This is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any disease. Consult your personal medical professional.
Colloidal silver is one of those topics that splits people right down the middle. Advocates love it; the FDA has declared over-the-counter colloidal silver products unsafe. The truth, as usual, is somewhere in the middle, and knowing that middle ground could matter a lot if traditional healthcare isn’t an option.
Here’s what you need to know before you decide whether to add it to your preparedness supplies.
This article has been completely rewritten with current information and tips for using colloidal silver, April 2026.
Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases without any increase in price to you.
In this article
What Is Colloidal Silver?
Colloidal silver is a liquid containing tiny silver particles suspended in water. Silver itself is a mineral, but not an essential one, meaning your body doesn’t need it the way it needs calcium or magnesium.
What silver does have is a long history as an antimicrobial. Before the days of penicillin and modern antibiotics, silver was the go-to treatment for preventing bacterial growth. Travelers purified water by dropping silver coins into barrels. Wealthy families fed children with sterling silverware — and those children tended to have fewer foodborne illnesses than everyone else.
That history matters, especially when you’re thinking about what options you’d have if conventional medicine wasn’t accessible.
The Case For Colloidal Silver
Silver has demonstrated effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi. Its germicidal properties work because silver ions embed themselves in bacterial cell walls, blocking the cell’s ability to use oxygen. The bacteria die.
Here’s where it shows up in legitimate medical settings:
Wound care. Silvadene, a silver-based antibiotic ointment, has been used for decades to treat burn wounds and infected bedsores. That’s not alternative medicine — that’s standard hospital practice.
Newborn eye care. For many years, hospitals placed silver nitrate drops in newborns’ eyes to prevent blindness from bacteria in the birth canal. Most states required it. Many hospitals have since switched to antibiotic drops, but the silver-based approach worked.
Topical antifungal. Colloidal silver foot washes have been recommended for athlete’s foot by doctors who practice both conventional and integrative medicine.
Some studies suggest colloidal silver can slow viral growth and in some cases eradicate it, though the research is not settled.
For preparedness purposes specifically: if access to doctors, pharmacies, or hospitals is cut off — whether from a natural disaster, grid-down scenario, or widespread emergency — having alternative options for wound care and infection prevention is a practical consideration. It’s the same reason people stock herbal remedies and learn about traditional home treatments.
The Case Against (or at Least, Caution Required)
Here’s where you have to be honest with yourself about the risks.
Argyria. Yes, colloidal silver can turn your skin a permanent bluish-gray color. This is called argyria, and it’s irreversible. The cases you’ve probably seen photos of almost always involve someone ingesting large quantities over a long period — often homemade batches that weren’t properly prepared. It’s rare when used responsibly, but it’s real. Don’t drink it by the glass. If one teaspoon of 10 ppm is a suggested dose, a pint is not “better.”
Drug interactions. Colloidal silver can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. Thyroxine, used for thyroid conditions, is one example. If you’re on prescription drugs, research the interactions before using colloidal silver internally. This isn’t optional — it’s just common sense.
Neurological, liver, and kidney damage. These are possible with misuse and excessive intake. Again, moderation and correct preparation matter enormously.
Regulatory status. The FDA has not approved colloidal silver as safe or effective for treating any condition. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s useless — the FDA and alternative medicine have a complicated relationship — but it does mean you’re making a personal decision without the backing of established medical consensus. Go in with your eyes open.
How to Make Your Own Colloidal Silver
I usually buy store-bought colloidal silver for the convenience, but it can get expensive fast. Making your own is inexpensive and straightforward once you have the right setup. I was surprised by how easy it is.
What You’ll Need
- Distilled water (non-negotiable — tap or filtered water contains minerals that interfere with the process and can produce larger, lower-quality particles)
- Glass jar — a quart-size Mason jar works well
- 2 pieces of .999 or .9999 fine silver (I’ve always used silver rounds, but silver wire, rods, or bars work as well.)
- 2 spring clothespins or a small piece of wood with two drilled holes to hold the rods in place
- 3 nine-volt batteries
- 3 nine-volt battery snap connectors
- 2 alligator clips with jumper leads
- TDS meter (Total Dissolved Solids)
- Unbleached coffee filters
- Dark glass storage bottles — amber or cobalt blue
- Optional: small handheld red laser pointer for testing
A few notes on materials: The silver purity matters. Use .999 fine silver, not silver-plated or sterling. The distilled water matters too. Tap water contains minerals that will interfere with the process and can lead to larger, less effective particles.
Before You Start
Lightly sand your silver rods or bars before the first use to remove any surface debris or oxidation. Clean equipment matters. Residue from previous batches or handling can contaminate your solution.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up your power source. Connect the 3 nine-volt batteries in series by snapping them together — the positive terminal of one to the negative terminal of the next. You’ll have one open positive terminal and one open negative terminal remaining. Attach a snap connector to each.
- Prepare your jar. Fill a clean Mason jar about two-thirds full with distilled water. If you want to speed up the process, you can use slightly warm distilled water. Room temperature works but takes significantly longer. Never microwave it; heat it in a clean stainless steel pot.
- Set up the silver electrodes. Attach an alligator clip to the wire from each battery terminal. Clip one piece of silver to each alligator clip. Use clothespins or a small drilled wooden board to hold the silver pieces over the rim of the jar so they hang down into the water on opposite sides. Keep them at least an inch apart. The silver goes in the water — the clips and wires stay dry.
- Cover the jar. Loosely cover the top with plastic wrap or a clean cloth to keep dust out while the process runs. Leave enough of a gap that you can monitor it.
- Start the process and watch. Once connected, watch for a faint white cloud forming between the two silver pieces. Small bubbles will begin appearing on the positive electrode. That’s normal. The negative rod will darken over time, also normal.
- Monitor with your TDS meter. Check the solution periodically. Most uses call for 10–20 ppm. Don’t walk away and assume it’s done. Running it too long produces a dark or cloudy solution with larger, less effective particles. The time varies depending on battery freshness, water temperature, and how much water you’re processing.
- Clean the rods mid-batch if needed. If the silver rods turn significantly black during processing, disconnect the power and lightly wipe them down with a clean scouring pad before continuing. Some darkening is normal oxidation; heavy buildup can slow the process.
- Test with the Tyndall effect. Shine a red laser beam through the side of the jar. You should see a thin beam that gradually widens as it crosses the solution. That’s the Tyndall effect, confirming silver particles are properly suspended. No visible beam means it needs more time. Dark or murky solution means it went too long.
- Filter and bottle. Disconnect power and remove the silver. Pour the finished solution slowly through an unbleached coffee filter into your dark glass storage bottles. Alternatively, let it sit undisturbed and siphon it carefully. Larger particles tend to settle at the bottom.
- Label and store. Store in a cool, dark place away from heat and light. Keep it in glass, not plastic. When pouring from the bottle, don’t shake it first. Any larger particles that have settled should stay at the bottom.
A Note on Future Batches
Add a small amount of your finished colloidal silver to the distilled water before starting your next batch. This “seeds” the water and improves conductivity, which speeds up processing time considerably.
Shelf Life and Dosage
DC-generated colloidal silver stored in dark glass lasts approximately 14–30 days, though some sources report a year or more with proper storage. If taking internally, be aware that colloidal silver can affect beneficial gut bacteria. Consider taking a probiotic or eating yogurt if you’re using it regularly.
How to Verify You Made It Correctly
Shine a red laser or narrow beam of light through the solution. You should see the Tyndall effect. That’s when the beam appears as a thin line that gradually widens as it passes through the liquid. If you see that, you have a true colloidal silver solution with particles properly suspended. If the beam doesn’t show at all or the liquid looks dark, something went wrong.
A Note on PPM
Most recommendations for internal use fall in the 10–20 ppm range. Higher isn’t automatically better. Larger particles are actually considered less effective and more likely to cause problems. Your TDS meter will help you hit your target and stop the process at the right time.
Learn to make your own colloidal silver, step by step. Share on XStorage and Practical Use
Store your finished colloidal silver in dark glass. Light degrades it and causes particles to settle out. Keep it at room temperature, away from direct sun or heat.
Common uses people report include:
- Topical application on minor cuts, burns, and skin infections
- Foot washes for athlete’s foot
- Wound rinses as a preventive measure
- Internal use at small doses to support the immune system during illness
If you prefer to purchase rather than make it, start small. Buy one bottle, try it, and evaluate how it works for you before investing in a full stockpile. Colloidal silver gel formulations are also available for direct first-aid application.
When my sister-in-law’s elderly dachshund had terrible breath, her vet suggested squirting a bit of colloidal silver in his mouth each day.
A Testimonial from The Survival Mom
The kids and I take a couple of teaspoons of colloidal silver a few times a week, although we’ve also used it for specific issues.
For instance, when my son had a mouthful of sores last year, I had him swish his mouth twice a day with colloidal silver. As a result, after just two days, the sores had cleared up. From personal experience I know they usually hang around a lot longer.
Expert Tip
Store-bought colloidal silver can be expensive. I recommend buying and using the smallest possible size in order to check its effectiveness with your own particular health concerns.
Colloidal silver gels for use in first aid and minor burns is also available.
The Bottom Line
Colloidal silver isn’t magic, and it isn’t poison — it’s a tool with real historical use and legitimate limitations. Used correctly and in moderation, it’s a reasonable addition to a preparedness medical kit. Used carelessly or excessively, it can cause real harm.
Do your research. Know the risks. Make an informed decision about whether it belongs in your supplies — and if it does, learn to make it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just two things: distilled water and pure silver. The electrolysis process releases microscopic silver particles into the water, creating the suspension. That’s it — no additives, no preservatives.
Used in moderation and made correctly, most people tolerate it well. The risks come from misuse — taking excessive amounts over a long period, or making it incorrectly with impure water or low-quality silver. Do your research, know the interactions with any medications you take, and use common sense with dosage.
Yes, but it’s rare and almost always tied to misuse. The condition is called argyria, and it’s permanent. The cases you’ve seen plastered all over the internet typically involved someone ingesting very large quantities daily for months or years, often from improperly made batches. Responsible use at small doses doesn’t carry that risk, but it’s worth knowing about.
For most uses, 10–20 ppm is the target range. Higher isn’t better because larger particle concentrations are actually considered less effective and more likely to cause side effects. Use your TDS meter to hit your target and stop the process there.
No. Tap water contains dissolved minerals that interfere with the electrolysis process and can result in larger, lower-quality particles, or worse, silver salts instead of true colloidal silver. Distilled water only.
Possibly, yes. Silver is indiscriminate. It doesn’t distinguish between harmful and beneficial microorganisms. If you’re taking it internally on a regular basis, consider supplementing with probiotics or eating yogurt to support your gut flora.
It can. Colloidal silver is known to interfere with the absorption of certain drugs, including thyroid medications like thyroxine. If you’re on any prescription medication, research the interaction before using it internally. This isn’t optional. Treat it the way you’d treat any supplement.
Many people do. It’s commonly used topically on animals for skin issues, minor wounds, and ear infections. As with human use, start conservatively and pay attention to how the animal responds.
Significantly. Once you have the equipment and silver, each batch costs only the electricity from the batteries and a small amount of silver loss from the electrodes. Store-bought colloidal silver from a reputable brand can run $20–$40 for a small bottle. Making your own brings that cost down to pennies per batch.
You may want to look into published research on self-dosing with colloidal silver before practicing unlicensed medicine on yourself. Ray Sahelian M.D. has a webpage on colloidal silver with good references for recent published research on the subject. You can find his summary at http://www.rayshelian.com/colloidalsilver.html. It seems that a big side effect of too much self-dosing is that the skin turns gray-blue.
I read that, Linda. In my own experience, most medical doctors aren’t into any type of alternative medicine, yet my family and I have been greatly helped by chiropractors and various naturopathic treatments. You really do have to do your own research and decide for yourself, but there are thousands of people who swear by colloidal silver. At this point in my life, I’m pretty skeptical of a lot of the conventional wisdom out there in the medical community. Their tendency is to over-prescribe pharmaceuticals, which are WAY more dangerous than taking a teaspoon or two of colloidal silver!!
I’ve been making and using CS for 45 yrs. I have used it for so many things from toothaches to acne, cuts, burns, rashes , athletes foot, for kittens eyes to get rid of infections, sunburns, not to mention the flu, common colds and nasal issues and most recently I took it in pretty large amounts more than normal when I contracted Covid.. I really do believe it saved my life bc there was no medical treatment available where I was at when I got it so my gf and I touched it out with silver and lots of vitamins and zinc and for some reason beef bullion was about all we had for a couple of days.. but we survived and I’ve dodged many prescription drugs using CS and I’m never without my silver making kit no matter where I go bc I know that no matter what I can make silver and it will at the very least help. I once found a giant t one steak in the frig and it had gone bad like green and bad. The kids were like what are you gonna do dad? I took some left over silver I was about to throw out and put the steak in a container, poured the silver in sealed it up put it back in the frig. Next day took it out it was clean smelled fine looked fine… what are you gonna do dad … I ate it and did not get sick… these are just my own personal experiences with CS. I could go on for days about friends and relatives. Again do your research and make your silver right . If you think you’ve messed it up .. pour it out and start over.. it’s cheap to make. But in my opinion it has kept me alive many times through the years.
Linda,
Thank you for your caution. It is wise for people to research and make their own choices when it comes to alternative medicine.
The main reason for posting DIY colloidal silver is to give Survival Moms the choice. If (or when) society collapses, access to quality medical care could become scarce or non-existent. History tells us that during a large-scale crisis, hospitals, doctors, and nurses can be overwhelmed. Medical facilities can become death traps. Look at stories from Katrina, Haiti, and the Indian Ocean tsunami as examples.
If traditional medical care is no longer available or the facilities are more dangerous than the cure, alternative medical knowledge and skills could be the difference between life and death. I do not condone “practicing unlicensed medicine”. However, during a SHTF event I’d rather try to treat my family than go without medical care.
You may wanna look into the patent for silver solution and stop listening to Dr paid by big pharma to sell drugs that give you side effects and keep you sick. Their is no side effects non toxic and read this “book” the patent even lists hiv. They show that one dude with blue face he is only one i saw but its because he didn’t know what he was doing you have to have voltage high enough if not ya the particles will be too large https://patents.google.com/patent/US7135195B2/en
One of the main uses for Colloidal silver is washing. Washing wounds, etc. Cuts, stings, any opening in the skin to prevent an infection. Especially burns.
Drinking a few tablespoons a few times a week is vastly different than drinking glassfuls every day like people who turn blue do. I only ingest it when we’re sick but it’s about the frequency and amount, not that you ingest any at all!
The man who turned blue was making his own silver solution, but what he ended up making was silver salts which will turn skin blue. He was also rubbing it on his skin and then going to a tanning bed. Caution and knowledge are all very helpful!
Oh ya i forgot about the salt part ya he did not know what he was doing the voltage has to be high enough too or particles will be too large Dr Gordon Pederson says you can put in iv bag to treat cancer but not with saline solution i thought it was just because salts cancel out ions but ya They have silenced Dr Pederson even claim he is no Dr because he said it will kill corona but i know it will because it took out sinus infection 7 years ago mersa with ex and urinary tract infection. So when he says it will kill all bacteria virus mold and mildew i believe him about it killing corona and then you read patent they cant list all of those things without providing evidence. I put link to patent on another response but here it is again https://patents.google.com/patent/US7135195B2/en
What are side affects if I make my own CS, have my own tanning bed, and drink about 1 gallon a day?
I’d suggest using common sense. No colloidal silver company or proponent recommends drinking a gallon a day. I’m sure you already know that.
You’re working on the “blue” tan???
You become the leader of the ‘blue man group’ . Is that a serious question!!!
After having children with multiple allergies and infections, I became an expert on candida imbalance. One child was on antifungals for 5 years. So, the good traditional R.N. that I was began to question and research. We discovered colloidal silver. My favorite brand is Sovereign Silver which also has a homeopathic combination. At any rate, about a year ago, my granddaughter was diagnosed with strep. we treated it with this and took her back for a retest. She was negative. My chiropractor is my best friend! There needs to be a balanced perspective on the strengths of both traditional and alternative medicine and remedies. Where would we be without the expertise of trauma medicines, or surgeries to save lives, etc. Have to be careful to not throw out the baby with the bath water! How wonderful would it be if both sides could recognize the value of each and work together to really help reach optimal health!
Hi, can you tell me more about the Sovereign Silver brand of water? What homeopathic combinations does this offer, and do you know how this could be incorporated into a diy of CS?
Thanks
I’ve purchased Sovereign Silver before. It’s a good brand, trustworhty. I’ve also made my own using the instructions in this article.
Work with Big Pharma? The same Big Pharma who hound and hide natural cancer and other illness cures, like GcMAF? That demonised Ivermectin and HCQ? That operated with the US DoD to roll out the Covid Bioweapon jab to sterilise and cull the human population, because they consider most of us ‘useless eaters’?
Debi actually there never needs to be a balance of traditional medicine to naturopathic. From a God stand point there is an evil spirit of Pharmacia that puts more harm on people than naturopathic that is solely from God. God can and does heal all that believe! The best health is a mind, body, and soul treatment with God always leading us to the appropriate action. Deliverance is key to health!
Pharmaceutical comes from a word pharmacia not sure of spelling found in Bible that means witchcraft an evangelist told me when i explained to him what they had done to me in past so ya its modern day witchcraft these poisons they are giving the jabs are killing people left and right
I don’t think you mentioned using an electrolyte
In the process which I’ve seen described in alot of diy recipes
Saline is usually what ive seen and apparently it helps conductivity and transfer of Tue ions…similar to a battery
I also have a product called (concentrace) which is trace minerals
From salt water…which I’m going to try
Not sure if you have heard of it but it may be worth a try..
No dont use salt the silver ions don’t need any help just 100 percent water and 100 percent silver or 99.98 highest possible Dr Gordon Pederson says not to put silver solution with saline solution in iv for treating cancer just by itself salt cancels out silver ions i think he said plus according to post i just read dude w blue face was using salt he did not know what he was doing and voltage was not high enough either the voltage too low particles too large
Don’t use salt. I use a very small amount of a previous batch of colloidal silver to get the electrolysis started quicker.
My husband has been making our colloidal silver for about 10 years now and we have used it to treat ourselves and our dogs. I am thrilled to say that we have not had to take any antibiotics during this time, and have used it to successfully treat everything from skin conditions to the common cold, influenza, etc. We have definitely not turned blue like the Blueman that big pharma always tries to scare us with. Make sure you use the pure distilled water with no minerals added and do not store in sunlight as it will cause the suspended silver particles to settle. I was a little skeptical at first but hubby did his research and the results do not lie. This has been used for thousands of years, with many testimonials to its effectiveness.
My mom has been turning a grey/blue color for years. Everyone has thought it was oxygen or heart related. But every one of those tests have been fine. I was researching silver last night and came across this. Her and my dad have been taking and making colloidal silver since the early 90’s when it was part of a home health trend. I’m pretty sure that’s why her skin is this color now. So if you are going to take it, be warned. The color change is permanent.
Just curious, how often & how much did your mom take?
No dont use salt the silver ions don’t need any help just 100 percent water and 100 percent silver or 99.98 highest possible Dr Gordon Pederson says not to put silver solution with saline solution in iv for treating cancer just by itself salt cancels out silver ions i think he said plus according to post i just read dude w blue face was using salt he did not know what he was doing and voltage was not high enough either the voltage too low particles too large
I’m looking for a recipe to make colloidal silver cream. Anybody have any recipes for that?
No, I haven’t heard of that before but it would make a great project. Have you checked YouTube?
a common low cost electric source is a 12 volt car battery trickle charger for maintaining a batteries charge when not in use – set amperage is usually about 1 amp – what would be the best mille amp charge when using this 12 voltc dc source? – the mille amps can be adjusted by placing a small low voltage automotive light bulb in series with the silver – iam guessing that about 30 mille amps might work but to much current could be wastefull.
12 volts is likely too low – it will make too large particles of silver. You might get away with 24 volts.
I ran across a brand called “Heritage House” and they make a Colloidal Silver bar of soap which is just wonderful. We have used for many things, it’s a staple in my house for cleaning or bathing and using on a wound. Works like a charm on humans and pets, clears it right up, We also have the drops, ointment and spray. It’s absolutely amazing how quickly things heal up!
I’ve been a firm believer in colloidal silver for several years myself, and have seen the benefits on myself, my family and my animals. That being said, I’ve always purchased it through a local friend of a friend. She recently moved out of state and so I broke down and bought my own colloidal generator. However, I have not been able to find information on the ideal PPM. If anyone has any ‘suggestions’, they would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!