Colloidal Silver - A Natural Way to Fight Illness

If you have been using natural health options for very long, you quite likely have heard about colloidal silver at least in passing.  Maybe you know someone who uses it.  Maybe you have seen a small bottle for sale at a health food store.  Or maybe you know someone with a Colloidal Silver Generator.  But do you know what it's all about and why people use it? Do you want to know more?

Well, I have been using it for more than 25 years and have shared it with others and helped people get what they need to be able to use this natural powerhouse option economically and conveniently.

I would love to share the many ways I have seen it used and the testimonials I have heard about it, but in case you are new to this natural method of treatment, let me first get you started with a research article written by a Master Herbalist, that contains many references to tests, studies, and articles.

I made another post about how you can get it way cheaper than a health food store brand.
find Generator Details Here

  The Colloidal Silver Generator

The End of 650 Diseases

research review

by Truman Berst, Master Herbalist

Imagine having your own doctor on call 24 hours-a-day. Not just any doctor either. After all, the mortality rate generally drops when doctors and hospitals go on strike.(1,2,3,4) Death due to toxic drugs, unnecessary treatment, rampant ignorance and a sea of antibiotic-resistant bacteria make most hospitals the Devil's own playground. No, I'm talking about a doctor that makes people well again. Now, imagine that your new doctor is essentially cost free, works anywhere and is the size of a transistor radio, neatly fitting in your shirt pocket. Impossible? Not at all. The only thing unbelievable about it is that everyone doesn't already have one.

The doctor I am talking about is a Colloidal Silver Generator. Silver is a powerful, natural prophylactic/antibiotic, used for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks lined their eating and drinking vessels with silver, as did many other cultures throughout the world. (5) Pioneers of the American West would put a silver dollar in a jug of milk to keep it fresh without refrigeration. (6) Did you ever wonder why silverware was made from silver? One of the properties of silver is that it kills bacteria on contact in six minutes or less. (7) It may be that gold and silver were first used as valued currency because of their medical properties. Currently, in the United States we are spending $3,700 per person per year to treat our diseases-- the highest amount in the world. Ironically, our health problems are getting worse. As absurd as it may seem, the third leading cause of disease and death in the United States is now infectious disease. These deaths are completely preventable.

EARLY RESEARCH

At the turn of the century, scientists had discovered that the body's most important fluids are colloidal in nature; suspended ultra-fine particles. Blood, for example, carries nutrition and oxygen to the body cells. This led to studies with Colloidal Silver. Prior to 1938, Colloidal Silver was used by physicians as a mainstream antibiotic treatment and was considered quite "high-tech." Production methods, however were costly. The pharmaceutical industry moved in, causing colloidal research to be set aside in favor of fast working, more toxic and potentially dangerous drugs. The Food and Drug Administration today classifies Colloidal Silver as a pre 1938 drug. A letter from the FDA dated 9/13/91 states: "These products may continue to be marketed...as long as they are advertised and labeled for the same use as in 1938 and as long as they are manufactured in the original manner." Some of the manufacturing methods used before 1938 are still used today. An electrocolloidal process, which is known to be the best method is used.

CONTEMPORARY STUDIES

Laboratory tests in 1988 by Larry C. Ford, M.D., UCLA School of Medicine, and other researchers showed that destructive bacteria, virus and fungus organisms are killed within minutes of contact with simple metallic silver. While studying regeneration of limbs, spinal cords and organs in the late 1970’s, Robert O. Becker, M.D., author of The Body Electric, discovered that silver ions promote bone growth and kill surrounding bacteria he recognized a correlation between low silver levels and sickness. He said silver deficiency was responsible for the improper functioning of the immune system. Dr. Becker's experiments conclude that silver works on the full spectrum of pathogens without any side effects or damage to the body. He also states that silver does more than kill disease-causing organisms. It also causes major growth stimulation of injured tissues. Burn patients and even elderly patients notice more rapid healing. And he discovered that all cancer cells can change back to normal cells. All strains of pathogens resistant to other antibiotics are killed by silver. The March 1978 issue of Science Digest, in an article, "Our Mightiest Germ Fighter," reported: "Thanks to eye-opening research, silver is emerging as a wonder of modern medicine. An antibiotic kills perhaps a half-dozen different disease organisms, but silver kills some 650. Resistant strains fail to develop. Moreover, silver is virtually non-toxic. "The article ended with a quote by Dr. Harry Margraf, a biochemist and pioneering silver researcher who worked with the late Carl Moyer, M.D., chairman of Washington University's Department of Surgery in the 1970’s. "Silver is the best all-around germ fighter we have.”

HOW IT W0RKS

The presence of Colloidal Silver near a virus, fungus, bacterium or any other single celled pathogen disables its oxygen metabolism enzyme, its chemical lung, so to say. Within a few minutes, the pathogen suffocates and dies, and is cleared out of the body by the immune, lymphatic and elimination systems. Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics which destroy beneficial enzymes, Colloidal Silver leaves these tissue-cell enzymes intact, as they are radically different from the enzymes of primitive single-celled life. Thus Colloidal Silver is absolutely safe for humans, reptiles, plants and all multi-celled living matter. Colloidal Silver is the result of an electro-magnetic process that pulls microscopic particles from a larger piece of silver into a liquid, such as water. (8) These microscopic particles can more easily penetrate and travel throughout the body. Colloidal Silver works as a catalyst, disabling the enzyme that all one- celled bacteria, fungi and viruses use for their oxygen metabolism. In short, the bad guys suffocate. Unlike with antibiotics, resistant strains have never been known to develop. In fact, antibiotics are only effective against perhaps a dozen forms of bacteria and fungi, but never viruses. Because no known disease-causing organism can live in the presence of even minute traces of the chemical element of metallic silver, Colloidal Silver is effective against more than 650 different disease- causing pathogens. (9) Since there is not enough room to list all the diseases against which Colloidal Silver has been used successfully, here is a tiny sample: acne, allergies, appendicitis, arthritis, blood parasites, bubonic plague, burns (colloidal silver is one of the few treatments that can keep severe burn patients alive), cancer, (10) cholera, conjunctivitis, diabetes, gonorrhea, hay fever, herpes, leprosy, leukemia, lupus, lymphangitis, Lyme disease, malaria, meningitis, parasitic infections both viral and fungal, pneumonia, rheumatism, ringworm, scarlet fever, septic conditions of the eyes, ears, mouth and throat, shingles, skin cancer, staph infections, strep infections, syphilis, toxemia, trench foot, all forms of viruses, warts and stomach ulcer. In addition it also has veterinary uses, such as for canine parvo virus. You'll also find Colloidal Silver very handy in the garden since it can be used against bacterial, fungal and viral attacks on plants. Simply spray diluted Colloidal Silver on the leaves, and add to soil water.

INGESTING COLLOIDAL SILVER

Taken orally, the silver solution is absorbed from the mouth into the bloodstream, then transported quickly to the body cells. Swishing the solution under the tongue briefly before swallowing ensures fast absorption. In three to four days the silver will have accumulated in the tissues sufficiently for benefits to begin. Since Colloidal Silver is eliminated by the kidneys, lymph system and bowel after three weeks, a regular daily intake is recommended as a protection against dangerous pathogens. In cases of minor burns, an accumulation of Colloidal Silver can hasten healing, reducing scar tissue and infection. The lives of millions of people susceptible to chronic low-grade infections can be enhanced by this powerful preventative health measure.

FOR CHRONIC OR SERIOUS CONDITIONS

Take double or triple the recommended amount for 30 to 45 days, then drop to the maintenance dose. If your body is extremely ill or toxic, do not be in a hurry to clear up everything at once. If pathogens are killed off too quickly, the body's five eliminatory channels, i.e., the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and bowel, may be temporarily overloaded, causing flu-like conditions, headache, extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea or aching muscles. Ease off on the Colloidal Silver to the maintenance amount and increase your distilled water intake. Regular bowel movements are a must in order to relieve the discomforts of detoxification. Resolve to reduce sugar and hydrogenated fats from the diet, and exercise more. Given the opportunity, the body's natural ability to heal will amaze you.

TOPICAL USES

Colloidal Silver is painless on cuts, abrasions, in open wounds, in the nostrils for a stuffy nose, and even in a body's eyes because, unlike antiseptics, it does not destroy tissue cells.

TOLERANCE TO DISEASE ORGANISMS

It is impossible for single-celled germs to mutate into silver-resistant forms, as happens with conventional antibiotics. Therefore no tolerance to Colloidal Silver ever develops. Also, Colloidal Silver cannot interact or interfere with other medicine being taken. Inside the body, silver forms no toxic compounds nor reacts with anything other than a germ's oxygen-metabolizing enzyme. Colloidal Silver is truly a safe, natural remedy for many of mankind's ills. It would appear highly unlikely that even germ warfare agents could survive an encounter with Colloidal Silver, since viruses like Ebola and Hanta, or even the dreaded "flesh-eating bacteria" are, in the end, merely hapless viruses and bacteria. To top it off, Colloidal Silver is non-toxic, making it safe for both children and adults, as well as pets. (11, 12) In short, anything bigger than a one-cell animal seems to like it. Nor does one have to worry about that FDA (Food and Drug Administration) fox being put in charge of this home remedy hen house. Colloidal Silver is a pre-1938 healing modality, making it exempt from FDA jurisdiction under the grandfather clause. (13)

So what doesn't colloidal silver do?

It doesn't interact with any other medications. It doesn't upset the stomach, and, in fact, is a digestion aid. It does not sting in the eyes. Medical journal reports and documented studies spanning the past 100 years indicate no known side effects from oral or I.V. administration of colloidal silver in animal or human testing. Colloidal silver has been used with good results under the most demanding health care circumstances. Without overstating the case, it may be time to recognize colloidal silver as not only the safest medicine on Earth, but also the most powerful!

Questions and Answers About Colloidal Silver

WHAT IS IT? Colloidal Silver is a pure all-natural substance consisting of sub-microscopic clusters of silver, held in a suspension of pure ionized water by a tiny electric charge placed on each particle.

WHAT DOES IT DO? Colloidal Silver is a powerful, natural antibiotic. It is the most usable form of the most effective disease, germ, virus and fungal killers known. It has been found to be both a remedy and a prevention for colds, flu, all infections and all fermentation due to any bacteria, fungus or virus, especially staph, and strep, which are often found in disease conditions. It has been reported to rapidly subdue inflammation and promote faster healing. The body needs Colloidal Silver to fight disease causing organisms and to aid healing. Taken daily, Colloidal Silver provides a second immune system resulting in more energy, vitality, vigor, relaxation, faster healing and reduced bodily toxins. An artificial antibiotic kills, on average, 6 different disease organisms, but Colloidal Silver is known to kill over 650 diseases without any harmful side effects or toxicity.

SILVER IN OUR BODIES? We get silver and all minerals in our bodies through the food we eat. This comes directly from organic soil. This soil is rich in living organisms. These organisms break down the soil so plants are provided minerals in a form assimilable to the plant. Hence, we get silver naturally from the minerals present in organically grown plants. If we eat plants that have been grown on chemical fertilizers, as most plants are grown today; without living organisms in the soil to help provide nutrition to the plant, we do not get the quantity of vitamins and minerals which are available in organically grown foods. Thus deficiencies develop. As we age our ability to assimilate silver decreases. We develop a silver deficiency and an impaired immune system that can lead to cancer and other diseases. Dr. Robert Becker noticed a correlation between low silver levels and sickness. People who had low levels of silver were frequently sick, had innumerable colds, flu, fevers and other sicknesses. He believed a silver deficiency was the reason for the improper functioning of the immune system. He found that silver works on a wide range of bacteria without any side effects or damage to the cells of the body and can stimulate major growth of injured tissues. WHY SILVER? Silver has benefited mankind's health for thousands of years. In ancient Greece and Rome, people used silver containers to keep liquids fresh. American settlers traveling across the West often put a silver dollar in the milk to delay its spoiling. Around the turn of the century, doctors prescribed silver nitrate for stomach ulcers and it has been common practice to put a few drops of a silver solution in the eyes of a newborn baby to kill bacteria that might cause blindness. A silver compound known as silver sulfadiazine has been used in 70 per cent of the burn centers in the U.S. It helps stop the herpes virus. Note: It is not the silver in dental fillings that is harmful but the mercury which is a deadly poison.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF COLLOIDAL SILVER? It was widely used decades ago when, among other reasons, the cost became prohibitive - about $100 per ounce in 1930 dollars. The quicker, more specific and fast acting man-made antibiotics became prevalent in the 1940s. High quality Colloidal Silver can now be produced at a low cost.

WHAT ARE THE KEY CHARACTERISTICS? Colloidal Silver is non-toxic, non-addictive and has no side effects. The body develops no tolerance and one cannot overdose. Colloidal Silver cannot cause harm to the liver, kidneys or any other organs in the body. It is safe for pregnant and nursing women and even aids the developing fetus in growth and health, as well as easing the mother's delivery and recovery. Colloidal Silver is odorless, tasteless, non-stinging, harmless to eyes, contains no free-radicals, is harmless to human enzymes and has no reaction with other medications. It improves digestion, aids in the regeneration of damaged cells and tissues, helps prevent colds, flu and organism caused diseases . HAS IT BEEN MEDICALLY TESTED? YES! Colloidal Silver has been successfully tested at the UCLA Medical Labs where it killed every virus on which it was tested.

WHAT DOES THE FDA SAY? According to the FDA Colloidal Silver may continue to be marketed and used as it was originally intended. Colloidal Silver exceeds FDA recognized standards (Sep. 13, 1991 letter written by Consumer Safety Officer, Harold Davies, U.S. Food and Drug Admin.) FDA has no jurisdiction regarding a pure, mineral element.

WHAT ABOUT COLLOIDAL SILVER FOR AIDS? since in active aids, the suppressed immune system of the body is open to all kinds of disease, Colloidal Silver is the perfect non-toxic medicine to use for its wide spectrum antibiotic effect. A researcher at Brigham Young University sent Colloidal Silver to two different labs including UCLA Medical Center, and reported "It not only killed the HIV virus but every virus that was tested in the labs". According to FDA rules, Colloidal Silver cannot be used for treating the HIV virus, but it could be used as an antibiotic for all acquired diseases of active AIDS.

WHAT OTHER USES ARE THERE FOR COLLOIDAL SILVER? Tests prove, due to the high absorption of silver in the small intestine, the friendly bacteria in the large intestine are not affected. All bacterial, viral and fungal organisms are killed within 6 minutes of contact. Higher silver content in the body causes faster and more frequent contact with these organisms. No disease causing organism can live in the presence of simple silver. The following is a partial list of the more than 650 diseases that Colloidal Silver has been successfully used against Acne, Arthritis, Athlete's Foot, Toxemia, Blood Poisoning, Burns, Cancer, Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis, Candida, Cholera, Colitis, Conjunctivitis, Dermatitis, Diabetes, Diptheria, Dysentry, Enlarged Prostate, Excema, Fatigue, Fibrositis, Gastritis, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Hepatitis, Infantile Diseases, Impetigo, Keratitis, Leprosy, lesions, leukemia, lupus, lyme disease,Pymphagitis, Malaria, Meningitis, Neurasthenia, Pluerisy, Pheomonia, Prostate, Psoriasis, Pruritis Ani, Ophthalmia, Rheumatism, Ringworm, Rhiritis Rosacea, Scarlet Fever, Seborrhea, Septicemia, Shingles, Skin Cancer, Cystitis, Staph Infection, Strep Infections, Stomach Fu, Stomach Ulcers, Herpes Virus, Ulcers, Strep, Thryroid Conditions, Tonsillitis, Toxemia, Trenchfoot, Tuberculosis, Virus Warts, Whooping Cough, Yeast Infections.

Colloidal Silver vs. Pharmaceutical Antibiotics

Interest in Colloidal Silver has increased most recently, probably because illness causing organisms do not seems to build up a resistance to Colloidal Silver the way they do to pharmaceutical antibiotics. Antibiotics are becoming less effective as resistance to them grows.

The Los Angeles Times states "But in the last decade, a broad resistance to antibiotics has begun to emerge. And because bacteria can transfer genes among themselves, experts only expect the resistance to grow. The potential nightmare is an Andromeda strain, which is immune to all antibiotics and could wreak havoc. ("Arsenal of Antibiotics Failing as Resistant Bacteria Develop," October 23, 1994)

In the early 1900's an antibacterial solution called Colloidal Silver became the choice of medical practitioners. It proved to be enormously effective against infectious organisms and extremely safe to use, without the negative side effects associated with drugs. But Colloidal Silver became increasingly expensive and the pharmaceutical companies developed antibiotics as we know them today. Silver took a back seat. However, as usual, as we deviate from nature, unforeseen problems develop. Forty years after the advent of antibiotics, many types of disease-causing organisms had built an immunity to their action. Over the years the medical establishment has reported on the new strains of “Super Bugs" that cannot be destroyed by antibiotics. Newsweek Magazine reported in March 28, 1994 that in 1992, 13,000 hospital patients died of infections that resisted every drug doctors tried. Also a well known fact is the detrimental effect of antibiotics on the naturally occurring flora in the colon. Colloidal Silver does not disturb this very necessary environment.

Fortunately, the timely re-emergence of Colloidal Silver due to new technology and much reduced costs in production, may prove to be one of the best remedies that the public now has to protect themselves.

In 1834, the German obstetrician F. Crede administered 1% silver nitrate to the eyes of newborn infants, virtually eliminating the incidence of disease causing blindness in newborn babies. However, it was not until the late 1800's that Western scientists were able to prove what had been known in Eastern medicine for thousands of years...that silver was a proven germ fighter! Once the discovery was made that the body's chief fluids were colloidal in nature, the endless possibilities which could occur from the use of colloids in medicine were recognized. As a result, a silver solution known as Colloidal Silver became widely used in medicine as one of the main-stays of anti-microbial treatment, until money became an issue.   "What we actually have done, was rediscover that silver kills bacteria", stated Dr. Robert Becker M. D.  "It is non-toxic in micro-concentrations of 3-5 parts per million." And now it's silver that is finding wholly new uses as a wonder in modern medicine...perhaps it soon will be recognized as OUR MIGHTIEST GERM FIGHTER." (Science Digest, March 1978.)

Silver is considered to be one of the most universal antibiotic substances known. Jim Powell reported in the Science Digest article quoted above, that an antibiotic kills perhaps 7 different disease organisms, but silver kills some 650. Resistant strains fail to develop. Moreover, silver is non-toxic! The comeback of silver in medicine began in the 1970's. The late Dr. Carl Moyer, chairman of Washington University's Department of Surgery, received a grant to develop better treatment for burn victims. Dr. Harry Margraf of St. Louis, as the chief biochemist, worked with Dr. Moyer and other surgeons to find an antiseptic strong enough, yet safe, to use over larger areas of the body. Dr. Margraf reviewed 22 antiseptic compounds and found drawbacks in all of them. (SILVER IS USED IN ALL MAJOR BURN CENTERS TN THE UNITED STATES. UCLA MEDICAL LABS FOUND IT EFFECTIVE ON EVERY BURN)

He noted that many of these antibiotics were ineffective against a number of harmful bacteria, including the biggest killer in burn cases - greenish blue bacterium called Pseudomonas acruginose. Extensive trials proved silver to be the most effective and is currently used in all major burn centers in the United States.

WHAT IS COLLOIDAL SILVER

Colloidal Silver is a tasteless, odorless, non-toxic, pure, natural substance consisting of sub-microscopic clusters of silver particles, suspended by a tiny electric charge placed on each particle, within a suitable liquid. The molecule's size usually ranges from 0.01 to about 0.001 micron in diameter (very small). The particles do not settle but remain suspended since the electric charge exerts more force than gravity on each particle. Colloidal is the form of choice since the body must convert a crystalline solution to colloidal before it can be used. Taken daily, it is a powerful adjunct to our immune systems, by killing harmful disease-causing organisms, and aids healing.

Silver and all minerals are obtained from food we eat. This comes directly from organic soil containing living organisms. These organisms assist in making the minerals available to the vegetation. However, if we eat fruit and vegetables grown on chemical fertilizers, as most plants are grown today, we do not get the necessary quantity of vitamins, minerals and trace elements which occur in organically grown foods. This results in deficiencies which progress over time resulting in an impaired immune function. The results are diseases of aging. Dr. Robert Backer noticed a correlation between low silver levels and sickness; colds, flu, etc. Some Biochemists suspect that a silver deficiency is possibly one of the main reasons cancer exists and is increasing at such a rapid rate today. Dr. Bjorn Nordstrom of the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, has used silver in his cancer treatment for many years. He says it has brought on rapid remission in many patients whom other doctors had given up on.

HOW DOES COLLOIDAL SILVER WORK?

According to medical journals from around the world, it disables the particular enzyme that all one-celled bacteria, fungi and viruses use for their oxygen metabolism. Colloidal Silver co-mingles with the blood and enters the cells to seek out and destroy harmful organisms. It suffocates them in six minutes or less, after initial contact. This phenomenon was recently demonstrated in tests at UCLA Medical Lab. Trace amounts protect and strengthen the immune system.

USES OF COLLOIDAL SILVER

Several decades of clinical use of Silver have been proven in the treatment of burns, and for eye, ear, nose, throat, vaginal, rectal and urinary tract infections. Silver has been prescribed in medicine as an aid to the brain, reproductive disorders in women and the circulatory system. It has been used as a remedy for mental imbalances, sleepwalking and anorexia nervosa. Additional uses include the treatment of AIDS, allergies, anthrax bacilli, arthritis, parasites, blood poisoning, boils, wounds of the cornea, chronic

So why haven't you heard of it?

I suspect the user friendly economics of Colloidal Silver may have something to do with its low profile in the media. Colloidal Silver can't help but shine a spotlight on the expensive and deadly nature of our pharmaceutical industries, who are bigger than the Pentagon economically. For example, the pharmaceutical cartel's relentless promotion of dangerous vaccines for humans and animals through government programs have now been linked to everything from increasing crib deaths in infants (who in many documented cases scream for hours before dying), to the increasingly common disease, feline leukemia, in house cats. Colloidal Silver, on the other hand, is a safe and reliable alternative to expensive pharmaceuticals.

It is possible that consuming large amounts over long periods of time may kill some friendly bacteria in your intestines. If taking large amounts, you should supplement your diet with cottage cheese, yogurt or acidophilus, or compensate for possible bacteria loss with  acidophilus powder daily half hour before meals. This is not, however, a serious problem, and unlike antibiotics, Colloidal Silver does not weaken the body's immune system. In fact, it is said to give the body a second immune system, creating a shield against disease of all kinds.

As it is currently marketed through local health food stores, colloidal silver contains anywhere from 1 to 5 parts per million (ppm) and sells for as much as $21.95 for two ounces. An average adult dose might be anywhere from a tablespoon per day to a sixteen ounce tumbler, or more, since no toxic dose is known. Thanks to one physicist's brilliantly simple design, you can now construct your own generator and produce unlimited amounts of high-quality colloidal silver concentrate for the price of water!

APPLICATION OF COLLOIDAL SILVER

Liquid silver as well as new gel formulations, may be applied directly to the skin. A few drops on a q-tip or band-aid may be used to disinfect any wound or sore. Liquid silver is administered orally and can also be injected. It can be used vaginally, anally, atomized or inhaled into the nose or lungs and dropped into the eyes. To start, take one teaspoon per day, for seven days, then reduce to half a teaspoon per day. Children should use proportionally smaller doses. For colds and flu symptoms, up to a tablespoon three times daily. Overdosing should not be of concern even if more than recommended doses are administered. After a few days of use, one might experience a deter effect in the form of feeling sluggish or mild aches. Consumption of water will cause these symptoms to disappear.

It is safe for pregnant and nursing women and is known to aid the developing fetus in growth. It will not generate free radicals or interfere with enzyme activity. It has no reaction with other medications. A person could safely drink several ounces a day of 5 ppm concentration Colloidal Silver indefinitely, as this small concentration of silver is easily flushed from the body.

What Do Health Professionals Say About Silver and Colloidal Silver?

"In 1992, 13,300 hospital patients died of infections that resisted every drug doctors tried. Newsweek Magazine, March 28, 1994

"A 65-year-old diabetic cut himself on the leg. He washed and bandage it but, as often happens with diabetes, the pain persisted, and the cut grew into a sore. Soon it became bigger than the bandage, and he had to apply a dressing. Still, it grew bigger and ugly. In desperation he went to a clinic. His sore was diagnosed as a'stasis ulcer.' For a year, one treatment after another was tried. Nothing, including penicillin and sulfonamide, could heal the ulcer. If his condition had continued unchecked, his leg probably would have been amputated. But finally he was referred to a clinic that treated skin ulcers with a silver compound. This promptly stopped the growth of all bacteria. In less than two months, the ulcer was completely healed." -Science Digest-March 1978

"We have had instant success with Colloidal Silver and immune compromised patients. A few examples are: Pink eye (topical) totally resolved in less than six hours; recurrent sinus infections (oral ingestion) resolved in eight days; acute cuticle infections -(topical) - twenty four hours. Another major area in which we have improved our clinical results is in the area of bowel detoxification and dysbiosis. The Colloidal Silver has provided excellent removal of abnormal intestinal bacteria; also it has proved to be a great adjunct to our Candida albicans, Epstein Barr Virus and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome protocols." Dr. Evan M., Kansas.

"What we have actually done was rediscover the fact that silver kills bacteria, which had been known for centuries... when antibiotics were discovered, clinical uses for silver as an antibiotic were discarded" concludes Dr. Robert O. Becker, M.D. Extensive research into the curative properties of silver has been conducted for many years at the Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y. under the direction of above mentioned Dr, Becker. The experiments conclude that silver works on a wide range of bacteria, without any known side-effects or damage to the cells of the body. Silver was doing something more than killing disease-causing organisms. It was also causing major growth stimulation of injured tissues. Dr. Becker concludes that the presence of the silver ion may help to regenerate tissue, eliminate old or cancerous cell, and any other diseased or abnormal condition.

Dr. Henry Crooks (Use of Colloids in Health-Disease) found that silver in the colloidal state is highly germicidal, quite harmless to humans and absolutely non-toxic. From his bacteriological experiments with silver he concluded, "I know of no microbe that is not killed in laboratory experiments in six minutes."

Dr. Bjorn Nordenstrom, of the Larolinska Institute, Sweden, has successfully used silver as a component in his cancer treatments for many years.

Dr. Leonard Keene Hirschberg, A. M., M. D. (John Hopkins) states, "Speaking generally, the colloidal metals are especially remarkable for their beneficial action in infective states.

Dr. Richard L. Davies, executive director of the Silver Institute, which monitors silver technology in 37 countries, reports: "In four years we've described 87 important new medical uses for silver. We're just beginning to see to what extent silver can relieve suffering."

More In-depth Information

First some basics. A colloid consists of minute particles that float within a liquid despite the pull of gravity. To stay in suspension for any length of time, these particles must be smaller than 1 micron (1/1000 of an inch). When fresh produce is processed through a juicer, a colloid results in the form of a glass of juice. Drinking fresh juices makes it possible to consume far more nutrients than by eating. Because juice is considered a pre-digested food, the body can process large amounts with minimal effort and correspondingly better health results. As a juice colloid sits, the larger particles begin to fall out of suspension and settle at the bottom of the container. To evenly distribute the contents it is common to shake up a bottle of juice before drinking.

In the case of colloidal silver, silver particles are pulled off of a pure silver electrode that is emersed in water by applying a low voltage electric current, giving each particle an electric charge. This charge, though long lasting, is not permanent, and both daylight and time will cause a colloid to lose its charge. This loss is referred to as "falling out", or "plating out". Note, while colloidal silver is light sensitive, it is not nearly so light sensitive as camera film. If taken to the beach under mid-day California summer sun, colloidal silver can be expected to oxidize in about ten minutes. Indoors, under ambient and artificial light, colloidal silver will oxidize in about three days. This only means that once made, colloidal silver should be stored in tinted or opaque containers.  The container and dropper must be glass, as plastic cannot preserve the silver in liquid suspension for any length of time.

Many colloidal silver manufacturers claim that if the silver particles are "too large," the resulting brew will prove injurious to the public health. The truth can be found in many science text books. When applying current to silver in solution, metallic silver will always break off at the same size, 1.26 angstroms (.00001 microns). This particle is so small that the next stop on the road to smallness is the atom itself.

Colloids are by nature the smallest particles matter can be divided into while still retaining individual characteristics. Reducing a piece of metallic silver into a cloud of microscopic particles greatly extends its total surface area, and so its healing properties, while deepening its penetration into the body.

Because the silver particles are charged, they strive to combine with other elements in the solution. Trace elements exist even in distilled water, and when the charged silver particles combine with a specific trace element, the solution will turn one of a number of colors like gray, yellow, green or brown. Whatever element the silver chooses is largely irrelevant: Once in the body, the silver releases its bond in search of stronger attachments in an effort to stabilize its charge. Therefore, once the silver colloid has entered the body, the original silver particles measuring 1.26 angstroms (about the size of fifteen atoms) quickly pass through the stomach lining and into the blood stream, where they circulate for about a week before elimination.

Yellow Colloidal Silver.

The real reason yellow colored colloidal silver is favored by most manufacturers is not because it is more effective than other types, but because it has a longer shelf life before falling out of solution. This stability in solution doesn't automatically translate into a smaller combined particle size between the silver ion and the trace element which it has attached itself to. It may simply be that the trace element which the silver has combined with is more water soluble. In either case it's a moot point. Simply put, the most effective colloidal silver is not a question of color, but of freshness and highest concentration density.

A disadvantage of the yellow colloidal silver is its bitter taste - unlike the silver colored colloid. Also, the yellow solution is more difficult to make. When using a 27-volt generator, it is helpful to reduce the water volume to mitigate the much longer activation time that the yellow solution requires. I couldn't find any medical evidence that the yellow colloid is more effective than the silver colored colloid. People can always create and compare the effects of the yellow and silver solutions for themselves.

To make the yellow solution, use a tall narrow glass with six to eight ounces of distilled water. Use no saline solution. The water will not gain conductivity as it does when saline is added, so the process will take about forty-five minutes. It will produce a concentration of around 10 parts per million (ppm). Be sure to keep an eye on the color of your solution or it will eventually turn a murky brown and then black. If this happens, just throw it out and start over.

Making High Concentrations of Colloidal Silver.

As more silver ions travel through the water, the current flow increases which alters the physical parameters necessary for colloidal silver production. The result is a process time limit of about fifteen minutes when using distilled water with saline solution.

To create high concentrations of silver, you can heat the water. For every 10 degrees that the water is heated above room temperature (72 degrees), the parts per million (ppm) will be doubled. Therefore, if 5 ppm resulted after seven minutes of activation with sixteen ounces of water at 72 degrees, then 82 degrees would yield 10 ppm, and 92 degrees would deliver 20 ppm, etc. You should not boil the water; however, there is still a great deal of leeway between 72 degrees and 212 degrees (boiling). For heating purposes, do not use a tea pot because of the pot's calcification. Use something cleaner, like a stainless steel cooking pot before pouring water into a glass, or 1 qt Vison Ware glass pan.

The body's ability to process the tiny atoms of colloidal silver makes silver build-up in the body impossible. The Environmental Protection Agency's Poison Control Center reports a No Toxicity listing for colloidal silver. In fact, it appears that harmlessness is one of the attributes of the colloid physiology, regardless of content. For example, when examining a bottle of colloidal minerals from the local health food store I noticed arsenic, nickel and lead among the sixty-five trace minerals listed in the contents.  In other words, if the particles are small enough, you can even drink arsenic. Since the body is known to have a vital need for silver to maintain both the immune system and the production of new healthy cells, and due to the harmonious nature of colloids entering the body (our blood is also a colloid), it stands within reason that colloidal silver may literally be the safest medicine on earth.

Just to prove a point to myself, I made a sixteen-ounce solution of well over 250 ppm and drank it. I repeated this procedure every day for four days in a row. I easily drank the equivalent of fifty sixteen-ounce glasses of 5 ppm colloidal silver every day! I did not eat yogurt, acidophilus, or compensate for friendly bacteria loss in any way. The only side effect was that I just seemed to feel better. This makes sense according to Capitol Drugs pharmacist Ron Barnes, R.Ph.; "Many strains of pathogenic microbes-- viruses, fungi, bacteria or any other single-celled pathogen-- resistant to other antibiotics are killed on contact by colloidal silver, and are unable to mutate. However, it does not harm tissue-cell enzymes and friendly bacteria.

Cutting two flowers in the back yard and leaving one on a shelf without water for twenty-four hours. When picked up the next day it was completely limp. Making a fresh cut at the bottom of the stem, then placing it in a glass of high concentrate colloidal silver. Each day it got better. On the third day, the stem had become firm again, as if it had just been cut. Not a single petal was lost. The second flower that was cut had been placed immediately in ordinary water. Many of its petals had already fallen. Though the flower was in water from the start, it was already dying.

Copyright 1996 Truman Berst. All rights reserved.

References:

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 56th edition, 1975-76, page F209

Healing Spiral /Banishing Disease With Three 9v Batteries -- Perceptions, Nov/Dec 1995

                        1. "Medical malpractice alone kills an estimated 45,000 people annually (in the U.S.), making it the leading cause of accidental injury and death."--Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD

                        2. As many as 14,000 people die in Australian hospitals every year through preventable mistakes, ranging from misdiagnosis to being given the wrong drugs. This makes hospitals the third- largest killer in Australia after heart disease and cancer. For those who survive, between 25,000 and 30,000 patients are left with a serious and permanent disability as a result of such mistakes.--The  Sydney Morning Herald, 6/2/95 and The New Scientist, 6/10/95.

                        3. Using statistics from the 1984 Harvard study, the National Safety Council and other sources, the  Campaign to Protect Consumer Rights says that more people die in the U.S. from medical negligence than any other accidental cause. If these statistics are valid, medical errors kill more people each year than automobiles, falls, drownings, fires, choking, guns and poisons combined.

                        4."Only 10 to 20 percent of all medical procedures currently used in medical practice have been  shown to be efficacious by controlled trial.--U. S. Office of Technology Assessment.

                        5. Encyclopedia Britanica, 1910

                        6. Health  Consciousness Magazine, vol. 15, no. 4

                        7. Colloidal Silver is proven particularly effective in cases of intestinal troubles. Dr. Henry Crooks found that Silver in the colloidal state is highly germicidal, quite harmless to humans and absolutely  non-toxic. Rather than in a chemical compound, the Silver, in the colloidal state, may be applied in a much more concentrated form, with correspondingly better results.  All fungus, virus bacterium, streptococcus, staphylococcus, and other pathogenic organisms are killed in three to four minutes: in fact there is no microbe known that is not killed by Colloidal Silver in six  minutes or less, with a dilution of as little as five parts per million, though there are no side effects whatsoever from huge concentrations.  “Use of Colloids in health and Disease,” quoted in “Report: Colloidal Silver”< Health Consciousness, Vol. 15, No. 4

                        8. “(Colloidal Silver)” is not a chemical compound containing silver, but a pure metallic silver of sub microscopic clusters of just a few atoms, held in suspension in pure water, by the tiny electric charge on each atom.  Health Consciousness, Vol. 15, No. 4

                        9. As an antibiotic, Silver kills over 650 disease causing organisms: Resistant strains fail to develop.  Silver is absolutely non-toxic.  Silver is the best all-around germ fighter we have.  Doctors are reporting that taken internally against syphillis, cholera, and maleria, diabetes, and severe burns. - Bio/Tech News 1995

                        10. Dr. Bjorn Nordstrom, of Karolinska Institute, (Sweden’s equivalent of the USA’s National Institute of Health.)

                        11. Metallic Silver (Colloid) is non-toxic, however, silver nitrate and other compounds of silver are and should not be ingested. - Dr. Bob Beck

                        12. Environmental Protection Agency’s Poison Control Center reports no toxicity listing Colloidal Silver, considering it harmless in any concentration.

                        13. The FDA has stated because Colloidal Silver is (by fifty years) a pre-1938 drug, it may continue to be marketed.  (Sept. 1991, letter received from Consumer Safety Officer Harold Davies, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.) Moreover, the FDA has no jurisdiction over a pure, mineral element.

Reprinted from internet article by Truman Berst, Master Herbalist from American Health & Herbs

  Get Generator Details Here

Topic - Tea Tree Essential Oil - A review by Tisserand

Australian Tea Tree Oil

A Review by Robert Tisserand
The International Journal of Aromatherapy  Vol.1, No 1, February 1988

With special thanks to Christopher Dean, of Thursday Plantation and

The Australian Tea-Tree Industry Association, for his help in sourcing material.

Tea-tree (or ti-tree) oil is distilled from the fronds of a tree native to New South Wales, Australia, and parts of New Zealand. This tree, melaleuca alternifolia, is a member of the myrtle family, and is extremely hardy and disease-resistant. The leaves have been employed medicinally for centuries by New South Wales Aborigines, and the name is said to stem from a visit by Captain Cook, whose crew made a tea from the leaves.

Tea-tree oil is water-white in appearance, and has a fresh, spicey, agreeable odour. Until recently it was hardly known in aromatherapy outside Australia, but some recent clinical trials in France have helped to highlight its usefulness. Tea-tree oil turns out to be one of the most useful of all essential oils, especially as an antiseptic, and yet it has not previously been discussed in books on aromatherapy.

ANTISEPTIC POWER

The first to recognize the unique qualities of the essential oil was a government chemist from Sydney, A. R. Penfold. In 1925 he announced the results of laboratory experiments which showed that the oil was twelve times stronger than phenol (carbolic acid) which was then the universal standard for antiseptic substances. This led to further research and to the increasing use of the oil in medicine, dentistry and as a home remedy.

In 1930 a report in the Medical Journal of Australia' commented on its non- toxicity and lack of irritancy. The report noted enthusiastically that tea-tree oil dissolved pus and left the surfaces of infected wounds clean so that its germicidal action became more effective and without any apparent damage to the tissues. 'Dirty wounds, such as are frequently seen as the result of street accidents, may be washed or syringed out with a 10% watery lotion; the solvent properties will loosen and bring away the dirt which is usually ground in ... healing will readily take place.' in 1936 the same journal reported a very bad case of diabetic gangrene successfully treated with tea-tree oil. In 1937 it was pointed out that one of the outstanding features of the oil is that the presence of blood, pus or other organic matter actually increases the oil's antiseptic powers by some 10 to 12 per cent.

During the Second World War tea-tree oil was issued in first aid kits to army and navy units in the tropical regions. At one point demand so outstripped supply that synthetic antiseptics had to be substituted. This, coupled with the fervent post-war interest in antibiotic drugs, led to a decline of interest in tea-tree, which persisted right up to the 1970s. (2)

SKIN PROBLEMS

In April 1972 the results of a very thorough study were published on the use of tea-tree oil in many common foot problems. (3) The study covered sixty patients and concluded that the oil had relieved or eliminated foot symptoms in fifty-eight of them. of these, results were graded as excellent in thirty-eight cases. The problems treated included athlete's foot, corns, callouses and bunions, hammer toes, skin peeling or cracking, fungal infection under toe-nails and bromhidrosis.* The study took place over a period of six years, and treatment times varied from three weeks to four years. In his conclusion the author observes that, overall, the best results were obtained in treating bromhidrosis, an unpleasant and embarrassing condition'. The athlete's foot cases were found to be caused by one or more of four fungi (including Candida albicans), all of which responded to tea-tree oil.

Ringworm is a condition closely related to athlete's foot, and almost as common. Both are caused by similar fungi. There have been a great many reports of ringworm being rapidly cleared up with teatree oil, and I have treated two cases, both of which were clear within three to four days.

Dr Paul Belaiche, Professor of Phytotherapy at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Nord, published a number of trials using tea-tree oil in 1985. In his report on skin infections (5) he finds teatree effective against problems due to straphylococcus, streptococcus, or candida albicans. Both acne and impetigo are shown to be clinically vulnerable to the oil, and Belaiche reports the most convincing results of all in the treatment of fungal nailbed infections, frequently caused by candida. Eight out of eleven patients with nailbed infections showed complete recovery with twice daily application of the oil for one to three months.

*Bromhidrosis is the medical term for 'smelly feet' and is caused by malodorous perspiration.

UROGENITAL DISORDERS

In June 1962 an American report was published in obstetrics and Gynecology on the use of tea-tree oil in trichomonal vagin itis. (4) Vaginitis simply means vaginal inflammation, which in this case is caused by Trichomonas, a very tiny animal microbe, a glagellate creature, which is a common cause of greenish-yellow discharge, often foul smelling, and soreness in the area. The study comprised 130 women, including ninety-six cases of trichomonal vaginitis, and also several cases of thrush and cervicitis. As controls the author treated fifty other cases with standard antitrichomonal suppositories. The teatree oil was applied diluted by means of saturated tampons and douches, but was not given orally. Out of the 130 patients, all were successfully treated, and results were similar to the control group. Many patients commented on the pleasant odour of the oil, its cooling soothing effect and its efficiency in removing obnoxious vaginal odours. None of them complained of any irritation or burning.

More recently Dr Belaiche conducted two studies featuring tea-tree oil, the first of these on twenty-eight cases of thrush (infestation of the vagina with Candidaalbicans). Candida albicans (7) is normally present in the vagina, but its growth is kept in check by certain baceria. A common cause of thrush is antibiotic therapy which results in the beneficial bacteria being destroyed, thus allowing Candida to flourish. This results in a white discharge, often with itching, soreness and pain - a very common condition. For this study tea-tree oil was made into pessaries for insertion into the vagina once every night. After the first week one patient felt vaginal burning, so discontinued treatment, but none of the others had any similar symptoms. After thirty days the twenty-seven patients were examined, and twenty-three showed a complete cure with no further discharge or burning. The other four showed a moderate improvement. Belaiche observes that tea-tree oil is as effective as several other essential oils, but is notably less irritating: 'We have been happily astonished at the results obtained ... the essential oil of melaleuca has entered the team of the major essential oils and emerges as an antiseptic and anti- fungal weapon of the first order in phytoaromatherapy.'

In Belaiche's second study with teatree oil, twenty-six female patients, with chronic cystitis were given the oil orally over a period of six months.' (7) This was a double-blind trial, in which half the patients were given a placebo which had the odour of tea-tree. After six months none of the placebo group showed any improvement. Out of the thirteen who took tea-tree oil, seven were cured after six months, which, for such a chronic condition, is a significant result. As many have done before, Belaiche comments in his conclusion on the very low toxicity and irritancy of tea-tree oil.

FROM ATHLETE'S FOOT TO AIDS

Tea-tree oil has also been used successfully in the treatment of many other conditions and is now increasingly employed by herbal practitioners in Australia, as it is by the layperson. Cuts, wounds, ulcers, sores, boils, burns, ringworm, athlete's foot, psoriasis impetigo, nappy rash, anal and genital pruritis, cold sores, lice, urinary and vaginal infections, genital herpes, throat, bronchial and sinus infections, bad breath, mouth ulcers, infected gums and many other conditions have all responded remarkably well to treatment with this astonishing essential oil.

Why is tea-tree oil so effective? its chemical content is not dramatically different from eucalyptus or rosemary, except that it has an unusually high content of terpinen-4-ol, an alcohol, which constitutes some 35% of the best quality oils. It is also worth noting that a thorough analysis of the oil in 1978 (8)revealed the presence of four constituents which have not been found anywhere else in nature: viridiflorene, present at I %, B- terpineol (0.24%) 1-terpineol (trace) and allyl hexanoate (trace).

There is no recorded toxicity data on tea- tree oil, but terpinen-4-ol has a toxicity of 4.3 g/kg, which would indicate a toxicity for the oil of between 3 and 5, a completely safe rating. Christopher Dean reports four cases of children swallowing up to 25 mls of the oil with no significant side effects. in the worst instance mild diarrhoea and drowsiness was noticed, but both passed within 24 hours. (9) Because of its lower cineol content, teatree oil is reckoned to be less toxic and less irritant than eucalyptus oil.

Karen Cutter, a leading Sydney naturopath, has taken 120 drops of teatree oil orally each day for over three months to satisfy herself that her extreme recommendations for dosage are quite safe. Karen uses tea-tree oil extensively in the treatment of systemic candida, particularly when associated with AIDS. Her patients frequently ingest up to 3 mls (60 drops) daily for periods in excess of six months. Christopher Dean comments that "it has been most instructive to see the enormous degree of success which Karen has achieved with no apparent ill- effects over the past two years." (9)

Research has shown that tea-tree oil is four to five times stronger than the usual household disinfectants, and yet it stings far less when applied to minor abrasions, and of course is completely natural. Teatree oil has passed the Kelsey-Sykes test, which is the most rigorous antiseptic test in the world today. It has proved effective, both in vitro and in vivo against candida albicans, straphylococcus aureus, escherichia coli, trichophytia and streptococcus, and in vitro against pseudomonas aeruginosa, proteus vulgaris, pneumococcus, gonococcus, meningococcus, diphtheric bacterium, and aspergillus niger.
Because tea-tree oil is relative y inexpensive, completely natural, and the problems it is used for are among the easiest to research, it would appear to have a very bright future. It has been predicted that demand for the oil will multiply some fifty times over the next few year, and it is likely to feature in many natural remedies and patent medicines for home treatment. It is not a cure-all, but is one of the most exciting essential oils to emerge in recent years.

ANTI-TOXICITY

As an interesting conclusion, the following sheds some light on the antitoxic properties of tea-tree oil.

The venom toxicity of the black widow spider may be matched by that of the funnel web spider found only in New South Wales, Australia. This spider first made the news in 1927 when a two-yearold boy was bitten by one and died within ninety minutes. Since then five other deaths have been reported. The latest was a seventeen- year-old pregnant woman, who died in Sydney in 1970 after being bitten on the breast.

The following account dates from May 1983, and comes from Harry H. Bungwahl, New South Wales.

"A rather extraordinary episode happened to me recently involving teatree oil. I was bitten on the foot by a funnel- web spider... it happened at night time about I a.m. He gave me a vicious bite, and it was very painful ... I lay down on the bed and tried to think of some way to soothe the pain of the bite, which was very severe. I then thought of the small bottle of tea-tree oil which was in the bathroom. My wife went and got it and applied some to the bite and there was an immediate easing of the pain. My wife then went to ring up Taree Hospital, and while she was doing that I put some more tea-tree oil onto the bite which, in a short time, stopped being panful! My son drove me to the Taree hospital - the foot was no longer painful but my lips and fingers were still tingling . . . the spider was identified as a male funnel-web spider all right ... I was given no treatment but was kept under observation for a period of four hours, and then discharged."

It is interesting that both tea-tree oil and the funnel web spider are found only in New South Wales.

This review is based on text from Aromatherapy for Everyone by Robert Tisserand, which is being published in the UK by Penguin Books, on April 28th 1988.

References

1. E. Humphrey, 'A New Australian Germicide', Medical Journal of Australia, )an uary 1930, p.417.

2. A . Penfold, 'Some Notes on the Essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia', Australian Journal of Pharmacology, March 1937, p.274.

3. M. Walker, 'Clinical Investigation of Australian Melaleuca alternifolia Oil for a Variety of Common Foot Problems', Current Podiatry, April 1972.

4. E. Pena, 'Melaleuca alternifolia Oil: its use for Trichomonal Vaginitis and Other Vaginal Infections', Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 19 (6) 1962. pp. 793-5.

5. P. Belaiche, 'Treatment of Skin infections, with the Essential Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia', Phytotherapie, vol. 15, 1985, pp. 15-17.

6. P. Belaiche, 'Treatment of Vaginal Infections of Candida albicans with the Essential Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, ibid, pp. 13-15.

7. P. Belaiche, 'Germicidal Properties of the Essential Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia Related to Urinary Infections and Chronic Ideopathic Colibaccillus', ibid, pp. 9-11.

8. G. Swords and G. L. K. Hunter, 'Composition of Australian Tea-Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)', Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, vol. 26, 1978, pp. 734-9.

9. C. Dean, Private correspondence with the author, August 1987.

10. C. Dean, A series of private laboratory tests including

Preservative Effectiveness Test (1975) and TGA Test for Hospital Grade Dirty Conditions (1987).

Essential Oils for First Aid

Essential Oils for First Aid

    "Chances are your medicine cabinet is overflowing with a slew of man-made products containing synthetic chemicals, petroleum, artificial colorings and animal by-products. From cortisone cream and mercurochrome to antihistamines and acetaminophen, many medicine cabinets resemble a wartime arsenal. Used to treat sprains, burns, cuts, bites, upset stomach, and whatever else you can use to what ails you. What other options do you have??
    Plenty! If you know what to look for. Tired of the immune-stressing offense of pharmaceuticals? Many consumers are countering this unnatural barrage with a good defense - Herbal Remedies. According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of the world's people rely on plants for medicine. And their use has skyrocketed in Europe and America in recent years, due mainly to a fear of Western medicine's side effects and its booming health care-associated costs. According to Health And Nutrition Breakthroughs, the overuse of antibiotics in Western medicine has encouraged the revival of herbal remedies, as more and more bacterial strains become immune to antibiotic drugs." Quoted from “Herbs to the Rescue”  by Tracey C. Rembert

    Essential oils are plant essences distilled or pressed from stems, leaves, fruits and flowers. They are rich in active properties that are especially potent against viruses, fungus and bacteria. By simply inhaling or topically applying these essential oils, it has been shown that patients can prevent or even eliminate the risk of infection. Essential oils are famous for fighting germs and supporting the immune system.

    Dr. Eugene Sherry of the University of Sydney in Australia said that, “when applied to the skin of infected wounds an antibacterial wash derived from eucalyptus and tea-tree oil can work when modern antibiotics fail.” Dr. Patrick H. Warnke, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Kiel in Germany, Said that when essential oil compounds were sprayed on tuberculosis cultures "we wiped out TB, killed it, in 40 minutes. No antibiotic does that." In other studies, combinations of patchouli, tea tree, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, clove, cinnamon, lemon, and many other essential oils have been found to be remarkably effective, sometimes in as little as 2 minutes, against viruses, fungus, bacteria, plagues, and even MRSA,

    The reason pure essential oils are so effective is because unlike drugs, essential oils contain a complex mixture of active properties that will vary due to natural growing conditions. No matter how carefully these variables are controlled, every batch of pure essential oil is going to be slightly different from the one before and the one after. That slight variance prevents fungi, bacteria and viruses from developing resistance to these natural plant remedies – and it's why we can use the same essential oils to fight cold and flu that our ancestors were using centuries ago.    

    Best of all, because natural essential oils contain a combination of active properties that neutralize harmful effects, pure unadulterated essential oils are non-toxic and have no true side effects.  However their potency against toxins can cause body system cleansing symptoms as the body clears itself of those germ toxins.

    Since a wealth of 50+ year old bacteria busting research concerning essential oils exists why doesn't modern medicine consider natural options like essential oils as viable alternatives for fighting drug-resistant strains of viruses and bacteria, especially since the current treatments are only successful in around 50 percent of cases? Because Essential oils are naturally occurring and cannot be patented. So drug companies are typically not interested in using them as treatments since they do not see them as profitable. All essential oil research was abandoned when modern science discovered antibiotics.

When expecting these benefits from essential oils, it is important to use only natural essential oils of pure quality that have not been adulterated in any way.

Basic Natural First Aid Kit – ideal for traveling

Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Clove & Sweet Orange

Plus Herbal Skin Salve, hydrogen peroxide, bandages, elastic bandage wraps, Q-tips, dental floss, rubber bands, tweezers, scissors, dry towels or tissues, white willow and valerian herbal capsules.

This is the natural quick fix for whatever hurts travel kit.

Natural remedies for cuts, burns, chapped lips/skin, rashes, plant irritations like poison ivy or nettles,  bug bites, bee stings, bruises, blisters, headaches, toothaches, gum problems, sore muscles, stress, hyperactivity, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and more!

Not all essential oils are suitable for direct undiluted application on skin (aka "neat" application),  but the oils in this basic kit will all be ok for direct skin application.

Natural First Aid Kit  - ideal for the home

In addition to the Basic kit, I like to have a more extensive home use kit that includes all of the basic oils mentioned above plus Eucalyptus, Geranium, Cedarwood atlas, Palmarosa, Sweet Birch, Grapefruit, Patchouli essential oils and the Immune Boost essential oil blend.  Plus Immune Boost and Tea tree bar soaps, Shea & Aloe lotion, Body Butter, and homeopathic remedies of arnica and ledum.

Eucalyptus will help a stuffy head sufferer sleep when applied via a room diffuser or on an eye pillow of directly on the sheet.  A couple drops just before bedtime will usually do the trick.

Palmarosa, Grapefruit, Geranium and Cedarwood atlas each have mind stimulating, uplifting, energizing qualities.  It is believed that King Solomon's reason for using  cedarwood for the temple and his palace was due to the intelligence stimulating properties of cedarwood atlas.  A couple drops or either in a room diffuser, scent ring, or on your clothes should stimulate your day.

Consider putting  a couple drops on your dish cloth for better washing, add to cleaning sprays, vacuum filters or room scenters.

Sweet Birch can be used for sore muscles like peppermint but provides a warming relaxation sensation instead of  the cooling anti-inflammatory sensation of peppermint.

Immune Boost is an awesome synergistic blend. The blend of these herbal essences has been repeatedly shown over centuries of time to be very beneficial at immune system support.  It is believed to have originated in Europe during the 15^th century plagues.  It contains Cinnamon, Cloves, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, Lemon, Lemongrass, Rosemary.  Use it on areas where lymphatic function is easily assisted such as the throat near swollen glands. Undiluted application is potent and not harmful, but if the area where you choose to apply it are sensitive and show irritation, application of skin salve will resolve it.

Skin Salve is a salve of olive oil, shea butter and bees wax that is strongly infused with 9 herbs known for healing, with additional essential oils of tea tree and lavender added.  

Homeopathic Ledum is amazingly effective on  tetanus symptoms. Take as directed on the bottle after any skin puncture.

Essential oils, skin salve & natural skincare are available at:   

Basic Natural First Aid Kit Applications

** All uses described here are only typical historical and testimonial applications for essential oils and are not given as medical advice.  Use at your own risk.  No liability is assumed by the author or any seller of essential oils.  Use only verified 100% pure natural aromatherapy essential oils not adulterated, diluted or perfumery  oils and not any fragrances or synthetic oils.

MINOR CUTS OR SCRAPES – Whenever possible you should first wash a wound with soap and water or rinse with 3% hydrogen peroxide until bubbling stops or rinse with alcohol. COMPLETELY COVER with anti-bacterial anti-viral, anti-fungal TEA TREE essential oil.  Then cover wound with SKIN SALVE and a BANDAID.  Repeat daily.

Tea tree will help reduce pain and speed healing.  Skin salve will help reduce bruising, ease itching, and speed healing. It will also reduce scarring if applied daily and kept bandaged.

BURNS – Cool with water or ice. Cover with anti-bacterial anti-viral, anti-fungal TEA TREE essential oil.  Then cover wound with SKIN SALVE and a BANDAID.  Repeat daily.

Tea tree will help reduce pain and speed healing.  Skin salve will help reduce bruising, ease itching, and speed healing. It will also reduce scarring if applied daily and kept bandaged.

SORE OR TENSE MUSCLES – Apply a few drops of straight PEPPERMINT essential oil to the sore or tense muscle area.  Rub it in for a cool/heat style treatment to help relax muscles.  If the area is red or has been rubbed to tenderness the peppermint might cause a momentary mild stinging reaction upon application.  Applying BODY BUTTER or ice or a wet compress will help without reducing the relaxation effect.

HEADACHES– Apply a few drops of straight PEPPERMINT essential oil to the sore or tense muscle area causing the headache.  Usually temples or base of the skull is most effective.  Keep out of and away from eyes!  Vapors too close to eyes may make them water, but will quickly subside.  Rub it in for a cool/heat style treatment to help relax muscles.  If the area is red or has been rubbed to tenderness the peppermint might cause a momentary mild stinging reaction upon application.  Applying BODY BUTTER or ice or a wet compress will help without reducing the relaxation effect.   Applying a cold compress or ice to the base of the skull after peppermint is applied usually helps improve effectiveness if headache is stress induced.  If heat feels better than cold to you, try a warm compress instead of cold.

BRUISES – SKIN SALVE contains herbs that help reduce bruising and inflammation.   Apply liberally and gently rub in.  If vinegar is available, apply a towel soaked in vinegar to the bruise for a couple hours to help the discoloration of the bruise reduce more quickly.  If pain persists, CLOVE oil has a numbing effect on skin.  It is most effective on sensitive skin like mouth areas, but will be mildly numbing on any skin.

BUG BITES AND BEE STINGS -  Apply TEA TREE or LAVENDER and SKIN SALVE as soon as possible.  Apply a cold compress if available to help reduce the toxin from spreading.  Tea tree or Lavender will help reduce pain and speed healing.  Skin salve will help reduce bruising and swelling,  ease itching, and speed healing.

PAIN, TOOTHACHES, CANKER SORES, AND GUM PAIN   CLOVE oil has a numbing ability especially on tender skin like mouth, lip or  gum pain.   Use a Q-tip or gauze to apply to the sore areas.  Clove is also anti-bacterial.  TEA TREE can also be used to fight mouth bacteria but it does not have the same numbing effect.  Clove will numb the area so for comfort sake, be especially careful where you touch in the mouth.

STRESS, ANXIETY, HYPERACTIVITY, INSOMNIA Lavender is well known for it’s soothing, calming and relaxing abilities.  Useful for all ages even the very young.  A few drops applied to fabric near the individual such as a pillow, blanket, collar, or car seat will help provide a soothing aroma.  A few drops on a fabric or paper towel tied to a fan or heat vent will enhance the air.  It can also be used in a diffuser.  Lavender is also mildly antibacterial and soothing to irritated skin when applied directly.   It will not stain most fabrics.

SKIN RASHES, PIMPLES, SKIN IRRITATIONS  

Wash area with soap and water, a soap containing tea tree oil is beneficial,  or rinse with 3% hydrogen peroxide or witch hazel if available. Cover with anti-bacterial anti-viral, anti-fungal TEA TREE essential oil.  Then cover the area with SKIN SALVE.  Repeat daily until healed.  Tea Tree should be soothing and reduce itching and pain within a short time, even if initial application stings momentarily. If this is not effective, or if the rash worsens, or itch or pain increases, it is likely fungal, see toe nail fungus for help.

ATHLETES FOOT, JOCK ITCH, TOE NAIL FUNGUS

TEA TREE oil has repeatedly shown to be very effective to kill the stubborn fungus rashes.  Understanding fungus is key to a natural, drug-free recovery.  Remember fungus is a live organism and sometimes reacts to the threat of eviction from it’s happy home in your skin.  Tea Tree oil is a remarkable oil that typically significantly reduces pain and itching and speeds healing when applied straight to skin - unless you encounter fungus.  Then the rules change.  When fungus is present within skin tissue, the application of TEA TREE oil can cause a sensation of tingling or even stinging.  A general rule of thumb is if application of pure full strength tea tree oil stings more than a minute, fungus is likely the cause of the skin irritation.  This stinging sensation is caused because of the die-off toxins emitted by the fungus when tea tree is attacking it.  Skin fungus is invasive, stubborn and usually deeply rooted in the internal skin layers.  Tea tree can completely remove it with liberal, consistent,  and repetitive applications to the entire effected area including the perimeter and a barrier around the perimeter of the area.  Allowing the area to dry out and not applying any moisture-retaining lotion, creams, salve or bangages is equally important.  Due to fungus’ ability to spread, it is not uncommon for the area to get worse and or enlarge before it gets better but persistence will pay off it you persevere.  Depending on the severity of the fungus it could take days or weeks to win. Take heart in knowing that this method is natural, safe, usually scar-free, and relatively cheap compared to traditional pharmaceuticals.

STICKY-GOO, SHOE MARKS, CRAYON, MARKER, GREASE,  Etc.  This is not exactly first aid but it does help with non-health related emergencies. A few drops of  SWEET ORANGE oil applied to a DRY PAPER TOWEL or tissue will easily and quickly remove an amazing amount of those messy problems.  It has been successfully used on all the above plus sticky oil paints, sticker residue, grease other difficult messes on linoleum, glass, painted surfaces, plastic surfaces, skin and more.  Although sweet orange typically is surface safe, a pre-test is always a good idea.  The best part is having a way to easily remove those difficult messes with an all natural, skin safe, edible, and pleasant smelling, easy to use solution.