Parts Most Frequently Used: Silver slufasiazine or silver nanomaterials; silver nitrate and silver proteinate used in diluted form

Flavors: Bland

Caution: The body has no known need or use for silver in any form. Too much accumulation in the body can cause blue/grey discoloration of skin called argyria, which is a nonreversible condition. Renal, neurological and hepatic complications may also be caused by ingesting colloidal silver. Some people are allergic to silver.

History/Folklore: Hippocrates discussed the use of silver for healing wounds. At the beginning of the 20th century, silver was used in surgical tools like sutures, to reduce the risk of infection, as well as in eye drops to treat ophthalmic ailments and infections. It has also been used internally to treat gonorrhea, epilepsy, and the common cold. In World War I, it was used to treat infected wounds prior to antibiotics because it was thought to be an antibiotic (when it actually is only an antiseptic). Used in church chalices to prevent spread of disease. Ancient Greeks noted that food stored in silver preserved better then food stored in pottery or iron. In the Chinese culture, silver is symbol of wealth, trustworthiness, and romance. In Miao culture (ethnic minority in China), silver is worn as a status of marriage, beauty, and wealth.