Silver Sol: Cure All or Snake Oil?

As a traveler to remote locations around the world, often in areas where medical care may not be readily available, I've learned to pack a pretty complete First Aid kit.  As a traveler, I also like to keep my packs small, light and simple, and so I'm always interested whenever I learn of a product that will fulfill multiple roles.  Silver Sol is one such product.

Silver Sol is simply silver particles dispersed in purified water.  It is a broad spectrum antimicrobial that promises to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungus and certain diseases.  This single product can be used topically to fix jock itch, disinfect and treat wounds; dropped in water to purify it*; or it can be taken orally to treat illness, with NO side effects.  Here's a list of what you can use it for.

* Note: Silver Sol will not kill protozoa or amoeba, hence it's use in purifying water is limited and is not recommended for backpackers.

Here's a pretty good 2 minute spiel on what this stuff IS and DOES:
 
© www.patentedsilver.com

Sounds too good to be true?  I remain skeptical, but an increasing body of evidence, both anecdotal and scientific, suggests that this product not only works, but works well. Silver Sol is patented by American Biotech Labs, and I ordered a couple bottles of Silver Bioticsto try out ;o)


Update Mar 2011:
Ok, so I've been using this stuff for over six months and I'm convinced it works.  It's on my packing list when I climb Mt. Everest next month!

It works best for me internally, and I put mine in a small spray bottle and spray 3-4 squirts (about a teaspoon dose) directly into my mouth, twice a day when traveling or at risk.  I've seen people I travel with fall sick, or get some kind of food poisoning, while I remain ok.


I've found it works less well externally, so on cuts, scrapes, burns, fungus like athletes foot, etc, it may be better to use the gel form of Silver Sol, which would stay on longer.  However, to keep it light and simple, I haven't bought the gel, and simply spray my Silver Sol liquid externally.


The best price I've found for this stuff is on Amazon at $20.06 for a 16 oz bottle.  The catch is you have to buy 2 bottles to get this price:  American Biotech Labs Silver Biotics 16 oz ( Multi-Pack)