Alternative Medicine’s Answer to Seasonal Wellness—A Three-Part Series

Posted by Ben:

Kids are back in school and the weather is quickly shifting towards winter temps and diminishing sunlight. What does that mean? The potential for sickness and illness is nearing its peak. What are you doing to support your immune system and maintain good health? There are numerous over-the-counter drugs that claim to be effective, but not everyone wants to go that route. So, this week I’m doing a three-part series on alternative options for protecting your health this season.
 

Part One: Silver, AKA Colloidal Silver.

 

Silver has been used for years as a natural remedy for a long list of infectious ailments. In fact, its medicinal use dates back centuries. In the early 1900s, silver gained regulatory approval in the US as an antimicrobial agent. However, the use of silver diminished with the introduction of antibiotics in the early 1940s. Prior to 1938, silver was used as a germicide and disinfectant. Physicians used it for various infections and sometimes internally for certain conditions, including the common cold.
 

Colloidal Silver is a solution of microscopic particles of pure silver suspended in water by a positive electric charge on each particle. The particles remain suspended throughout the solution because these positive charged particles repel each other with a greater force than gravity can exert upon.
 

How does colloidal silver work?

 
First off, the Mayo Clinic states that, “Colloidal silver isn't considered safe or effective for any of the health claims manufacturers make. Nor is it an essential mineral, as some sellers of silver products claim.” They say no solid scientific research has been done to validate any health claims that have been used for silver. However, they also state, “Colloidal silver products also may interact with medications, including penicillamine, quinolones, tetracycline and thyroxine medications,” leading this blogger to wonder how they can ascertain this without testing?


On the flip side, writer Renee Holmes shares the beliefs held by many in the natural health movement:
 

According to Herbal Remedies, an internet site that carries natural remedies, colloidal silver is safe for all life forms, including humans and pets. Herbal Remedies claims that colloidal silver works differently than antibiotics, leaving the beneficial enzymes intact while still destroying infection in the body. The product can also be used in gardens to destroy fungal and viral attacks on plants.

Colloidal Silver is said to be effective against all sorts of illness, including acne, fungal infections, viral infections, bacterial infections, and the list goes on. Although not many side effects have been reported, many long-term users have been noted to have a change in skin color from a natural tone to blue due to the silver’s properties.

 
There are thousands of testimonials and stories that support of the power of silver to protect good health. Unfortunately, until there is credible scientific inquiry into silver’s potential health benefits (research and studies), testimonials are all we have. However, many critics of modern medicine point to the fact that regulatory agencies have been eyeing silver in recent years, possibly trying to place silver under their control. The critics ask, “If it doesn’t do anything, why the need for regulation?”
 

Be sure to check back on Wednesday for part 2 of my report on Alternative Medicine’s Answer to Seasonal Wellness. Until then, please share your stories/testimonials about silver (or other natural alternatives).

 
Posted by Ben