Colloidal Silver: Top 3 Immune Benefits and How to Use It
Silver has been used for its antimicrobial and other health benefits in folk medicine for centuries to treat wounds, colds, and infections. Since the invention of antibiotics, the use of silver for bacterial infections has decreased. However, with rising antibiotic resistance and the growing renewed interest in natural treatment options, colloidal silver is an alternative option for many.
You can find a large variety of silver products at health food stores, pharmacies, supplement shops, and online stores. The internet is flooded with information about colloidal silver benefits. However, the information can be confusing and contradictory.
You can find endless personal testimonials praising colloidal silver for its powerful health benefits. On the other hand, you will also find articles about the concerns associated with not enough scientific evidence and side effects. Hence, scouring the internet and reading conflicting information, you may wonder if colloidal silver is right for you.
My goal is to review what science actually says about colloidal silver and bring you evidence-based information. Learn about what silver is, what type of silver you may find on the market, what benefits it may have, what conditions you want to use it for, what side effects it has, and how to choose the best silver supplement for your health.
Types of Silver
Silver has been used for its antibacterial and antiviral properties for centuries. Back in the day when people didn’t have refrigerators, they commonly put silver coins in their milk containers as a preservative to prevent bacteria and algae growth. There was no spoiled milk, thanks to silver.
Today you not only have the benefit of refrigeration, but you can experience the benefits of silver without using silver coins. All you need is powerful silver solutions to enhance your health. There are four types of silver products on the market that you may choose from for their health benefits:
Ionic silver
Ionic silver solutions are made up of silver ions. Ionic silver is the least expensive form of silver you can find on the market, hence one of the most popular ones. However, ionic silver is not true colloidal silver and doesn’t hold the same health benefits as other silver solutions. I recommend choosing a safer and more effective form of silver.
Silver Protein
Silver protein-based solutions contain gelatin, to keep large silver particles suspended. Making silver protein products is simple by mixing water with silver protein powder. While silver protein supplements are commonly used, they are still less effective than true colloidal silver. To ensure you receive full health benefits, I recommend choosing a more effective form of silver product.
Colloidal Silver
Unlike ionic silver and silver protein solutions, true colloidal silver doesn’t contain any protein or other additives. Instead, it is made out of nanometre-sized silver particles creating a highly effective form of silver. Colloidal silver is made by mechanically grinding metallic silver into tiny silver particles or by converting silver salts into small silver crystals using an electrochemical reaction. (1)
When talking about colloidal silver, it is important to understand that colloidal silver is different from other silver salt solutions, such as silver oxide, silver nitrate, and silver chloride. Pure colloidal silver is much less toxic than silver salts. Low-quality and homemade colloidal silver products may have some or even a substantial amount of silver salt in them. These silver salts are usually the culprit behind potential colloidal silver side effects; therefore, it is important to only buy the highest quality of silver from trusted brands.
If you are looking for a powerful silver product, pure colloidal silver may be right for you. However, it is even better to choose a superior nanoparticle or nano silver for maximum health benefits and safety.
Nanoparticle Silver
Nanoparticle silver or nano silver is the most advanced form of silver you can use. It is made by using nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is a growing field creating and using nano-sized particles.
To put this in perspective, you should understand that 1 nanometer (nm) equals 1 billionth of a meter. One meter is about 3.28 feet. One of the ways nanotechnology is making a big impact on healthcare is by making nanoparticle silver, or nano-silver.
Clearly, nanoparticles are incredibly tiny allowing nano silver to be high-quality, pure, and toxin-free. When it comes to silver, even 0.01% impurity can cause harm to the body. Using nanotechnology helps to control the purity of nanoparticle silver.
When nanoparticle silver comes in contact with bacteria or fungus, it can inhibit the growth and multiplication of these invaders preventing and treating infections, sores, itchiness, and odor.
The benefits of nanoparticle silver include:
- Fast-acting
- Highly effective
- Non-stimulating
- Non-poisonous
- Non-allergic
- Tolerance-free
- Hydrophilic
Nanoparticle silver can also be used in dressings for burns and scalds, on acne, on cavity wounds, in panty liners, and other female hygiene products. Outside of healthcare, nanoparticle silver can be used for coating the surface of electronics, ceramics, textiles, glass, paper, carbons, and more. (2)
Learning about the superiority of nano silver, you may understand why I recommend this form of silver the most. My personal favorite nano silver is Silver Spray™ with maximum benefits and no toxicity.
Benefits of Colloidal Silver
Now that you understand what kind of silver is the best for you, you may wonder what health benefits colloidal silver has for you.
The truth is that there isn’t enough strong clinical evidence on the health benefits of colloidal silver. The outdated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statement from 1999 claims that there is no scientific evidence supporting its claimed benefits. However, this statement was made two decades ago, and a number of new research has surfaced since that found that colloidal silver may possess certain health benefits. There are various scientific studies and endless anecdotal evidence which suggest that colloidal silver may be the right natural remedy for many. (3)
Based on what we know now, colloidal silver has some antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits, and may be effective for a number of health conditions. Let’s look at them one by one.
Antibacterial/Antimicrobial Benefits
Colloidal silver is a powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial supplement. While your body can build up resistance to prescription antibiotics, it’s not the case when it comes to colloidal silver. This may be good news considering that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are over 2 million people who suffer from antibiotic-resistant infections in the US alone. (4)
Moreover, long-term use of antibiotics can damage your gut leading to inflammation and health problems. On the other hand, there is no evidence that colloidal silver interrupts your gut flora. In fact, it can actually disrupt the cell membranes and stop the reproduction of fungi, such as Candida, which is known to compromise the gut flora. (5)
According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, colloidal silver may be effective against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Research has found that colloidal silver can permeate and damage bacterial cells. Further research suggests that by increasing oxidative stress in bacterial cells, colloidal silver may also be able to inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria. (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
While there are no further studies on the subject, it is interesting to point out a case report of a twelve year-old patient with cystic fibrosis. Colloidal silver supplementation effectively treated his Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a multi-drug resistant bacteria that can lead to pneumonia. (11)
Antiviral Benefits
Beyond its antimicrobial benefits, colloidal silver is also a fantastic antiviral substance. Cell-based research has found that colloidal silver can interfere with the replication mechanism of HIV. Moreover, colloidal silver may also be effective against the herpes simplex virus and Hepatitis B. (12, 13, 14)
You may be even more excited to hear that colloidal silver seems to be effective against the common cold and the flu. Research has found that nanoparticles can prevent viral replication in these viral infections. According to a study of 100 children affected by the common cold, ninety percent of participants who used colloidal silver experienced reduced inflammation versus sixty-six percent of the control group that used a saline solution instead. (15, 16)
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Beyond its fantastic antimicrobial and antifungal properties, colloidal silver is a potent anti-inflammatory supplement. It has the potential to inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. (17)
An animal study found that pigs with skin inflammation treated with colloidal silver experienced reduced inflammation and had near-normal skin after just 72 hours, while the control group had no improvement. Another study noted improved inflammation in mice ears. (18, 19)
Conditions It Can Be Effective For
The antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits of silver go a long way. It can be effective for many conditions, from sore throats to bronchitis.
Sore Throat
The common cold, the flu, and other viral and bacterial infections can come with a sore throat. Research has shown that colloidal silver can prevent and help treat the flu and the common cold, hence reducing the risk and aiding the recovery from a sore throat. (15)
Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection characterized by a sore, red throat with white patches. Due to its powerful antibacterial properties, colloidal silver may be able to help prevent and promote the recovery from a strep infection. (6, 7)
Ear Infections
Ear infections are often caused by bacteria or even fungal infections. In some cases, they are caused by multiple forms of bacteria, making prescription antibiotics less effective, since those are designed against specific classes of bacteria only.
Since colloidal silver is a potent antibiotic and anti-fungal supplement, it may be effective in cases of nagging ear infections. While there aren’t any research studies to prove this yet, personal experiences seem to support its effectiveness. (6, 7)
Skin Wounds and Skin Conditions
Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, colloidal silver can be effective in treating cuts, burns, and other wounds of the skin. Colloidal silver may also be effective in treating wounds infected by drug-resistant strains of bacteria. (20, 21)
Colloidal silver may also be beneficial for people with eczema, psoriasis, acne, and other similar skin conditions. Colloidal silver-based nanogels can soothe scrapes, repair tissue damage, and be a helpful dressing for various skin wounds. (22)
Sinusitis
Colloidal silver may be effective for people with sinusitis. One sheep model animal study on rhinosinusitis has found that topical colloidal silver treatment can reduce bacterial growth and lower inflammation accelerating recovery from the infection. (23)
A human study on twenty-two patients has found that colloidal silver is safe to use for sinusitis. The study concluded that participants using colloidal silver had similar results to those given antibiotics. (24)
Eye Infections
Pink eye is a contagious disease characterized by inflamed mucous membranes covering the eyeball and eyelid lining. Pink eye is generally caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Colloidal silver is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial substance that may be helpful against pink eye and other eye infections. While there isn’t any scientific evidence yet on the subject, anecdotal evidence suggests that silver may be effective against pink eye. (6, 7, 15)
Bronchitis/Pneumonia
Bronchitis is an infection characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the lung, whereas pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for these infections, however, in cases of viral infections, these medications are designed to treat bacterial infections and are unfortunately useless.
Colloidal silver is both an antibacterial and antiviral supplement. It can be effective against both infections regardless if they are viral or bacterial. When inhaled into the lungs, colloidal silver can directly contact the invaders and clear up the lungs effectively. (6, 7, 15)
Side Effects and Drug Interactions
No matter how beneficial it is to your body, any natural remedy or supplement can have some side effects and drug interactions. Let’s find out if colloidal silver is right for you.
Side Effects
There is very limited research on the potential side effects of colloidal silver. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health warns people that taking silver may lead to poor absorption of certain medications, and may also lead to a condition called argyria.
Argyria is a condition that makes your mucous membranes and skin look grayish-blue. Taking colloidal silver by mouth can result in a build up in the tissues leading to agyria. Argyria seems to be irreversible, however, new research shows that laser treatments may be an effective treatment for the condition. However, there is no need to worry, argyria isn’t dangerous, but a medically benign condition. Nonetheless, having blue skin may not be on your wish list. (25)
However, agyria is more likely to be the result of cheaper silver products, such as ionic silver and silver protein, or the misuse of the supplement, instead of the careful use of high-quality colloidal or nano silver. (26)
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not enough research evidence on this topic, however, since silver may cross the placenta, it may be unsafe during pregnancy. Always talk to your healthcare professional for advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
The following medications may cause moderate interaction with silver (27):
- Quinolone antibiotics: Colloidal silver might decrease the absorption and effectiveness of Quinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and grepafloxacin (Raxar).
- Tetracycline antibiotics: Colloidal silver might decrease the absorption and effectiveness of tetracycline antibiotics, such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin). Make sure to wait two hours before or four hours after taking these antibiotics before taking colloidal silver to avoid interactions.
- Levothyroxine: Colloidal silver might decrease the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
- Penicillamine: Colloidal silver might decrease the absorption and effectiveness of penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) used for rheumatoid arthritis and Wilson’s disease.
Be cautious if you are taking any of these medications, and talk to your healthcare professional before using silver.
Introducing Silver Spray
Understanding current scientific research and listening to countless personal stories praising silver, I believe that silver can be an incredibly beneficial supplement for your health. However, I’m also aware of the controversy and believe that using the highest-quality pure silver supplement is absolutely important to receive maximum health benefits and avoid potential side effects and toxicity.
This is why I created my own product I use personally and recommend to my patients regularly: Silver Spray™. It is true nano silver, which is the most advanced form of silver you can find on the market.
This product is a highly effective antimicrobial preparation composed of pure silver complexed with purified water. Silver Spray™ uses Silver Sol Technology®, the term “sol” being a designation of a mineral permanently distributed into the structure of water. The silver becomes a part of that water molecule permanently so it will not fall out of solution or suspension.
Silver Spray™ contains 15 ppm of purified silver per serving. This is an incredibly powerful, non-toxic form of silver, with zero build-up in the body, so it does not cause argyria (blue man syndrome).
- Nano silver is superior to colloidal silver. The silver in this product becomes part of the water molecule permanently. This is distinct from colloidal silvers that suspend larger particles of silver with oxygen molecules, which may result in them falling out of solution and accumulating in body tissues.
- Silver Spray™ is fantastic for immune support. This incredibly powerful, non-toxic form of silver offers immune support with 15ppm of technologically advanced silver nanoparticles.
- Silver Spray™ is safe, pure, and non-toxic. This product is absolutely non-toxic and mixed into a solution with purified water. The silver in this product will not build up in the body and can be safely used long-term with no known side effects.
This is a fantastic product I love to have on hand at home. I recommend it to my patients to use for temporary periods of time to support and boost their immune response in fighting against infections, such as sore throat, strep throat, pink eye, skin cuts, wounds, burns, and so on.
I recommend 2 to 4 sprays twice a day or in advanced cases 6 to 8 sprays two to four times a day, or as recommended by your healthcare professional. Please, always consult your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or concerned about potential drug interactions.
If you want to work with a functional health coach, I recommend this article with tips on how to find a great coach. On our website, we offer long-distance functional health coaching programs. For further support with your health goals, just reach out—our fantastic coaches are here to support your journey.
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Can the Silver be used for bladder infections and conditions such as Interstitial Cystitis (internal use)? Or for toe fungus? (internal or external use?)
Yes you can use it for the toe fungus but don’t think you will be able to spray this into your bladder.
Hello,
A little bit of confusion,
I don’t think Andria wants to spray on her bladder. Will it benefit the bladder if taken internally. Like ACV helps the kidney, when it is sipped.
No, it isn’t the best for bladder infections. I would recommend this product instead: https://store.drjockers.com/products/ut-support
I used Colloidal silver to heal wounds on my feet can I use the same Bottle to help for any other internal internal parts of the body. Or is it not safe.
Yes that is safe!
Dr. J…I have recurring UTI’s Sometime Bacterial but also Fungal. I was put on Fluconazol 2 years ago and after a period of 2-3 weeks about they cleared up. The dosage was 100mg. I was then put on to a maint. dosage of 50mg. I had a recurrence this last November and was put on Cipro for 10 days which seemed to clear it up. In Jan. I had another UTI which was both Bacterial and Fungal…Scope of bladder showed lots of infection. Flucanazol was moved up to 100mg and also back on Cipro for !0 days and then Fluconazol was dropped to 50. Right now I urinate 4-5 times per nite and frequently during the day (not super urgent but still frequently). I do not have the classic burning. I am sure that the infection is active. I also have a large Prostate (77mm…been very large for 10 years, but when I am clear of infection, I pee like an 8 yr old). Is the U.T. med the thing for me and will it help reduce the size of my Prostate?
Sorry to hear that Charles. I would recommend the UT Support and the Prosta Protect. Here are 2 helpful articles
Healing UTI’s: https://drjockers.com/heal-utis-naturally/
Prostate Health: https://drjockers.com/12-ways-improve-prostate/
Hello, thanks for this article i loved it. Can I ask how would you use silver colloid for Bacterial eye infections? My 2 year old has it now and i would rather use this instead of antibiotics. Can the eye be cleaned with it on a cotton ball maybe?
Yes you can use the silver spray and spray it in the eye or put it on a cotton ball and wipe around the eye.
Hello Dr,
I appreciate all the articles of critical information you give to your followers.
Can you please tell me if I’m allowed to take colloidal silver while I take 88 mcg
of Synthroid? I know it works because my daughter-in-law uses it daily herself along with the grandchildren.
Thank you
Lana
Yes you can Lana!
Thank you for the reply. I should of asked for more details. So use it like 1 hr after taking Synthroid or 4 hrs ? I know the sliver will block some of the medication. Thank you again!
Hi Lana, Yes, I would take the spray in a large enough time window away from other medications like 4 or more hours. I also recommend speaking with the prescribing physician.
Yes best to use it away from the Synthroid! Ideally about 2 hours or more.
Do we need to worry about heavy medal buildup with this type of silver????
Yes Cheryl, this is why it is really important to get a professional grade silver that has been 3rd party tested for purity and efficacy. Here is a good one: https://store.drjockers.com/products/silver-spray?_pos=1&_sid=d6bb44a1f&_ss=r
Dr.,
What are your thoughts on taking collodial silver if you have the MTHFR Gene mutation?
Thank you for your time.
Shawna
Yes I think it can be very helpful as long as you are supporting the methylation pathways! Here is a helpful article on the MTHFR gene mutation https://drjockers.com/mthfr-gene-mutation/
If I have a sore throat do I spray this on outside of my throat/neck or am I supposed to drink or gargle with this? I keep getting strep throat and I’m trying to stop this from happening.
Spray in your mouth and swallow and it will help to reduce the strep. You can also gargle with it!
Here is a helpful article: https://drjockers.com/sore-throat/
Do you suggest ever ingesting this kind of silver?
Yes as I discuss in the article!
Great article! Thanks for explaining this different silvers. I didn’t realize you could ingest it.
How would I take this for respiratory health? I have a lot of congestion In my lungs that I can’t cough up especially during high levels of spring pollen. If it continues too long, it turns to an infection.
Yes this can be very helpful for you! You may also consider trying the AllerTrex as well: https://store.drjockers.com/products/allertrex?variant=31311078916232
Great article! Lots of good detailed information!
I’m having a hard time with my lungs healing from Covid- flu I’ve been using a colloidal silver 10 ppm just trying to figure out the dosing amounts and what is best to use. I wish you would of touched on all those numbers with the ppm so confusing
Hello Lora, if you are using colloidal silver, do 1 teaspoon 500ppm Colloidal Silver orally 3 times per day. After symptoms have cleared, cut back to 1/4 teaspoon of 40ppm Colloidal Silver per day. Drink a lot of water at least ten 8oz. glasses of water per day to flush toxins.
Hello Dr J,
How much of the silver spray would you recommend for a 9-year old to clear out a bacterial or viral (cold) infection?
Regards,
Savera
I would do 3 sprays every 3-4 hours.
Hello,
How much of the Silver Spray would you recommend for a 6-year old that has a bronchitis infection?
Regards,
Savera
I would recommend doing 5 sprays every 2-3 hours and I would also nebulize it for 15 minutes every 2 hours if possible to get it deeper into the lungs.
How do you suggest nebulizing it? Do you put it all in the nebulizer cup? Or mix with saline? Thanks!
Yes mix with the saline in the nebulizer cup
Is it safe to use as a nasal spray into the nasal cavity?
Yes it is!
Hello – Can this be given to an infant (8 month old) ?
Yes in small dosages in ears or if you spray it onto your finger and put in there mouth it is fine.
Could you kindly advise on dosage for HSV-2. I also take probotics 1st thing very morning. Thanks
Would this be helpful for someone who has lost sight from Sjogren?
One eye stays closed – the other eye recently lost sight.
Internally? Spray in eyes?
Unfortunately, I don’t think silver will help with the Sjogren’s. But we do have a helpful article on Sjogren’s here: https://drjockers.com/sjogrens-syndrome/
I have chronic bladder infections (U.T.I s) and have been prescribed way too many antibiotics. I think hitting it hard with this is a better route, what would you suggest the dose should be?
Sorry to hear that! Unfortunately, we are unable to give medical advice!
What do you think of using colloidal silver in a nebulizer? Is it safe?
Thank you.
Yes it is! https://drjockers.com/nebulizing/
For vaginal yeast infection – how would you use?
Unfortunately, we can’t give medical advice here, but be sure to consult with your functional health practitioner on this.
I used colloidal silver in a spray bottle to heal a deep surgical wound and that was great. Then I used it in a nasal spray to treat chronic low-grade sinusitis. I only did that a few times and got terrible nosebleeds for nearly a week! What I ended up using successfully for that was grapefruit seed extract nasal spray. I have an enormous bottle of very expensive colloidal silver, and every time I test for using it I get a strong no. I really wanted to use it for a bad dental infection, for example. (I dowse with a pendulum.) I have fibromyalgia (too high cytokines) so maybe colloidal silver is not good for me except for topically. Any ideas about why this great medicine might not be good for me internally?
Sorry to hear that. It is possible that you had an allergic reaction to it.
I have internal shingles and would love to find a way to eliminate them . If I lift , strain , sit in different chair they flair and I’m
Pretty much bed bound gif z week gif yrs my dr didn’t know what it was since I have no bumps I get like a tiny pimple but pain in my nerves in my back right rib cage . Valtrex used to help but doesn’t anymore . I’ve dealt with this for 17 yrs and it wrecking my life and marriage .