more about the "colloidal silver blue man" and argyria, as well as how to determine a safe, daily colloidal silver dosage based on your body weight and the ppm of the colloidal silver you’re using, in the articles at the following links:

• A New Colloidal Silver "Blue Man" Becomes a Media Darling

• MSNBC and the Colloidal Silver “Blue Man”

• Is Argyria a Side Effect of Colloidal Silver Usage?

• Avoiding Argyria and Other Side Effects When Taking Colloidal Silver

• Colloidal Silver: Harmful to the Human Body?

• Is Colloidal Silver Safe to Use?

• How Much Colloidal Silver Can You Take Safely Each Day?

You can also learn how to make your own high-quality colloidal silver, quickly and easily, and for less than 36 cents a quart, by clicking the link in this sentence. 

I’ll be back next week with another great article on colloidal silver…

Yours for the safe, sane and responsible use of colloidal silver,

Steve Barwick, author
The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual

Helpful Links:

FREE Colloidal Silver Safe Dosage Report

Colloidal Silver Secrets Group on Facebook

Make Your Own Colloidal Silver for Pennies

.999 Pure Silver Wire for Making Colloidal Silver

Subscribe to the Colloidal Silver Secrets Ezine

Videos on Making and Using Colloidal Silver

Real-Life Colloidal Silver Success Stories

Colloidal Silver Update (News & Views)

The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual

The Colloidal Silver Secrets Video

Colloidal Silver Cures MRSA

Colloidal Silver Kills Viruses

Colloidal Silver Secrets blog

Meet Steve Barwick

                                                                                                                                                 

Important Note and Disclaimer:  The contents of this Ezine have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Information conveyed herein is from sources deemed to be accurate and reliable, but no guarantee can be made in regards to the accuracy and reliability thereof.  The author, Steve Barwick, is a natural health journalist with over 30 years of experience writing professionally about natural health topics.  He is not a doctor.  Therefore, nothing stated in this Ezine should be construed as prescriptive in nature, nor is any part of this Ezine meant to be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.  Nothing reported herein is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  The author is simply reporting in journalistic fashion what he has learned during the past 17 years of journalistic research into colloidal silver and its usage.  Therefore, the information and data presented should be considered for informational purposes only, and approached with caution.  Readers should verify for themselves, and to their own satisfaction, from other knowledgeable sources such as their doctor, the accuracy and reliability of all reports, ideas, conclusions, comments and opinions stated herein.  All important health care decisions should be made under the guidance and direction of a legitimate, knowledgeable and experienced health care professional.  Readers are solely responsible for their choices.  The author and publisher disclaim responsibility and/or liability for any loss or hardship that may be incurred as a result of the use or application of any information included in this Ezine. 

Copyright 2013 | Life & Health Research Group, LLC | PO Box 1239 | Peoria AZ 85380-1239 | All rights reserved.

Colloidal Silver and Valley Fever: Anecdotal Accounts

Experts say Valley Fever is on the rise in the western United States, with tens of thousands of deaths every year.

Can the fungal infection behind this dread disease be eradicated with colloidal silver? 

Here’s what we know so far…

Hi, Steve Barwick here, for www.TheSilverEdge.com...

According to a recent Associated Press article, a fungal infection called Valley Fever is striking tens of thousands of people in the western U.S. farming regions.

And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says the annual rate of hospitalizations for Valley Fever have doubled over the past 12 years in California alone, costing more than $2 billion in hospital charges.

Valley Fever is “a potentially lethal but often misdiagnosed disease infecting more and more people around the nation,” and “has been on the rise as warming climates and drought have kicked up the dust that spreads it,” according to the AP.

Experts explain that the disease is caused by a fungal spore called Coccidioides that lives in dirt and is kicked up when the wind blows over dry, parched areas.

It can be contracted, apparently, “by simply breathing in the fungus-laced spores from dust disturbed by wind as well as by human or animal activity.”

In other words, anything that stirs the dirt up, stirs the fungus up with it.  And if you breathe it in, you could end up with an infection that could potentially take your life.

Apparently, the number of cases of Valley Fever rose by more than 850 percent from 1998 through 2011 (the last year for which figures are presently available) when there were nearly 22,000 cases in California and Arizona alone, and an estimated 150,000 cases nationwide. 

Experts expect the rise to continue as dry weather causes additional drought condition.

According to the AP article:

"Valley Fever is a very common problem here, and it devastates people's lives," said Dr. Royce Johnson, professor of medicine at UCLA and chief of infectious diseases at Kern Medical Center.

"But many patients don't know about it, and some physicians are only vaguely aware of it because half of our physicians come from out of state."

Dale Pulde, a motorcycle mechanic in Los Angeles County, said he contracted the disease three years ago after traveling to Bakersfield in Kern County and was coughing so hard he was blacking out; he spit blood and couldn't catch his breath.

For two months, doctors tested him for everything from tuberculosis to cancer until blood tests confirmed he had the fever.

After two lung operations, Pulde gave up his job and is on disability. He says he has to take anti-fungal medication that costs him more than $2,000 per month out of pocket.

He had to sell his house in Sylmar, Calif., to raise money for his treatment.”

Obviously, a Valley Fever infection is nothing to sneeze at.  And apparently it’s very difficult to cure even with the best medical treatment.

Colloidal Silver to the Rescue?

Unfortunately, I’ve seen no clinical evidence whatsoever that colloidal silver would be effective for this particular fungal infection. 

But I have been privy to one very interesting and enlightening anecdotal account of colloidal silver curing a very serious case of what was thought to be Valley Fever, which I’ll share with you in just a moment.

Of course, colloidal silver has been demonstrated in clinical studies to be effective against a variety of fungal pathogens – sometimes even more effective than the top prescription antifungal drugs. 

For example, one recent study demonstrated colloidal silver to be more effective than the powerful prescription antifungal drug Amphotericin B (i.e., Fungizone), as well as more effective than Fluconazole (i.e., Diflucan) against Candida yeast fungal pathogens and Trichophyton (i.e., the cause of athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm) fungal pathogens. 

Colloidal silver is also used in textiles for its broad array of antifungal properties, as documented in this clinical study titled Antifungal Textiles Formed Using Silver Deposition in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide.

And as far back as 1976, Dr. Robert O. Becker, M.D. and associates demonstrated the powerful antifungal properties of electrically generated silver ions in their study, Antifungal Properties of Electrically Generated Metallic Silver Ions.

More recent studies (see here and here) have demonstrated colloidal silver nanoparticles to have a profound antifungal effect against the biofilms (i.e., protective coatings) of fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Candida glabrata as well as a profound effectiveness the pathogens themselves.

And a clinical study titled The Silver Nanoparticle: A New Model for Antifungal Agents documents the phenomenal effectiveness of antimicrobial silver against fungal pathogens.

What’s more, anecdotal accounts demonstrate colloidal silver to be astonishingly effective against the fungal pathogen that causes toenail fungus, as well.  

And of course, many people use colloidal silver for athlete’s foot and other topical infections, as documented in this article. 

An Interesting Anecdotal Account

So it comes as no surprise to me, really, that I would receive the following very interesting anecdotal account from a reader who used colloidal silver against what he claims to be a very serious case of Valley Fever, and beat the dread disease. 

Here’s his dramatic story:

“I’ve been retired since January of 2009. We’ve spent the last three winters around Wickenberg Arizona.

We enjoy prospecting and finding gold. We had been in Arizona for approximately three months. The last week we were in Arizona I became sick, nauseated and just felt awful.

We’ve had a Silver Edge colloidal silver machine for about 5 years. We received the machine as a present from my mother.

We always take the machine with us, so I took a small amount of colloidal silver for 2 days and felt better. Then we decided to head for home.

We had just arrived home when the sickness hit me again so I started back on the silver, taking about 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup at night.

It didn't seem to help me. I was drastically losing my breathing capability, sweating profusely at night and I felt like I was going to check out.

On about the third day I could hardly get any breath. I called my mother and explained the situation to her.

Mom asked how much silver had I been taking. I told her about 1/2 cup night and morning. I also told her about the sweating and that I had lost 25 pounds in about 3 days.
Mom told me to drink all of the colloidal silver I could stand through the day and night. I did what mom told me to do.

I had talked to mom on the morning of the third day, and by noon the next day I was feeling way better and knew that I was on the way to recovery.

About four days after I had started drinking full glasses (12 ounces per glass) I had pretty much recovered from the sickness.

I had lost 32 pounds in a little over a week’s time. I was still quite weak but my appetite had come back and I was on the mend.

I later found out from some friends who also winter in the same area that I had Valley Fever, which I believe is from some kind of a spore in the ground where the ocean had been. I had been dry washing and I was breathing dust from that.

After my episode, I heard that 11 people die from Valley Fever each year. I’m therefore very thankful for colloidal silver.

I’m also diabetic, which means cuts and scratches in the leg or feet are sometimes difficult to heal. If I get a scratch or a cut on my legs, I rub colloidal silver up and down where the wound is. The silver heals the wound twice as fast.

I also use the colloidal silver for athlete's foot -- clears it up immediately. 

My relative uses the silver water for earaches. And we use it to clear the sinuses, which helps keep us from getting colds.

We give our dog the silver water almost weekly. And all of our neighbors in the Challis, Idaho area that live close to us borrow ours all of the time.

Some have purchased the Silver Edge machines. And we’ve purchased the machines and have given them away as gifts to our kids and relatives. I will not go anywhere without my machine. Thank you,

-- Mike T., Challis, ID

Not Proof of Efficacy

Of course, anecdotal accounts like the one above are not proof of efficacy.  Nor would I ever recommend the extremely high dosages of colloidal silver described in the above account -- at least, not for long periods of time. 

(See my previous article here, on determining a safe daily dosage of colloidal silver based on your body weight and the ppm of the colloidal silver you’re using.)

And since Valley Fever can be extremely serious, even lethal, I always recommend obtaining medical treatment from a bona-fide medical health professional under such circumstances, if at all possible.

Nevertheless, as a natural health journalist I find it quite fascinating to see that a man with all of the symptoms of a very serious Valley Fever infection did indeed use colloidal silver and ultimately beat the disease, in spite of the fact that the infection at one point appeared to have been well on its way to taking his life. 

While the above anecdotal account is very interesting, it’s certainly not enough to go on to recommend colloidal silver as a nutritional adjunct for Valley Fever. 

After all, while colloidal silver’s effectiveness has indeed been studied extensively in relation to fungal pathogens, there have been no clinical studies to my knowledge on the specific fungal pathogen (Coccidioides) that causes Valley Fever. 

So no one knows for sure whether or not the pathogen is even remotely susceptible to silver (though I suspect Mike T. from the above anecdotal account wouldn’t hesitate to argue the case on behalf of colloidal silver). 

Nevertheless, I suspect if I had Valley Fever, and the doctors weren’t getting it under control, out of a sense of self-preservation I’d probably take my chances and down some large doses of colloidal silver. 

That’s not a “prescription,” mind you.  I’m just musing out loud, so to speak, about what I might do under similar circumstances at Mike T’s. 

As I stated earlier, for serious and potentially life-threatening situations, always obtain the guidance of a good, licensed medical professional whenever possible.

Here’s another interesting anecdotal account I found on the MotherJones.com website, in a comment under an article on Valley Fever.  It’s from a woman who was camping outside of Quartzsite, AZ, and who claims to have come down with a nasty case of Valley Fever and defeated it with colloidal silver:

“I had Valley Fever while dry-camping in Quartzsite, AZ, mid-Jan, 2009. Since childhood, I've craved sleep when ill.  But that time, it was more like a semi coma for 4 days and nights.

A fellow camper brought over a small glass jar of colloidal silver he'd made and told me how to use it. I started getting better within hours and continued until I felt like being up and around even though I was pretty weak for a few days.

News came later that another woman had been hospitalized for 3 weeks with pneumonia from her VF attack.

I now make and use my own colloidal silver any time I feel something like a cold coming on and it hasn't failed yet.

In spite of negative reports, hospitals are using silver-impregnated bandages and they're especially useful for burn patients. Google it to learn and decide for yourself. It's an amazing ally.”

-- Violet F.

And here’s another anecdotal report in which a woman from Central Texas ended up with a serious lung infection after breathing in a “very different type of fungal growth” that had cropped up on her property, and used colloidal silver to beat it:

Saved Me From a Fungal Infection of the Lungs! 

“Last summer, (2009) we here in Central Texas were in an exceptional drought. From May to the end of August, we had negligible rainfall.

Then in September the skies opened up and it did not hardly stop raining until the middle of October. The ground stayed soggy and saturated until late October. Nearly 24 inches of rain in those 2 months.

I had noticed on several areas of our property, a very strange white, fuzzy fungus type growth that had appeared in several places. I don’t know what this stuff was, all I know is that it was a very different type of fungal growth than I had never encountered.

Well needless to say, by the time we could get back on the lawnmower or shredder, our hay pastures and our lawn were a bit overgrown, but it had to be done. Fungus or no fungus.

I knew from the first moment that I hit one of those fungal spores with the lawn mower, I had better put a mask on.

Well the mask did NOT help. 3 days later I was the sickest I have ever been in my life. I could hardly breathe. I had the worst rattling chest I had ever heard in my life. I have been around a lot of rattlers, since emphysema was a common thing in our community. But mine was worse!!

I had no fever, just a choking cough. It just seemed like I could not ‘pull’ all the mucus out of my lungs. For the first time in my 47 years of life, I actually thought I might not make it through this.

This, of course, was against the backdrop of the supposed ‘Swine Flu’, so, of course, everyone naturally thought this is what I had. I KNEW BETTER!  In my heart of hearts, I knew that I had gotten a lung full of that fungus.

Now, I had been regularly taking a daily dose of a tablespoon of Micro-Particle Colloidal Silver for quite some time. So I started taking 1 oz. in about 16 oz of water 3x daily.

On the third day of absolutely no sleep, and drinking only broths, and using an old time remedy for lungs -- steaming with thyme -- I was seriously considering going to the emergency room. Something that I loathe!

So on that third day I upped the dose.... I started drinking the silver solution undiluted, about 6 oz 3x a day...the very next day, I was considerably better.

Now don't get me wrong, I was not out of the woods yet, but at last, I could see some light at the end of the tunnel. I am normally a very upbeat, strong-willed person, but this little episode, scared me alot. A LOT.

Within a week I was much better. DID NOT have to go to the Dr. or the ER...saving 1000's of dollars and I did not have to take the pharmaco toxics.

I wish I had taken some of that spore to have it analyzed, but I have no doubt in my mind that that is what caused my sickness. This hit me the last day of October, I was still sick on Thanksgiving.

Whatever hit me did not want to let go without a fight. I gave it to it with the Colloidal Silver...IT WON!  So did I!!

By the second week of December I was feeling much more like my old perky self. I have no doubt that without the colloidal silver, I would have been in the hospital...no doubt at all!

Thank you for your life saving product. P.S. All of our farm animals get a daily dose of this as well. Dogs & Cats too!!  NO vet bills in 2 years!!”

-- Lori F., Rockdale, TX  

While there’s no way to know whether or not that was a case of Valley Fever, it is indeed another interesting example of how a fungal infection can wreak havoc on one’s life, and how colloidal silver can come to the rescue.

Learn More About Colloidal Silver

If you’d like to learn more about the immune-boosting and infection-fighting qualities of colloidal silver, feel free to check out some of my other short articles by clicking the link in this sentence. 

To read how hundreds of experienced colloidal silver users have successfully used colloidal silver for literally dozens of different health conditions, just click the link in this sentence. 

And to learn how to make your own high-quality colloidal silver, in the comfort and privacy of your own home, for less than 36 cents a quart, just click the link in this sentence. 

Meanwhile, I’ll be back next week with another great article on making and using colloidal silver…

Yours for the safe, sane and responsible use of colloidal silver,

Steve Barwick, author
The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual

Helpful Links:

Get Your FREE Colloidal Silver Safe Dosage Report

Join the Colloidal Silver Secrets Group on Facebook

How to Make Your Own Colloidal Silver for Pennies

.999 Pure Silver Wire for Making Colloidal Silver

Subscribe to the Colloidal Silver Secrets Ezine

Videos on Making and Using Colloidal Silver

Real-Life Colloidal Silver Success Stories

Colloidal Silver Update (News & Views)

The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual

The Colloidal Silver Secrets Video

Colloidal Silver Cures MRSA

Colloidal Silver Kills Viruses

Colloidal Silver Secrets blog

Meet Steve Barwick

                                                                                                                                                  

Important Note and Disclaimer:  The contents of this Ezine have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Information conveyed herein is from sources deemed to be accurate and reliable, but no guarantee can be made in regards to the accuracy and reliability thereof.  The author, Steve Barwick, is a natural health journalist with over 30 years of experience writing professionally about natural health topics.  He is not a doctor.  Therefore, nothing stated in this Ezine should be construed as prescriptive in nature, nor is any part of this Ezine meant to be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.  Nothing reported herein is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  The author is simply reporting in journalistic fashion what he has learned during the past 17 years of journalistic research into colloidal silver and its usage.  Therefore, the information and data presented should be considered for informational purposes only, and approached with caution.  Readers should verify for themselves, and to their own satisfaction, from other knowledgeable sources such as their doctor, the accuracy and reliability of all reports, ideas, conclusions, comments and opinions stated herein.  All important health care decisions should be made under the guidance and direction of a legitimate, knowledgeable and experienced health care professional.  Readers are solely responsible for their choices.  The author and publisher disclaim responsibility and/or liability for any loss or hardship that may be incurred as a result of the use or application of any information included in this Ezine. 

Copyright 2013 | Life & Health Research Group, LLC | PO Box 1239 | Peoria AZ 85380-1239 | All rights reserved

Germ-Busting Colloidal Silver Gels and Creams

More and more people are becoming familiar with liquid colloidal silver – the world’s most powerful natural infection-fighting agent. 

But not so many people know that there are some excellent topical colloidal silver gel and cream products on the market, too. 

And fewer still know that you can make your own healing, antimicrobial colloidal silver gels and creams.  Here’s the straight scoop you won’t hear anywhere else…

Hi, Steve Barwick here, for www.TheSilverEdge.com...

I’m a huge believer in topical colloidal silver products such as colloidal silver gels and colloidal silver creams -- particularly for skin conditions like cuts, scrapes, minor burns, sunburn, bug bites, itches, rashes, acne, boils, blisters, minor skin ulcers, and more.

And in some cases, these colloidal silver gels and creams work great for more serious situations like topical MRSA infections, as well!

Unfortunately, most people don’t know about topical colloidal silver products, even though they’ve been used in hospital burn wards worldwide for decades, in the form of Silvadene Cream, containing silver sulfadiazine. 

This prescription-only silver cream is used to help prevent serious burns from becoming infected, since most burn victims don’t die of the burns, but from the subsequent bacterial infections in the dead, burnt and necrotizing skin and tissue.

Silvadene Cream is also occasionally prescribed in small tubes for serious sunburns – which is exactly the way I found out about it over 25 years ago while fishing in Colorado and coming home with a blistered face. 

The local clinic doctor took one look at me and prescribed the Silvadene Cream, which I’d never heard of at the time. But in only a few applications the pain was gone, the blisters were healing, and within days my skin looked like new!

No Surprise!

That was my original introduction to the astonishing healing power of silver.  So it’s no surprise to discover that people are getting wonderful results with topical over-the-counter colloidal silver gel and cream products, as well. 

Just as with orally ingestible liquid colloidal silver products, I don’t believe in using excessive amounts of topical colloidal silver products over long periods of time. 

And I don’t see much of a need for long-term daily usage of such products, but instead, occasional short-term use from time-to-time when the situation calls for it. 

With that in mind, here’s a brief overview of some of the topical colloidal silver products I’ve used, to good effect. 

ASAP Colloidal Silver Gel

ASAP Ultimate Skin & Body Care Gel, which contains 24 ppm colloidal silver is one of my long-time favorites topical products, and is absolutely wonderful for skin conditions. 

My 83 year old mom used this product when she had a topical MRSA outbreak, and found it to be very effective at both relieving the itch and pain, and also controlling and diminishing the infected outbreak until it completely healed. 

(This was combined with oral consumption of micro-particle colloidal silver, as well as a cleanliness program consisting of two showers a day using antimicrobial soap, and frequent changes of clothing and bed sheets to avoid re-contamination of the infected site.)

Mom continues to call me and order more of the gel, from time-to-time, whenever she feels itches or rashes she’s concerned might develop into MRSA again.  But after a few day’s worth of usage, she’s always relieved to find the situation goes away completely.

So its effectiveness is unquestioned in her mind (and mine).  And although her doctor told her that once these topical MRSA outbreaks get started in order people like her, “you just have to learn to live with them because they’ll keep coming back,” she hasn’t had another MRSA outbreak since the first one (well over a year now).

ASAP Ultimate Skin & Body Care Gel is available at SwansonVitamins.com, and at a variety of other vendors such as Amazon.com.  [Late addition:  It appears American Biotech Labs may have recently changed the name of this product to ASAP 365 Silver Gel.]

Sovereign Silver Gel

Many people also swear by a topical gel product called Sovereign Silver First Aid Gel.  This product contains both homeopathic levels of silver (10x, 20x, 30x), as well as agentum metallicum, meaning metallic silver (the amount of argentum metallicum is unspecified). 

Sovereign Silver Gel has a huge following among those knowledgeable of topical colloidal silver products, and is frequently recommended by the famous health freedom radio talk show host Robert Scott Bell.

This very popular product is also available on both SwansonVitamins.com and Amazon.com.  I’ve used it to very good effect for healing topical issues such as cuts, burns and raw, rough skin. 

Silver Miracles Gel

I’ve been experimenting with another topical gel product lately called Colloidal Silver Gel from Silver Miracles, which contains 75 ppm colloidal silver. 

While I haven’t had the opportunity to use this product on anything serious, I’ve found it to be a very soothing gel for minor skin issues such as cuts, scrapes, burns and a minor dog bite. 

I’ve been applying it to my elbows, where I’ve had patches of rough, raised skin for years, and they’re both smooth as a baby’s butt, now.  I’ve even used it on my mustache in place of mustache wax – it works great!

This product can also be found, relatively inexpensively, at Amazon.com.

Curad Silver Solution Gel

Believe it or not, the famous bandage-making company, Curad, has a topical gel product called Curad Silver Solution First Aid Antimicrobial Gel.

Curad bills this product right on the label as “Your barrier to MRSA!” -- a claim which would probably land any other colloidal silver vendor in hot water with the FDA, and have their product pulled off the market. 

I’m not sure how Curad gets away with making that label claim, considering the FDA’s strict regulations against making “drug” claims on nutritional or cosmetic products.  But so be it.  It is now generally accepted wisdom that silver is an extremely effective cure for MRSA.

The Curad product contains 55 ppm silver chloride, plus an unspecified amount of silver nitrate.  I’ve read repeatedly that people with topical skin conditions like Tinea Verticolor have found this product to be extremely helpful.

Silver Pure Cream

There's a much stronger topical colloidal silver product called Silver Pure Cream.  It's not a gel, but instead, a thick, smooth, all-natural oil-based cream. 

This product contains an astonishingly high concentration of metallic nanosilver (i.e., you can choose between 10,000 ppm and 35,000 ppm concentrations) which may be overkill for many minor situations. 

But used topically I’ve seen it work wonders on such diverse things as serious Shingles outbreaks (i.e., immediate relief from the unbearable itching, pain and inflammation), as well as for preventing infections around the site of surgical sutures in an immune-compromised individual.

I’ve even used it to heal the painful, infected and inflamed skin around my toe, caused by an ingrown toenail.  This flares up and gets infected from time to time, and when it does, just the weight of the bed sheets when I’m sleeping can be enough to cause extremely pain and discomfort. 

But each time that happens I apply the SilverPure cream several times a day, directly onto the toenail and the surrounding skin, and within a couple of days the pain, inflammation and budding infection is gone.

The manufacturer tells me he has customers using it successfully for eczema and psoriasis. 

I personally don’t recommend using this product around the eyes, ears or inside the nose due to its very high concentration of silver nanoparticles, which, in my opinion, can be migratory due to their ultra small size.  (The manufacturer disagrees with me on this.) 

This very unique, powerful and extremely concentrated product is available at www.SilverPure.com. I keep a small jar of it on hand at all times, in my emergency preparation kit, as well as on my bathroom countertop.    

Making Your Own

Some people prefer making their own colloidal silver oils and gels.  I’ve done so and have found them to be very effective.

A handful of people I’ve spoken with swear by Argan oil, mixed with a little bit of colloidal silver. 

Some people suggest a mix of three ounces of Argan oil to one ounce of 10 ppm (or higher) colloidal silver. 

Others have told me they use three drops of a 500 ppm commercial colloidal silver product mixed into a tablespoon full of Argan oil before applying to a topical skin condition.

Finally, some do-it-yourselfers like to mix one teaspoon full of 10 ppm (or higher) colloidal silver with three heaping tablespoons full of raw, virgin coconut oil, for a great, homemade topical colloidal silver cream.

Coconut oil is not only antibacterial and antiviral, but antifungal as well.  So combined with colloidal silver it offers an antimicrobial “knock out” punch second to none.

Similarly, many people swear by a mixture of pure Aloe Vera Gel and colloidal silver.  This is one of my favorite topical skin treatments, because Aloe has so many topical healing properties of its own. 

You can read my article on making your own colloidal silver gel and colloidal silver soap at this link. 

Or, you can watch my short video on how to make your own colloidal silver gel and colloidal silver soap at this link. 

Liquid Colloidal Silver

Of course, you can use plain old liquid colloidal silver topically, and to good effect.  Many people use it to cure athlete’s foot and other topical fungal infections (see my previous article, here), for example.

Others have successfully used it to cure nasty cases of Toenail Fungus (see my previous article, here). 

And of course it works wonders on cuts, burns and bug bites.

Finally, you can learn how to make your own high-quality colloidal silver – quickly and easily, in the comfort and privacy of your own home, and for less than 36 cents a quart – by clicking the link in this sentence.

I’ll be back next week with another great article on colloidal silver…

Yours for the safe, sane and responsible use of colloidal silver,

Steve Barwick, author
The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual

Helpful Links:

FREE Colloidal Silver Safe Dosage Report

Colloidal Silver Secrets Group on Facebook

Make Your Own Colloidal Silver for Pennies

.999 Pure Silver Wire for Making Colloidal Silver

Subscribe to the Colloidal Silver Secrets Ezine

Videos on Making and Using Colloidal Silver

Real-Life Colloidal Silver Success Stories

Colloidal Silver Update (News & Views)

The Ultimate Colloidal Silver Manual

The Colloidal Silver Secrets Video

Colloidal Silver Cures MRSA

Colloidal Silver Kills Viruses

Colloidal Silver Secrets blog

Meet Steve Barwick

                                                                                                                                                 

Important Note and Disclaimer:  The contents of this Ezine have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Information conveyed herein is from sources deemed to be accurate and reliable, but no guarantee can be made in regards to the accuracy and reliability thereof.  The author, Steve Barwick, is a natural health journalist with over 30 years of experience writing professionally about natural health topics.  He is not a doctor.  Therefore, nothing stated in this Ezine should be construed as prescriptive in nature, nor is any part of this Ezine meant to be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.  Nothing reported herein is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  The author is simply reporting in journalistic fashion what he has learned during the past 17 years of journalistic research into colloidal silver and its usage.  Therefore, the information and data presented should be considered for informational purposes only, and approached with caution.  Readers should verify for themselves, and to their own satisfaction, from other knowledgeable sources such as their doctor, the accuracy and reliability of all reports, ideas, conclusions, comments and opinions stated herein.  All important health care decisions should be made under the guidance and direction of a legitimate, knowledgeable and experienced health care professional.  Readers are solely responsible for their choices.  The author and publisher disclaim responsibility and/or liability for any loss or hardship that may be incurred as a result of the use or application of any information included in this Ezine. 

Copyright 2013 | Life & Health Research Group, LLC | PO Box 1239 | Peoria AZ 85380-1239 | All rights reserved.