Allergies

First of all, yes, it does work for certain infections – colloidal silver has proven anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties.  This is promising news, considering the harm and dangers of antibiotics + antimicrobial resistance. Silver has long been used to address bacteria / bacterial infections for centuries, and has known active properties against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.  Colloidal silver presents an effective treatment option for those looking to deal with a bacterial or viral infection – of course, this should always be done after consultation with a healthcare practitioner and should not be used to replace antibiotics in more serious bouts of illness or infection.  Now, is colloidal silver safe?  Most information out there online regarding colloidal silver seems to be conflicting and confusing at best – there are countless testimonials from people claiming silver helped them through severe infections or the first sign of illness. At the same time, there are plenty of well-known health sites or regulatory bodies that warn about safety concerns (like the FDA).  First, let us establish that colloidal silver is a “solution” of water that contains the suspended silver in nanometer-sized particles that are readily absorbed. The total silver content of the solution should be expressed on the supplement you purchase as “ppm” or parts per million. This is the same as mg of silver per liter of water (mg/L). Silver has been used as an antibiotic up until the early 1940s – this is thanks to various processes that occur once silver is ingested. Silver nanoparticles enter bacterial DNA, attach to bacterial cell membranes directly, and block the cellular process known as cellular respiration within the cells of organisms.  Ionic silver is not the same as true colloidal silver. Always ensure you purchase true colloidal silver when looking for a supplement – these do not contain additives, and the solution should only contain nanometer-sized silver particles and purified water.  Colloidal Silver is Safe for the Gut and Does Not Destroy “Good” Gut Bacteria After ~28 Days of Use As for colloidal silver being safe, there is plenty of debate online surrounding the use of silver internally. Those noting adverse effects like argyria (turning blue) are often not referring to pure colloidal silver, but rather low-quality, inexpensive products that contain silver that is not a nanoparticle.  Generally, when used for 10-14 days internally, it was not shown to cause any adverse side effects, nor was it shown to alter the gut microbiome. This means that even after 28 days of reported use, the diversity of “good” gut bacteria was not altered, destroyed, or changed by colloidal silver. This is a huge deal, especially when compared to the impact of traditional antibiotics on the microbiome.  Our stance is that colloidal silver will absolutely work as a potential antibacterial supplement, but it needs to be used/implemented short-term (10-14 days ideally; maximum of 28 days) on a strict dosage as indicated on the product.  Dosing Colloidal Silver, and a Word of Caution When it comes to dosing colloidal silver, most supplements are sold as a liquid tincture with a dropper. Depending on the condition, colloidal silver will be applied differently – generally, most practitioners will recommend against taking it for more than 14 consecutive days at a time.  Dosages may range depending on the concentration of the suspension itself. Always check/consult with the bottle or container for the most accurate dosing instructions.  2-5 drops can be applied topically to the skin for infections, wounds, and irritation.  5-10 drops can be taken internally, per day, for immune system support or to combat an infection. 1-2 drops can be placed in the eye directly for cases of pink eye.  Colloidal silver is always sold as a solution of purified water that contains nanometer particles of suspended silver. While silver has been demonstrated as safe, long-term or excessive prolonged use of colloidal silver may lead to some undesirable side effects – stick to recommended dosages, and only use it for the duration or period of time you need it for (I.E., recovery from a viral infection).  Colloidal silver can be applied topically or ingested internally – ensure to opt for a high-quality pure silver product, such as those sold on our website. 

A natural routine to stop sneezing fits every allergy season Spring has sprung, and while others are gearing up for picnics in the park, you’re stocking up on tissues. If your springtime routine includes sneezing, watery eyes, an itchy throat or congestion, you know how badly seasonal allergies can affect your life. Learn how to naturally manage your symptoms and stop sneezing fits. What are allergies? Allergies are an inflammatory response from the body. When you encounter something you are allergic to, such as pollen, your body recognizes it as an invader. As a result, your immune system release antibodies specific to that allergen. These antibodies attach themselves to immune cells called mast cells, that trigger the release of histamine. Histamine is the reason you get an allergic reaction. Histamine is the culprit behind your red itchy eyes, the sneezing or the hives. How to stop sneezing fits There are a number of natural remedies that can help stop sneezing fits. Using a combination of supplementation and food as medicine with some minor lifestyle adjustments, you can create a well-rounded holistic routine to get through your allergy season. Natural supplementation options Spirulina – Spirulina is a blue-green algae that was traditionally used by the Aztec civilization. It’s often highlighted for its plant-based protein and iron content. What many people don’t know, is that spirulina can also help to relieve symptoms associated with hay fever. That includes symptoms like sneezing, sniffing, or nasal congestion. Test tube and animal studies have shown that spirulina functions by stopping the release of histamine that causes symptoms. Bee Propolis – Bee Propolis is a resin that bees use to seal the cracks in their hive. It’s a potent source of antioxidants used in Herbal Medicine to relieve throat and mouth infections. Bee Propolis is a great option for soothing a sore throat from constant sneezing and coughing. Keep inflammation in check Eat your omega-3s– Essential fatty acids are fats you need to eat because your body can’t make them. There are two types of essential fatty acids, Omega-3s and Omega-6s. And while we often eat enough omega-6 in our daily diets, our consumption of omega-3s is often far too low. Eating more omega-3 fatty acids is important because omega-3s help to regulate the inflammatory response. Omega-3s are in fish, nuts and seeds. Chia seeds and flax seeds are particularly great plant-based sources. You can also supplement with omega-3s if you don’t eat these foods often enough. Use turmeric – Some herbs have incredible anti-inflammatory benefits, and Turmeric is definitely a superstar in this category. Turmeric contains a flavonoid called curcumin that supports liver detoxification while combating inflammation. It’s easy to use in a number of dishes, and a little goes a long way. Black pepper also helps with absorption. Try mixing it into scrambled eggs, or use it in your stir-fries. Try home remedies Eat local raw honey – Though there hasn’t been much research to prove its effectiveness, anecdotally, local raw honey may help to reduce the intensity of seasonal allergy symptoms. The idea behind it, is that the honey will introduce your body to small amounts of pollen from your area, allowing your body to slowly adapt. It’s an easy enough little experiment to try if you’re an allergy sufferer yourself. But remember, it’s key that you’re choosing local so the pollen you’re exposed to is consistent with the pollen in your region. It’s also ideal to start this prior to allergy season so your body has that period of low exposure with the time to adapt. Use a Neti Pot – Neti pots are like miniature teapots that work to rinse out nasal passages with a saline solution. You pour the neti pot into one nostril, the fluid travels through the nasal passage and flows out of the opposing nostril, flushing out excess mucus and allergens such as pollen. Still overwhelmed by your sneezing fits? Plan ahead. Knowing what time of year seasonal allergens will peak in your local region is key when preparing for allergy season. Making minor adjustments in your day to day life can help you to avoid contact with allergens during peak seasons. Try keeping your windows closed when possible during times when allergen levels are highest in the environment. Avoid outdoor activities on windier days. Wind can increase the number of airborne allergens increasing exposure. Allergens can follow you indoors on your skin, clothing and hair. Wash pillow cases and linens often to reduce allergens. Try an indoor air purifier to help filter air reducing allergens you’re likely to breath in your indoor space.   References: 1. http://drhoffman.com/article/alternatives-to-antihistamines-2/ 2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altme ...