Silver mining began as early as 3,000 BC in what’s now modern-day Turkey. Today, you will find this precious metal in everything from jewelry, coins, silverware, electronics and photo film.

But this non-toxic naturally occurring element is also prized for its antimicrobial properties which have been used since ancient times to treat infections and heal wounds.  Before the adoption of antibiotics, the silver foil was wrapped around wounds to promote healing and prevent infections. Today you find silver in numerous surgical and medical equipment, bandages and topical ointments used in hospitals today.

Ship captains and pioneers were known to toss silver coins into storage barrels to purify and preserve drinking water, a concept in use by astronauts to purify water and disinfect surfaces on the International Space Station. And a recent study shows that silver ion treatments may aid in the treatment of inflammatory bone disorders.

Today, you don’t have to go to the hospital to take advantage of the benefits of silver.

Background Articles:

10 Silver Benefits and Uses Backed By Science

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/9-silver-benefits-and-uses-backed-by-science_b_5797d100e4b0b3e2427d2c65

Antimicrobial Silver in Medicinal and Consumer Applications: A Patent Review of the Past Decade

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315945/