Silver – The Element of Purity

Silver – the element of purity

Silver is one of the precious metals distinguished by unique properties. Among chemical elements it has the highest electrical conductivity, which makes it highly valued in science and technology. The metal has been used for more than 6,000 years, and the article describes historical associations with disinfection and beneficial properties.

It states that ancient Egyptian surgeons used silver scalpels and that Roman physicians used silver on wounds and injuries. The Phoenicians are described as storing food and water in silver containers.

The article also describes Egyptian use of silver for wounds and special dressings and presents silver as a material that has been valued for thousands of years.

Silver in traditional Chinese medicine

Silver has also had a role in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. The article describes its use in acupuncture and the traditional belief that silver needles influence meridians and the flow of energy.

According to this concept, meridians are energy channels associated with internal organs, and silver is traditionally described as helping restore energy flow.

Silver through the Middle Ages

The article says that knowledge about silver continued into everyday life in the Middle Ages. Silver tableware was available mainly to the wealthy, while physicians and healers such as Paracelsus, Hippocrates and Hildegard von Bingen helped spread traditional uses of silver.

It describes historical recommendations for coughs, colds, lungs, itching and metabolism as part of that traditional record.

Silver today

Silver continues to have a role in modern medicine and is used in specialised medical dressings and other products. The article also refers to biomedical researcher Dr Becker and his book The Body Electric.

It additionally cites the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety as warning that ingestion of colloidal silver is not permitted, while noting statements about finely dispersed silver and nanosilver in relation to bacterial growth and health risk assessment.