Evidence supporting the use of: Colloidal Silver
For the health condition: Bites and Stings
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Colloidal silver has a long history of traditional use for treating wounds, bites, and stings, dating back to ancient civilizations where silver vessels were used to store liquids to prevent spoilage. In folk and alternative medicine, colloidal silver solutions have been applied topically to insect bites and stings with the belief that silver’s purported antimicrobial properties could prevent infection and reduce inflammation. This practice, however, is primarily based on anecdotal evidence and historical tradition rather than robust scientific research.
Modern scientific studies have confirmed that silver ions possess antimicrobial properties, and silver-based dressings are used in clinical settings for certain types of wounds and burns. However, there is little high-quality clinical evidence supporting the use of colloidal silver specifically for common bites and stings (such as those from insects or arachnids). Most regulatory bodies, including the FDA, have warned against internal or topical use of colloidal silver due to potential risks (e.g., argyria, a permanent bluish-gray discoloration of the skin) and lack of proven efficacy.
In summary, while colloidal silver’s use for bites and stings is rooted in tradition and anecdotal reports, scientific validation is minimal and not sufficient to warrant its routine use for these conditions.
Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings
aloe verabasil
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
bасора
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
green tea
hemp oil
horseradish
honeysuckle
lavender
mustard seed
oregano
phenolic acids
plantain
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
siler root
fern
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
Angel's Trumpet
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Adrenergic amines
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Black root
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cedar
Centipeda
Castile Soap
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Eupatorium
Mustard
Spikenard
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Colloidal Silver
AbrasionsAbscesses
Bites and Stings
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Eye Infections
Infection