What do We Know About Colloidal Silver?

Dr. Clark. This article was taken (shortened and altered) from the Dr. Clark Newsletter for practitioners, 'Finding the Way', by
courtesy of the editor, Clinical Nutritionist and practitioner Christine Doyle, PO Box 33, Carmarthen SA33 6YE, UK, Tel/Fax
+44-1994-484 682.

The 1994 issue of "Newsweek" featured a six page article, "Antibiotics, The End of Miracle Drugs?" as the cover story. "The rise
of drug-resistant germs is unparalleled in recorded history", according to the article. "Penicillin and tetracycline lost their power
over staph back in the 1950's and 60's. Another antibiotic, methicillin, provided a backup for a while, but methicillin-resistant staph
is now common in hospitals and nursing homes worldwide. Trying to cripple bacteria's defenses will not do much more than buy us
five to ten years. A better strategy might be to abandon antibiotics altogether in favor of different kinds of drugs." Not a very
pretty picture: bacteria have a tremendous ability to adapt to substances, they can and do mutate to overcome antibiotics. When
the antibiotics destroy the bacteria which are suseptible to them, they can clear the way for resistant bacteria to move in
uninhibited.

Still another problem that has plagued the medical profession from the beginning with modern antibiotics has been that beneficial
bacteria and organisms play various important, natural functions in the body. Antibiotics often play havoc with some of thee
friendly organisms, producing long lasting side effects that may be difficult to correct.

One reason that the antibiotics have been so popular in the medical field is due to the fact that they can be patented. Therefore,
the pharmaceutical companies find it financially worthwhile to keep the doctors educated in their medicines, while other products
go unnoticed. Silver, on the other hand, is not patentable and there are no huge profits in it, so it is not worth heavy promotion. The
high-priced products run over the low cost products, simply because profitable.

All of this is happening at the same time that disease bacteria are developing immunity to antibiotics all over the world. The
medical profession is alarmed.

Science Digest suggested an answer to all of these catastrophic problems back in March of 1978 in an article titled "Our Mightiest
Germ Fighter". This article by Jim Powell stated: "Thanks to eye-opening research, silver is emerging as a wonder of modern
medicine. An antibiotic kills perhaps a half-dozen different disease organisms, but silver kills some 650. Resistant strains fail to
develop. Moreover, silver is virtually non-toxic."

Silver has been known to be a bactericide for at least 1200 years. Even in ancient times, it was known to prevent disease and it
was said that disease could not be transmitted drinking from a silver cup. Silver coins were commonly dropped into a jar to prevent
the spoilage of milk and other drink, and silver containers were used to prolong the freshness of foods in general. Wealthy people
used to feed their babies with a silver spoon which was considered to be a cause of strong healthy growth producing good stock.
Even today, some commonly call all tableware "silverware" although today it is more commonly stainless steel. In the 1920's, 30's
and 40's, silver was ground very fine like flour, suspended in water and was used orally for many infections and disease conditions,
topically on burns, and for fungal infections. Until almost 1970 it was common for scientists to put a silver dime in a petri dish to
sterilize the dish. Silver was long used for plates for the surgical repair of bones. After the development of the patented antibiotics,
silver was forgotten in the United States and most other places, although the antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not
viruses, yeast, or fungi. Now, with the greatly improved modern colloids, the tables are turning and silver may be the most
effective treatment of all.

What exactly is Colloidal Silver (CS)? Simply put, colloids are extremely minute-sized silver particles suspended in water, with a
positive electrical charge. The smaller the silver particles, the more effective it has proven to be. The best Colloidal Silver is
produced at the molecular level. A small DC current is passed through an electrolyte with silver electrodes. Minute, molecular
sized particles are drawn off the positive electrode, having a positive electrical charge. This electrical charge is of primary
importance to healing and antibacterial qualities. The charge slowly dissipates, and therefore the freshness of the colloid is
important.

In "Colloidal Silver", a booklet produced by the Association for Colloidal Research, it is reported that: "Medical Journal Reports and
documented studies spanning 100 years indicate no known side effects from oral or IV administration of properly manufactured
Colloidal Silver in animal or human testing. There has never been a reported reaction with Colloidal Silver to any prescription
medication."

The evidence appears to support the theory that Colloidal Silver is highly effective against all strains of pathogenic bacteria, while
any one antibiotic is only effective against a few certain bacterial strains. Furthermore, antibiotics have never been effective
against viruses, yeast or fungi. Yet, researchers are telling us that Colloidal Silver has produced phenomenal results in tissue
healing and reconstruction as well as reducing scar tissue in clinical tests. Severe cuts and wounds have healed in much less time.

Laboratory tests have shown CS to kill over 650 destructive bacteria, viruses and fungi within minutes of contact.

UCLA ran some tests on Colloidal Silver and their report states: "The silver solutions were antibacterial for Streptococcus
pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhea, Gardnerella Vaginalis, Salmonella Typhi, and other enteric pathogens,
fungicidal for Candida albicans, Candida globata, and M. furfur and it killed every virus that was tested in the lab".

Other voices:

Dr. Hirschberg, John Hopkins: "...remarkable for their beneficial action in infective states". 
Dr. Henry Cooks: "I know of no microbe that is not killed in laboratory tests within six minutes". 
Dr. Gary Smith: "When silver was present the cancer cell was de-differentiated and the body was restored".

Certain bacteria are essential to healthy body function. Several researchers claim Colloidal Silver only attacks the unfriendly
pathogens and will not harm the friendly, but one must wonder how it can possibly differentiate. The explanation is that the friendly
bacteria are aerobic, while unfriendly bacteria are anaerobic. Silver does not attack bacteria directly, but rather decomposes
certain enzymes the anaerobic bacteria, viruses, yeast, and molds require. The silver acts as a catalyst and is not consumed in the
process. It is probable that this indirect action is also the reason bacteria cannot develop a resistance to silver, as they do to
antibiotics.

Some researchers do tell us, however, that in prolonged, very heavy doses, some silver compounds will leave gray deposits in the
heavier skin folds such as the knuckles. This condition is known as "Argyria". The only problem to these deposits is said to be the
cosmetic appearance and the condition is said to be rare. Some experts say this condition has never been known to occur from
silver in the colloidal state. Other experts do, however, warn that this might be a problem with extremely high, prolonged dosages.
The very small particle size in the Colloidal Silver would seem to make this possibility remote. Argyria is correctable with laser
treatment, like a tattoo.

Medical Uses

In the 1970's Dr. Carl Moyer, Chairman of Washington University's Department of Surgery, received a grant to develop better
treatments for burn victims. Dr. Harry Margraf worked with Dr. Moyer and other surgeons, a chief biochemist on this project.
They tested 22 antiseptic compounds and rejected all of them. The problem was that infections in burns often failed to respond to
antibiotics. Most antiseptics actually destroy the delicate healing tissues in severe burns and were very painful. The greatest
problem was the bacterium Pseudomonas acruginose, which is particularly infectious to burns and fails to respond to all common
antibiotics.

In his research into medical history, Dr. Margraf found numerous references to silver as an antimicrobial agent. Dr. Margraf
therefore tried silver nitrate, the same solution used in newborn babies' eyes at birth. It worked! However, he found it disturbed
the balance of body salts, stained everything it touched and in high concentrations was corrosive and painful. After further study
he found that all of these problems were solved by Colloidal Silver. With Colloidal Silver as the base, he then developed a salve
that has been extremely effective in treating the infections and healing in serious burns. Colloidal Silver is now routinely used for
severe burn victims, resulting in a large reduction of scarring and a heavy reduction of deaths for extensive severe burns.

The article in Science Digest, March, 1978, relates: "A speeding car overturned and burst into flames. The 18-year-old driver
suffered burns all over his face, neck, arms, hands, back, stomach, and legs, burns covered more than 80 percent of his body. Until
recently, this would have been a death sentence. Doctors knew how to restore vital body fluids and salts, but had no way to fight
infection, the primary cause of death in burn cases. Fortunately, for this youth, a new silver compound killed deadly bacteria and
enabled him to deal. He was out of the hospital within four months."

Another line of research that has led to this change of thinking is described in the best seller: "The Body Electric", in which Robert
O. Becker, leading research scientist in the field of bone regeneration, states: "The germ killing action of silver has been known for
some time. The Soviets use silver ions to sterilize recycled water aboard their space stations. It kills even antibiotic-resistant
strains, and also works on fungus infections." He goes on to say: "It stimulates bone-forming cells, cures the most common
stubborn infections of all kinds of bacteria, and stimulates healing in the skin and other soft tissues."

Certainly that is a broad statement! But Dr. Becker further relates a fascinating story which would seem to substantiate his belief.
A man's broken right tibia and fibula refused to bond and the skin refused to heal over a large area of the leg for a year an a half.
The leg was infected with five kinds of bacteria, all of which refused to respond to antibiotics. As a last resort before amputation,
Dr. Becker treated the condition with silver charged with a very minute electrical current. This produced silver ions in the bone
area and at the surface area. "I debrided (cleaned) the wound, removing the dead tissue and all grossly infected or dead bone.
There wasn't much left afterward. It was an enormous excavation running almost from his knee to his ankle. In the operating
room, we soaked a big piece of silver nylon in saline solution and laid it over the wound. We packed the fabric in place with
saline-soaked gauze, wrapped the leg, and connected the battery unit."

"About two weeks later", Dr. Becker tells us, "all of our bacterial cultures were sterile -- all five kinds had been killed. The soft
healing tissue, called granulation tissue, was spreading out and covering the bone. In two weeks the whole base of the wound,
which had been over eight square inches of raw bone, was covered with this friendly pink carpet. The skin was beginning to grow
in, too, so we could forget about the grafts we thought we'd need to do. I decided to take an X-ray to see how much bone he'd
lost." He was expecting the bone to start withdrawing before the knitting process began. "I could hardly believe the picture. There
was clearly some bone growth! I removed the cast, felt the leg, and found that the pieces were all stuck together. John watched,
and when I was done, he lifted his leg into the air triumphantly."

After extensive experiments along these lines, Dr. Becker concluded: "Cells exposed to positive silver ions profoundly stimulate
healing in a way unlike any known natural process. Whatever its precise mode of action may be, the electrically generated silver
ion can produce enough cells for blastomas; it has restored my belief that full regeneration of limbs and other body parts can be
accomplished in humans."

Dr. Becker's experiments seem to show that Colloidal Silver not only kills the pathogens, but also produces dramatic healing of
tissue such as his statement of the skin growth on the leg quoted above. The silver ion causes some cells with no differentiation.
These cells can turn into any cell that is needed. Only these de-differentiated cells can be used to create the cells necessary to
replace destroyed cells such as in a wound or rebuild missing tissue. It seems to be for this reasoning that Colloidal Silver heals
injuries without scarring, or at last greatly reduces scarring, while greatly accelerating the reconstruction or general healing of
wounds. Scar tissue develops when de-differentiated cells are in short supply. Therefore it would seem, from the evidence at
hand, that CS could reduce or prevent internal scarring and promote internal healing after surgery.

Other medical uses:

In "Report: Colloidal Silver, Health Consciousness, Vol. 15, No. 4", it is stated "Silver aids the developing fetus in growth,
health, and eases the delivery and recovery." 
German hospitals routinely use it in new-born infants' eyes to prevent 'infection caused' blindness. 
Silver seems to be even more promising against AIDS, and there seems to be no doubt that silver supports the T-cells in
their fight against foreign organisms in the blood. It virtually forms a second immune system, actually protecting and
defending T-cells. It is strongly suggested by research scientists such as Dr. Gary Smith and others that silver ions ate
essential to the immune system. 
Marvin Robey, has personally used a strong dose of Colloidal Silver (4 oz. of 500 parts per million) for a 'cold' in its early
stages. It provided relief in two hours and cured the cold completely in about 24 hours. Others say that it quickly cures their
colds in more advanced stages.

Indications

Use is indicated for: pneumonia, ear infections, colds, sore throat, flu, allergies, hay fever, diabetes, hepatitis, chronic fatigue,
ulcers, bladder infections, arthritis, Lyme disease, hemorrhoids, swollen prostate, yeast infections, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, acne,
blepharitis, cystitis, dermatitis, dandruff, dysentery, Eustachian tubes, fibrositis, herpes, impetigo, leprosy, lymphagitis, Menier's,
neurasthenia, parvo virus, pleurisy, pruitis, rheumatism, seborrhea, sepsis, skin cancer, staph infections, tonsillitis, typhoid, ulcers,
whooping cough, arthritis, tuberculosis, colitis, diphtheria, eczema, furuncolosis, lupus, keratitis, malaria, psoriasis and skin rashes,
meningitis, ophthalmology, quinsy, ringworm, to neutralize tooth decay, moles, halitosis, scarletina, shingles, strep infections,
toxemia, trench foot, warts, conjunctivitis, rosacea, shingles, gastritis and as a digestive aid. In dental hygiene it can be used for
Pyorrhea, receding gums, gingivitis, bleeding gums, canker sores and bad breath.

Physiological information about CS

The body's ability to process the tiny atoms of Colloidal Silver makes silver build-up in the body impossible. The Environmental
Protection Agency's Poison Control Center reports a 'no toxicity' listing for CS. If particles are small enough you can even drink
arsenic! Examining a bottle of colloidal minerals from a local health store you may notice nickel, arsenic and lead among the trace
minerals on the ingredients list.

CS is the only form of silver that can be used safely as a supplement. It is absorbed into the tissues at a slow enough rate that is
not irritating to tissues, unlike silver nitrate which reacts violently with tissues because of its caustic action.

The body has a vital need for silver -- to maintain the Colloidal Silver and to produce new healthy cells and since our blood is also
a colloid, the harmonious way the colloids enter the body may wall make Colloidal Silver the safest medicine on earth.

Dr. Robert O. Becker, MD, says that a deficiency of silver in the diet contributes to disease. In fact he found that those with low
levels of silver in their body had frequent colds, flu, and sicknesses. He feels that a silver deficiency can be the cause of improper
functioning of the immune system.

"Used in the space shuttle"

When will we see silver in our everyday life for non-medical use? It seems it is already more prominent in our lives than most
people realize. In Health Consciousness, Vol. 15, No. 4, Pg. 5 we read: "In the former Soviet Union, silver is used to sterilize
recycled water aboard space shuttles. NASA has also selected a silver/water system for its space shuttle. Internationally, many
airlines use silver water filters to guarantee passenger safety against water-borne diseases such as dysentery. The Swiss
government has approved use of such silver water filters in homes and offices. In the U.S some city municipalities use silver in the
treatment of sewage. Silver works so well in purifying water that it is sometimes used to purify swimming pool water. It didn't
sting the eyes as chlorine does, and it does kill mosquito larva. An experiment conducted in Nebraska demonstrates its
effectiveness: fifty gallons of raw sewage were pumped into a pool without any disinfectant. A standard measure of contamination
is the count of E. coli, a bacteria organism found in the intestinal tract. The count soared to 7000 E. coli cells per milliliter of water.
When the water was exposed to silver electrodes, within three hours it was completely free of E. coli."

How you can use Colloidal Silver

Add to drinking water when on holiday of camping, sterilize anything from tooth brushes to surgical instruments, spray on garbage
to prevent decay odors, on dish cloths, cutting boards, add when canning, preserving or bottling, spray in shoes, between toes, add
to bath water, gargle, douche, colon irrigation nasal sprays, drop onto bandages and plasters to hasten healing time soak dentures,
spray refrigerator, freezer, food storage containers, stops mildew, mold, wood rot, fungi. Use to spray pets bedding, use in cleaning
and mopping solutions. Spray onto the top of open jam jars etc., spray food lids before closing. Spray air ducts, use in the final
washing rinse, in dishwashers. Spray around plant roots to stop tot, spray foliage, inside gloves and under fingernails, rinse fruit and
vegetables, use in shampoos and rinsing water, spry pets, carpets, wipe telephone mouthpieces, headphones, hearing aids, spray
mattresses and allow to dry to kill dust mites, clean combs and glasses with it. Excellent for diaper rash and to spray inside
diapers. Clean toilet seats with it, floors, underwear, pillowcases, etc., etc.

Swishing the solution briefly under the tongue before swallowing ensures faster absorption. In several days CS will have
accumulated in the tissues sufficiently for benefits to begin, it is eliminated via the kidneys, lymph and bowel within three weeks.

Small gentle doses are recommended as when pathogens are killed off too quickly the body's elimination channels can be
temporarily overloaded. This will cause 'die off' or 'detox' symptoms such as headache, dizziness, extreme fatigue, nausea and
aching muscles. Regular bowel movements must be maintained during this time.

CS is painless on cuts and abrasions, in open wounds in the nostrils for sinus stuffy nose and even in babies eyes, because unlike
antiseptics it does not destroy tissue cells. Inside the body silver forms no toxic features. It cannot react or interfere with any other
medication being taken.

Dr. Hulda Clark feels that sufficient is ingested from cleaning the teeth with CS, with perhaps more ingested in certain conditions.
Other doctors suggest one or two teaspoons daily. There is no limit for external use. Clearly one would only take internally when
necessary and not without good cause.

In general, modern Colloidal Silver is of much better quality than it was in the 1930's and 40's due to modern knowledge of how to
produce it. Still better news is that you can produce the Colloidal Silver of the finest quality yourself for pennies a bottle. This way,
you know it is fresh and you have a better idea of the concentration and quality.

When current is applied to silver in solution the particles that break off will always be the same size: 1.26 angstroms (.000126
microns). This is so small that its nearest rival is an atom. Very simple, inexpensive, easily used and maintainable equipment is now
available by several manufacturers to make your own Colloidal Silver of the finest quality, absolutely fresh.

To purchase ready made CS is highly expensive, not to mention P&P. To make it for yourself via a little machine costs only cents.

Important: Dr. Clark's comments regarding CS: "The purity of the silver is an important issue. The manufacturer of the silver
should divulge this. Use only 99.99% pure silver. (Another 9, indicating greater purity, is even better.) Don't buy it if they don't
reveal its silver-purity."