There is really nothing mysterious about Colloidal Silver. The term "colloid" merely refers to particles suspended in solution. In the case of Colloidal Silver these "particles" would be silver and the suspension medium would ideally be pure water.

Not FDA approved although it does have a patent (No. 7,135,195). According to some sources, FDA has approved the production and sale of colloidal silver as an anti-microbial so long as the colloidal silver is produced in the same manner as it was back in the 1930's, although I can find no verifiable proof.

Colloidal silver has been around for over 100 years, way before antibiotics were discovered. The earth's natural antibiotic, silver has been used for a homeopathic remedy against viral and bacterial infections, parasites, fungus, and molds. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans recognized the medical attributes of silver, especially after the discovery that bacteria was a cause of disease. In the early 1900's, silver foil dressings were used for wounds. These dressings were used extensively until just after World War II, and were listed in the Physician's Desk Reference until 1955. Silver sulfadiazine ointment is the number one treatment for burns in U.S. burn centers, so silver must have some benefit.

Colloidal Silver "cures" claim over 650 disease treatments including: cancer, hepatitis C, sinusitis, acne, yeast infections, flu, gangrene, gonorrhea, shingles, diabetes, colds and other infections.

It is even claiming to be a first line defense against the swine flu.

This remedy is even used for diaper rash, eye infections, ear infections, yeast infections (used as a douche), burns, skin infections, athlete's foot, acne, poison ivy and so much more.

So, how does it work? Colloidal silver within close proximity of the virus disables the enzyme. The enzyme cannot function to bring oxygen to the cell and it suffocates the virus. The claim is that viruses, fungi, bacteria, etc. are killed within three to six minutes.

The dosage recommendations vary but if the affliction is on the outside of the body, use a spray. If it is an internal issue, one ounce three or four times daily seems to be the norm and then stopping the treatment once the problem has subsided. There are those, however, that use colloidal silver every day as a preventative measure. It is also recommended that the colloidal silver be held in the mouth at least thirty seconds prior to swallowing.

Not only has colloidal silver been used for human problems, it has also been used for many ailments and diseases in animals, from cats, dogs, horses and even fish.

As with humans, it improves the immune system and acts as an antiviral and antibiotic. It heals flea and tick bites, is good for skin rashes, hot spots, conjunctivitis, ear infections and more. Given regularly, it also helps with arthritis and overall energy level in older pets.

Many animals, when sick with colds or other infections, will often drink from a bowl of colloidal silver before drinking from a bowl filled with regular water. Of course, animals often sense things that we don't or can't.

I was amazed when I read some of these real stories from animal owners. From my own experience, which is limited, I found that it helped not only my dog but my fish! My seven year old Pomeranian has terrible teeth and awful breath due to gum disease. We wiped some colloidal silver on her gums and it almost immediately took the terrible breath away.

Then, there's Billy the Beta fish. I don't know if it is old age or what but he became sluggish and started laying sideways, I thought he was dying. I put one tablespoon of colloidal silver in his little fish bowl and within thirty minutes, he was swimming around.

Although there are no known overdoeses of colloidal silver, there are two conditions that you need to be aware of. The first is the Herxheimer effect, which happens when too many pathogens are killed off and the body cannot dispose of them quick enough. This forces the body to use other organs to eliminate them, mainly the lungs, sinuses and skin.

The other condition is called argyria and results in a greyish or bluish discoloration of the skin. Silver becomes disposited in the skin and then, darkened by sunlight, produces the discoloration. This isn't common and usually occurs when there has been a large consumption of colloidal silver over a period of time, with larger particles of silver in the formula.

Colloidal silver will also destroy the good bacteria in the intestines, so it is recommended that one also consumes yogurt to counter-effect this problem.

 Colloidal silver has been around for quite some time and has been used as an antibiotic before the drug manufacturers could make a synthetic version. I would suggest doing your research. Ask a homeopathic practitioner for advice.