Thousands of years after being touted as a miracle curative with inherent healing and regenerative properties, colloidal silver is enjoying a revival . Primarily those who are interested in colloidal silver and its alleged curative powers are those who recognize the importance of vitamin and mineral balance within the body. Please note that when we refer to the term "colloidal" herein, we are referencing a suspension of tiny particles which remain in suspension indefinitely, unaffected by gravity.

The ancient Romans and ancient Egyptians learned that food and drink contained in urns made of pure silver would remain fresher for a longer time period than those stored in clay pots. During the turn of the century, many grandmothers taught their children to thoroughly wash a silver dollar or silver quarter and place it into the container of milk to retain its freshness for a longer time period. (N.B. It is important to note that our forefathers used 99.9% pure silver and not the combination silver minted by the U.S. Mint of today.) Apparently the "old wives" knew that silver had the ability to deter the onslaught of disease-causing microbes whose growth could be encouraged through spoiled food or drink.

The theory was that the inherent properties of silver deterred the formation of bacteria within the container and that, when imbibed or ingested, the same properties could be beneficial to the human body. Perhaps the practice of adding coins to the well, the " wishing well," was originally designed to assist the properties of the water contained in the well.

Silversmiths were highly regarded craftsman in America in early colonial times; their talents and services were always in demand. Silversmiths were responsible for the creation of wonderfully detailed tea sets, dinner plates, goblets and utensils crafted out of pure silver. The preservative function of silver had previously been established and most containment vessels, plates and utensils were made out of fine silver.

Silver was also used in medicinals during the turn of the century, primarily to retain the freshness of the substances within the bottles. In the late 1800s, doctors noticed that the elimination of silver accelerated the spoilage of the medicinals and compromised the efficacy of the medicine. This brought about new ideas and speculations concerning the power of silver to assist the human body's ability to heal.

Times change. The reasons for using silver were all but lost by modern standards. Silver was a plentiful mineral in the late 1800s. However, silver prices began to escalate and supply and demand led to depletion of sources. People began to turn to less costly items of dinnerware and containers. As we sought more economical and efficient containment items we lost knowledge of the fact that minute particles of silver had been ingested by people eating or imbibing with silver utensils or from silver containers. These small silver particles were thought to prevent disease and illness while assisting the body with its capacity to heal.

There are many advocates of colloidal silver who reference the healing and restorative components of silver. They state that by increasing silver properties within the human body we can restore, balance, revive, rejuvenate and prevent disease. There are claims that colloidal silver can cure everything from acne to AIDS, cancer, hepatitis and other diseases and viruses.* In the year 2000, we can liken silver to another of the "assistants" of higher vibrational frequencies which lead to more rapid healing. We are being told that our bodies are miniature versions of planet earth and that the same elements inherent in earth are contained within our bodies.

There are three distinct ways of taking colloidal silver:

1. The colloidal silver product can be purchased bottled and ready to use.
2. A colloidal silver generator can be purchased to make your own colloids.
3. The raw materials can be purchased to make your own generator and colloidal silver.

To purchase colloidal silver in the "quick-fix" variety, check with your local area health food stores. Colloidal silver can also be purchased through the Internet. A simple search on the search engine of your choice will reveal numerous colloidal silver marketers whose costs range from $5.00 U.S. dollars to $20.00 U.S. dollars per ounce.

To make your own make your own generator: Two gentlemen named Lindemann and Metcalf have manufactured Colloidal Silver Generators which are marketed by a company called Silver Solutions. This generator enables people to make colloidal silver at home. This product falls in the price range of $99.00 to $149.00 U.S. dollars. The units use one 9 volt battery and the price includes bottles for product storage.

Those who desire a more in-depth exploration of colloidal silver should read the excellent article on this subject by Peter Lindemann entitled A Closer Look at Colloidal Silver.