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What is colloidal silver and why is it so effective against skin ailments, bacteria, fungi and viruses?

What is colloidal silver?

Basically a colloid is a homogenous system in which substances are to be found from two different phases (states). For example soot particles in the air (smoke), water vapour in the air (clouds), red corpuscles in water (blood) etc. There are many products on the market under the title silver colloids, but they are not necessarily comparable to the real thing. A real silver colloid (pure silver dispersed in water) on one hand, or simple silver salt colloids (silver chloride in water) and also silver salt solutions (silver nitrate in water), on the other hand. For the layman it is not generally possible to establish whether he is dealing with a proper silver colloid or simply a simple silver salt solution. Nanolia Silver and Pure Silver cosmetics are made from pure silver metal dispersed in water; more specifically, silver particles of nano dimension. The silver particles are so small that they no longer reflect light! However, taking a laser-pointer and directing the light stream into the products, you will see that the light, depending upon its polarisation angle alternately intensifies and reduces. This is the simplest way of proving the nano composition of a colloid. This is the method used in research for determining the diameter of nano particles.

How does colloidal silver work?

The working mechanism of colloidal silver is meanwhile quite clear. It is understood that the silver ions indirectly attack any “infection”. They destroy the enzymes on which individual sources of illness, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi depend on for producing the oxygen they need to live. The “breathing-chain” of the micro-organisms is disrupted, and within a few minutes they are literally “choked to death”. They lose electrolytes and fluids thus shrinking and drying-out.

Product variations

The Nanolia Silver and Pure Silver range is an optimally concentrated, bio-dynamic suspension nano-sized silver particles, in pure energised “osmosis-water”. It is available in various concentrations and emulsions according to the purpose for which it is to be employed. This product can be adjusted to the specific purposes and wishes of the customer. We will be most happy to advise you individually.

Applications

Skin care and protection

The skin is the largest organ of the human being, and its natural balance can easily be damaged by various influences. Bacteria and fungi are responsible for skin irritations and may lead to skin ailments. At this point the effective mechanism of colloid silver takes effect. In the form of nano dimensional colloid particles the silver becomes effective against practically all bacteria, viruses and fungi – and in its pure form is completely free from any side effects. This makes colloid silver the ideal therapeutic and cosmetic skin treatment. Special creams make possible the permanent dispersion of silver ions into the skin which prevent any micro-organisms from invading the skin. Furthermore silver helps the regeneration and healing processes. It has the properties of being anti-inflammatory and anti-itching: it is additionally a promoter of fine skin and preventer of skin odours.

The treatment of skin with colloid silver produces an effective result in such different ailments such all allergies, dermatitis, eczema, athletes-foot, herpes, neuro-dermatitis, scalp conditions and dandruff. Equally this product is effective in the healing process of wounds, inflammations and in the case of sunburn. Finally, the deep-pore effectiveness can even reduce the effects of ageing.

Nanolia Silver was subjected to extensive dermatological tests in July 2010. The independent German institute “Dermatest” produced a result of “very good” under the auspices of specialists. According to international regulations there were no allergic or toxic irritants or any negative reactions in the “Epikutantest”.

The stabilisation/strengthening of plants

Nanoia Silver is even suitable for use on plants, whether indoors or outdoors. It prevents plants from attack by bacteria, viruses, mould, fungi, and algae. It can be used by plants, flowers, bushes and even by vegetables, in a similar way to how vitamin C is used by humans. In the case of infection by fungus or parasites the plants can be sprayed (after sundown). Heavily infected plants must have the leaves and the stalks/stems sprayed. The treatment should be repeated within a period of 10 days. For the regular care and stabilisation of plants 2-3 tablespoonfuls per litre should be added to the watering can.

Health

Whereas an antibiotic (against bacterial infections) or an antimycotic (against fungus/spores) only work against a small proportion of the different germs, the application of silver colloidal is described as being effective against several hundred causes of illness (pathogens) such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Already by the 19th century silver colloidal treatment had established its natural place in medicine. Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, thousands of antibiotics have been researched.

Modern medicine saw these as being a wonder-weapon against all sorts of bacterial spores. In all the excitement over this, silver colloidal became almost forgotten. It was only when, in ever increasing cases, the bacterial resistance to modern antibiotics became clear, that once again the advantages of colloidal silver were again recognised. In the USA the renaissance of colloidal silver started some years ago, and more recently in Germany. More and more attention is being given to this effective, and almost side-effect-free, method of treating infectious illnesses and skin infections caused by fungi for the speeding-up of wound healing and to strengthen the immune system etc.

Water preparation

The basis for water preparation using silver is the so called, Katadyn-System/Method. By this method water is filtered over a large surface and the causes of illnesses, bacteria etc., the pathogens, are killed. It is not without good reason that hospitals, hotels, airlines employ silver filters. There is even a silver water filter in the American space shuttle, as well as on the Russian space station MIR.

Silver treatment is also effective against algae and for this reason is used, for example, in swimming pools – as well as for the treatment of domestic and bathing water. The refinement of zeolites is also an application focus.

From our own experience

As well as from positive reports from our customers, we are able to report the following observations:-

• Plants flower much better and for longer

• Water in flower-vases no longer stinks

• Greenfly, and similar, are much reduced or even disappear

• Black-fly disappear

• Especially good for begonia plants and for seedlings

• “Tired” plants regain vitality

• Yew and similar plants revive

• Swimming pools remain algae-free for a whole season

• “Feel-better” effect when taken by humans on a regular basis

• Calms the skin following shaving, skin irritation is reduced/or disappears

• Dandruff, dermatitis, acne etc. disappear

• Sun-damaged skin is eased

• “Athletes foot” and finger/toenail infections clear-up.

Is Nano Silver safe to use on my skin?

How Silver protects against Bacteria and is used in the fight against antibiotic-resistant pathogens

By Marion Horn, Reporter

The risk of infection is high after an operation. Patients can be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. To avoid this, our researchers have studied the use of silver. We have now made effective remedies for this type of infection by using nano technology.

Kings could afford to eat and drink from silverware as an expression of wealth, power and dignity. But that was not the only reason. The precious metal protected the nobility from infections because of its antimicrobial effects. “The antiseptic effect of silver has been known about for over 3000 years. Doctors used silver right up to the end of the 19th century for active treatment of inflammation and infection”, said Dr. Michael Wagener, Project Manager at IFAM.

Our grandparents knew how to appreciate the value of the metal in the household. They put a silver coin in the milk churn to keep the milk fresh for longer.

But with the development of antibiotics the old home remedies were soon forgotten. For nearly 50 years now, antibiotics have been used almost exclusively in the fight against pathogens, bacteria and germs.

Recently however, these pathogens have evolved defense mechanisms resistant to these drugs. Antibiotics can no longer be relied upon to defend us against infection and illness.

“Resistant bacteria can cause life-threatening infections”, warns Dr. Wagener. The bacteria in the body can get contaminated from the use of catheters or scalpels. With dramatic consequences: Experts estimate that in Germany alone over 600,000 patients have become ill from nosocomial infections requiring further treatment in hospital. “Inflammation due to infected catheter kills more people than road accidents” he adds.

To avoid such dangerous bacterial infections, Fraunhofer scientists in cooperation with the company Bio-gate in Nürnberg, a spin-off of the University of Erlangen, have developed new-style Nano-composite medical instruments and components.

These use the anti-microbial properties of silver ions. “We integrate metallic silver into the surfaces of medical components. Coated with these tiny silver particles, the bacteria on the tweezers, catheters or implants have no chance to survive ", states Wagener with enthusiasm. “The nano particles have a diameter of a few millionths of a millimetre. With these, we can finely and evenly coat the surface of the components."

These then continuously emit positively charged silver ions, making microbes very uncomfortable indeed. The nano particles simultaneously attack bacterial cells in several ways. They destroy the enzymes that transport nutrients for the cell, destabilize the cell membrane, the cytoplasm or the cell wall and disturb the cell division and proliferation process. Bacteria simply cannot survive this concentrated attack. Silver-coated medical devices therefore remain sterile. The efficiency of silver is better than antibiotics. "However, the concentration of silver to be used in the material must be determined exactly. A prosthesis needs a different concentration than a pair of tweezers. We are confident that we can work out the amount of silver particles required for each application", stressed Wagener.

But how do you determine the right silver concentration?

Bio-Gate has developed sensitive measuring methods for this. By analyzing up to 1000 samples per day, researchers can determine the bacterial growth on various materials such as polymers, plastics, cements, slides, granules, metals, fabrics and coatings. Each application is clinically tested using internationally recognized, patented scientific technology for product development, optimization and quality control. The drive behind this silver technology has continued in recent years particularly in Japan. Numerous hygiene products there are now equipped with silver or silver compounds. There is also a clear trend in the United States towards the use of silver, especially on dressings.

Nanotechnology has opened more varied and sophisticated applications beyond its use in hospitals or medical practices. The employees of Bio-gate GmbH develop materials tailored to the needs of customers. “The antibacterial properties can be used for many products, working in hygiene-intensive sector such as home care, food production, in the household or in cosmetics. For example, when added to textile fibres it can be used as binding for adhesives, in underwear or as material for filters and seals”, said Dr. Peter Steinrücke, Managing Director of Bio-gate, describing the wide range of applications for silver ions.

Clothing made from fibres treated with silver particles can reach new levels of hygiene to help eczema or protect against undesirable microbes. Since the antimicrobial properties will withstand washing, the use of disinfectants in the hospital laundry can be reduced with consequent cost savings.

The objective now is to increase use in private households , where the overuse of disinfectants is damaging the environment. For the use of common disinfectants kills not only dreaded microbes, but can also kill the skin’s own flora causing allergies and can even enter the water supply. The immune system of a healthy person can and must be able to fight back against germs and bacteria cells to remain stable. But too much disinfectant is unhealthy. High sterility is important in public places: swimming pools or in public conveniences Nano silver can give lasting antibacterial protection. In the operating theatre and on medical instruments bacteria and fungi must have no chance of survival. Disinfection is vital. Nano-silver particles in the surface of materials are very effective protection against the threat of germs.

Updated: 28/07/2010 15:10 E&OE

Does Nanolia use Triclosan in its products?

No we do not.

In August 2009, the Canadian Medical Association asked the Canadian government to ban triclosan use in household products under concerns of creating bacterial resistance and producing dangerous side products (chloroform).

Triclosan also reacts with the free chlorine in tap water to produce lesser amounts of other compounds, like 2,4-dichlorophenol. Most of these intermediates convert into dioxins upon exposure to UV radiation (from the sun or other sources). Although small amounts of dioxins are produced, there is a great deal of concern over this effect, because some dioxins are extremely toxic and are very potent endocrine disruptors.

They are also chemically very stable, so that they are eliminated from the body very slowly (they can bioaccumulate to dangerous levels), and they persist in the environment for a very long time.

The use of triclosan as an additive for plastic production for use in food packages had not been approved by the EC

Nonorganic antibiotics, such as silver and copper ions and nano-particles, and organic biocides are effective alternatives to triclosan.

Hence, where anti-bacterial or anti-fungal properties are required, we use nanosilver, the modern version of one of the oldest anti-bacterial products known to science.

Three common silver concerns dispelled

Three common silver concerns dispelled

By Tim Squirrell

Over the years, silver has seen its highs and lows as a medical and cosmetic product. Its uses have included, but not been restricted to, keeping milk from spoiling, stopping water from becoming infected and use as an antibacterial agent. With the launch of our range of Silver and Pure Silver products it is this latter usage with which we are concerned.

In the early twentieth century, silver was often used in order to clean wounds and prevent infections; however, the advent of antibiotics caused it to be put on the back shelf, a position from which it has hardly moved until recently with the resurgence of interest in ‘Colloidal silver’. And hereby hangs the problem: all silver medicinal and cosmetic products are in danger of being tarred with the same brush.

Colloidal silver, it should be noted, is strictly an alternative medicine for which many unsupported claims are made; in addition, there have been some serious negative effects attached to its use. As a viewer of this website, you may have come across these claims and these problems, and they may concern you.

This article, it is hoped, will allay any fears you may have that the problems associated with the use of colloidal silver also apply to the Nanolia Silver product range. Each of the claims and problems will be addressed in turn in the following paragraphs.

Silver products are ineffective
Silver products are falsely marketed as ‘cure-all’ formulae
Silver products cause argyria and are not adequately absorbed by the skin

Concern #1 - Silver products are ineffective

Silver colloids can be split into two main groups:

Those that use silver in its base form. Silver in this form is not very reactive at all - in fact, it is so unreactive that one of its main uses is in jewellery, because it doesn’t corrode. As such, the claims that this form of silver, suspended in solution, could possibly kill bacteria or prevent infections are completely unsupportable.
Those that use silver ions, Ag⁺. These are particles of silver which have a positive charge, and as such are far more reactive than plain silver. They are bioactive, which means they have an effect on living cells, and in high enough concentrations they are antibacterial. This explains the rise in the use of silver preparations in wound dressings, particularly since the rise of MRSA. This is due to the fact that MRSA is resistant to antibiotics, and so it is necessary to find an alternative to the methicillin we would normally use. The antibacterial properties of silver ions mean that they are perfect for this job.

Our products fall into the second of these two categories.

Concern #2 - Silver products are falsely marketed as ‘cure-all’ formulae

Colloidal silver is not a cure-all, and nor are our products. The latter are intended for cosmetic use only, and whilst proponents of the former may claim that colloidal silver can cure a multitude of diseases including cancer and AIDS, there is no evidence for this. We make no such claims regarding our products; what we do say is that they will help you cosmetically. We are only claiming what we are absolutely sure of!

Concern #3 - Silver products cause argyria and are not adequately absorbed by the skin

Argyria is a side effect caused by long-term high-dosage silver use, in which the colour of the skin turns ashen-grey. What happens is that silver particles, which are very unreactive, end up accumulating under the skin, as well as in the eyes and internal organs. In photography, silver darkens upon exposure to light, and this principle explains what happens with argyria: essentially, the built-up silver particles darken on exposure to sunlight, giving the skin a bluish-grey hue. Whilst it is essentially harmless, this doesn’t make it any more attractive.

Our products do not cause argyria. They have been dermatologically tested and have been shown to cause no allergic reactions, as well as receiving a rating of ‘very good’ in the tests that they underwent. They are completely safe to use, with no side effects.

So what, exactly, makes our product different from all the others?

Nanotechnology does. Traditionally, colloidal silver preparations use microscopic particles of silver in order to treat infections. These microscopic particles then build up to the point where they are able to change the pigmentation of the skin – an undesirable side effect. These particles are very small, but not small enough.

Nanoparticles are small enough that they do not build up to the point where they can cause argyria.

Nanoscale particles are 1-100 nanometres, with one nanometre being 10^-9 of a metre, or 0.000000001 metres. The fact that these particles are so very small also accounts for the fact that our products are absorbed into the skin at a far better rate than those of normal cosmetics, meaning that you can be assured that your body will receive all of the benefits of our products.

©Nanolia 2010

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Is it safe to consume nano silver?

ORAL SILVER – MY FRIEND NEEDS TO KNOW

By Gareth Usher, InTouch Technology

Nanotechnology has rendered silver into an exceedingly powerful tool destined to be one of the most commonly used minerals in the modern health industry, environmental management industry, communications industry, sanitation industry, alternative power industry, energy industry and so many others.

This wide-spread application is largely due to that of nano technology’s influence upon silver’s well-established (A) biological catalytic activity which may excite higher life forms into maximal states of immune function when the silver is involved in the control and (B) its physical characteristics which establish that it possesses the greatest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals while possessing the lowest contact resistance.⁵

For example, the demand for silver, as well documented by The Silver Institute, is reflected in the following many uses of silver in today’s economy:

In medicine, dentistry, sanitation, hygiene and water purification*
In jewelry, silverware and decorative purposes where appearance is paramount.*
In photography (AgBr), electrical engineering, high tech paints and photography*
In alternative energy, power storage systems and weather management*
In bullion and hard currencies (coins)*
And as a mineral for dietary supplements*

It is increasingly used in cosmetics for the control and relief of skin disorders and soreness, acne and hydrolysis to reduce wrinkling and to slow the signs of aging. (http://intouch.nanolia.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=53)

A lady I know has been using nano silver products to reduce the signs of aging in her skin is so taken with the marked effects of the products that she asked if silver could be taken orally, and would it kill the bacteria in our bodies. I didn’t know, but I promised to find some information about it for her.

There have been many studies carried out on humans and animals and I was myself amazed as to the results I discovered, both about the effects of the nano silver, and the total lack of toxicity.

Ingested Nano Silver Toxicity Studies

Independent tests on animals at levels equivalent to approximately 200 times the normal internal use adult dosage were found to be non-toxic. A 28-day bird flu study completed by a U.S. NIH virology lab also included a toxicity study in which the animals were fed levels of the nano-silver at 10-200 times the normal dosage daily. The nano-silver products were found to be non-toxic to the animals in the long term study. A separate medical college study tested the ingestion of nano-silver product in animals at levels of 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, and 1.5 ml daily for 28 days, and again found the product completely non-toxic to the animals. An Indian (WHO approved) lab tested the nano-silver products for toxicity in a mouse-model study at levels of 50, 500, 5,000 mg/kg. The product was again found to be completely non-toxic to the animals at all levels tested in the Indian study. A peer-reviewed preliminary HIV Human study found that the oral ingestion of 2 ounces daily for four months of the 10 ppmnano-silver product had no negative effect on the seven human patients.

A U.S. Congressional Testimony outlines the use of the nano-silver at between 0.5-1.0 ounce daily use at 10 ppm, for human use of the product against malaria and other human ailments (120+ cases). In all cases, no negative effects were reported from any of the four hospitals and clinics that tested the product, by either external or internal use (mostly internal use).

Injected Nano-Silver Toxicity Studies

Two injected mouse model studies have been completed testing the nano-silver products at a level of 50 mg/kg, at both 10 and 32 ppm levels. Both studies found the products to be completely non-toxic to the test animals.

Will Nano-Silver Kill Probiotic Or Friendly Digestive Bacteria?

I was particularly interested in the effect of the silver on bacteria in our alimentary canal, as we have actively used nano silver for the control of bacteria on our skin, and for promoting the healing processes after such traumas as burns. Two independent studies have been completed by two different major labs, testing the effect of nano-silver on probiotic or friendly and needed digestive bacteria. Both studies found that the nano-silver products would not even inhibit the growth of probiotic bacteria at all levels at which it is being used.

Does Silver Cause Heavy Metal Poisoning?

Probably the most correct and widely accepted authority on the subject would be the MERCK Manual Of Diagnosis And Treatment. The 17th edition of the manual, on page 1880, shows the complete list of heavy metals that can cause heavy metal poisoning. The list includes a number of metals like copper and iron that are found in everyday vitamins, but silver is not listed in any form. I do not believe it was accidentally forgotten from the list, and it was not listed in the comprehensive list because it does not cause the problem! Listed under ‘Methemoglobin formers’ the Merck does list sodium nitrite as a cause of nephropathy, the importance of this being that if silver is mixed with heavy salt or sodium products, it could be classified as causing nephropathy, not because of the silver, but because of the heavy amount of salt contained in the matrix of the combined product. The heavy use of silver nitrate in the medical industry (both past and present) may have led people to the common, but incorrect misconception about silver.

Can Oral Silver Consumption Cause Cancer?

One of the major concerns of my friend, and of course many people in the world, is what causes cancer. As a Biology teacher of many years (perhaps too many) I have taught that one of the main causes of cancer is the introduction of chemicals into the body, and hence the cells, that do not necessarily exist there without introduction by man. Would silver be one of these chemicals I asked.

It has been suggested by numerous pseudo-scientists that the long term use of silver can cause cancer in some form or another. The statement is false. The EPA IRIS (Integrated Risk Information System) Report on Silver states under the first paragraph listed under section 11.A.2., ‘ No evidence of cancer in humans has been reported despite frequent therapeutic use of the compound (silver) over the years’ . Again under section 11.A.4. it states, ‘ Further support for the lack of silver's ability to induce or promote cancer stems from the finding that, despite long standing and frequent therapeutic usage in humans, there are no reports of cancer associated with silver’ .

The European Commission Has Determined The Oral Supplement Use Of Silver To Be Safe!

The European Commission, Health & Consumer Protection Directorate- General, Opinion listed under Directorate B - Scientific Health Opinions, on the use of silver in medical devices, beverages, and supplements, issued their opinion on June 27th 2000 after a comprehensive study of the subject. The opinion is stated in their conclusion on page eight. The opinion states, ‘ According to Annex IV of Directive 94/36, Silver (E. 174) can be used quantum satis to color both food and beverages, and the metal can also be ingested in the form of dietary supplements sold in ‘ health-food’ shops’. In other words they found that silver metal was safe for oral ingestion as a supplement!

Safest Means To Protect Our Homes And Families

In December of 2000, a JAMA article reported that more than 100,000 people had died that year as a side effect of antibiotics used correctly. That number did not include antibiotics that were misused. Of the millions of people consuming silver products of all types that year, no deaths were reported. If a child accidentally consumed one bottle of vitamins or household cleaner, or hundreds of other products in our homes, he or she would most likely be killed or at least harmed. In comparison, if that same child were to accidently drink an entire 16 ounce bottle of the EPA approved silver hospital disinfectant, he or she would not be harmed in any way. A major university found in its testing that this same product, which would not hurt a child, could kill the two most deadly bacteria found in hospitals (MRSA and VRE), even when it was diluted way down to only 2.5 ppm. The point is that silver may not be perfect, but it is by far the safest and most effective, hospital, home, and body disinfectant we have in the world today. It is the only safe way we currently have to fight off deadly infections and disease. For use of anti bacterial nano silver visit http://intouch.nanolia.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=36_43&product_id=61

Conclusion

Silver is not a metal that causes heavy metal poisoning as has been reported by numerous pseudo-scientists. The Merck Index does not list silver as a compound that cases nephropathy.

Historically silver has been mixed with numerous toxic substances like arsenic, mercury and sodium nitrate.

These substances were often reported as having some toxic effect when used in large quantities. The silver was not a toxic product in itself, but was sometimes reported as being toxic because of the other added substances.

Humanity must be allowed some way to safely protect themselves and their families from deadly pathogens and infections that are rampant in our hospitals, schools, and homes. Silver may not be perfect, but it is by far the safest and most broad spectrum bacteria and infection killing substance available to mankind right now.

Nanotechnology is a most promising field for generating new applications in medicine. However, only few nano products are currently in use for medical purposes. A most prominent nano product is nano silver. Nano silver particles are generally smaller than 100 nm and contain 20–15,000 silver atoms. At nanoscale, silver exhibits remarkably unusual physical, chemical and biological properties. Due to its strong antibacterial activity, nano silver coatings are used on various textiles.

The prevention of the food of bacteria from residing on the fabrics is also an important contributory fact(see relevant products at http://intouch.nanolia.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=52 ) .

Further, nanosilver is used for treatment of wounds and burns and marketed as a water disinfectant and room spray. Thus, use of nanosilver is becoming more and more widespread in medicine and related applications and due to increasing exposure toxicological and environmental issues need to be raised.

Results from safety and toxicology studies demonstrate credible and unanimous safety evidence from experimental testing performed in humans, animals, laboratories, hospitals, medical clinics, in vitro, injected, ingested, cytotoxicity and overdosed sources. Results from all these studies report safe, beneficial and non-toxic data.

Nano Silver fulfils the definition of being non-toxic, in that it passes through the body unchanged, this means it does not produce any harmful metabolites.

I HAVE PERHAPS WANDERED FROM MY ORIGINAL BRIEF, BUT IT IS SO INTERESTING, ISN’T IT? WILL ORAL USE BE OUR NEXT STEP ON OUR JOURNEY OF REDISCOVERING SILVER?

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