Purified silver

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Other names for purified silver

Colloidal Silver
Silver Hydrosol
Ionic Silver Solution

Synopsis of purified silver

Purified silver refers to elemental silver that has been refined to a high degree of purity, typically used in colloidal, ionic, or nano-silver forms for antimicrobial and healing purposes. Unlike silver salts (e.g., silver nitrate), purified silver is used in trace elemental form, often suspended in purified water to create colloidal silver—a suspension of microscopic silver particles known for their broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

In modern natural health practices, purified or colloidal silver is used topically for wound healing, skin infections, burns, and eye conditions, and sometimes internally as an immune-support agent, although internal use remains controversial and unregulated. Its antimicrobial mechanism is attributed to silver ions disrupting microbial cell membranes, interfering with enzyme function, and impairing DNA replication. It is also used in medical-grade wound dressings, catheters, and coated devices to prevent infection.

Safe topical use is generally supported, but internal use raises concerns due to the risk of argyria—a condition in which silver accumulates in tissues and causes irreversible bluish-gray skin discoloration. Despite this, many natural health advocates continue to use low-dose colloidal silver under controlled conditions.

Historical Use:
Silver has a long-standing medicinal history, dating back to ancient Greece, Rome, and Persia, where it was used to store water and prevent spoilage. Wealthy families in ancient times used silver vessels and utensils, believing they offered protection against disease—hence the origin of the term “born with a silver spoon.”

In Ayurveda, silver leaf (chandi varak) was used in tiny quantities to promote rejuvenation and immune strength, especially in formulations for children, the elderly, or the debilitated. Silver was considered cooling and tonifying.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, silver nitrate and silver leaf were used in Western medicine for wound care, eye infections, and surgical antisepsis. With the advent of antibiotics in the mid-20th century, silver use declined but never disappeared. In recent decades, there has been a revival of interest in silver—particularly colloidal and nano-silver—as resistance to antibiotics has grown.

Purified silver is used for these health conditions

Abrasions (Scientific)
Boils (Scientific)
Burns and Scalds (Scientific)
Carbuncles (Scientific)
Cuts (Scientific)
Dermatitis (Scientific)
Eye Infections (Scientific)
Gangrene (Scientific)
Infection (Scientific)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Injuries (Scientific)
Lesions (Scientific)
Oral Surgery (Scientific)

This ingredient is used to support these body systems

None