Commentaries on Colloidal Silver
and Bentonite / Healing Clays

This commentary explores the use of natural clays and silver.

...Silver in the News...

A group of special interest organizations, funded at least in part by the pharmaceutical industry, has petitioned the EPA to regulate nanosilver products as pesticides. These groups contend that nanosilver-containing products pose a risk to the environment... But is this the whole truth? Read more: The EPA and Nanosilver: Should nanosilver be classified as a pesticide?

[ J.B.B. 12/24/01, from thread "Unidentified Subject! - Bentonite" ] :

Dr. Teruo Higa of Okinawa makes and sells some very powerful fired ceramic products called "EMX." There are available online from EMTrading.com. I dabble with these but frankly do not understand the energies coming from these ceramics. VERY powerful.

I use a necklace made of these occasionally, and it seems to produce a herxeimer reaction initially, usually within a few hours after I put it on; sometimes I have to take the darned thing off, but overall feel better when wearing it, especially when using a computer. It seems to balance the energy fields from electronic products, and this is one advertised purpose.

The field from EMX ceramic is very strong. I think it is partly magnetic; two on top of my cathode ray monitor cause the entire box to vibrate and rattle when I turn it on. I think the field somehow pulls or pushes on the scanning gun as it starts up. Very weird effect. When we first put a ceramic on our electric hot water pot -- a product widely used in Japan -- it was destroyed in a few days. Turns out the ceramics quickly break down corrosion and clog up the pumps in such things; you are supposed to use ceramics only in new products. Higa's team destroyed a car engine in the early days using ceramics in the gas tank. I put these in the gas thank of my new van, and the boost in power was amazing, though the improved mileage I wanted did not occur.

Higa's stuff is well worth the time to check out. I have no affiliation BTW . . .

[ Brooks Bradley, 12/25/01, from thread "Unidentified Subject - Bentonite" ]

Dear J,

The family of piezo-electric ceramics have, for many years, been used both as "physical disturbance-to-electrical energy output" and/or "electrical input-to-physical-output" devices. The two most common groups center around barium titanate and lead zirconate titanate containing compounds. The old-fashioned crystal-type phonograph pick-up elements were of the barium titanate type. Early sonar receiving transducers were also. Many types of army ordinance.....especially bombs and artillery shells.....have employed such transducers to generate high voltages (at impact) to detonate the explosives. A small piezo-electric disc the size of a quarter will yield instanteous voltages on the order of 3000 volts (when impacting around 1000 g's ). By merely squeezing a small 1" piezo-electric ceramic, a sizeable output will occur. Electro-acoustic energies applied to a piezo-electric ceramic will result in a faithful "physical" reproduction of the applied frequency------up to quite high values. Additionally, even very small, repetitive, voltage pulses, when applied serially---while maintaining the same polarity orientation---can charge a lead zirconate cylinder of 6" length X 4" dia. to near-lethal levels. Also, once charged, the capacitive effect remains over prolonged periods of time-----unless the inside and outside (plated with silver) surfaces of the cylinder are shorted. Such behavior suggests that both physical and electro-stimulation of susceptible ceramic materials could, indeed, result in some of the physiological conditions you relate.

Sincerely,
Brooks Bradley

[ T.T., 09/15/01, thread "Bentonite" ] :

I bought 40 lbs. of pure bentonite power in South Dakota at the corner of hiways 281 and 34 at a well drilling company for $8.00 per 40 lb. bag. It was 99% pure and a beautiful very light grey color. I have mixed colloidal silver to wet it to make a paste, and have used it on my wife's skin problems (psorasis). I have used it twice, 2 weeks apart. Her patch is 60% smaller than it was before the bentonite/colloidal silver treatment mud pack. This seems to work well.

One can use bentonite clay ground into a powder mixed with Colloidal Silver in any amount you want. I use a cream texture. At first I used a mud pack, but found that this is not necessary, except for severe infections and wounds. A light film seems to work just as well - let it dry and draw out the poison - I am just experimenting myself - but finding very good results where nothing ever worked before. Bentonite clay is used to seal dugout ponds and wells during drilling... It has been used by the Sioux Indians in South Dakota for years for a few home cures, mostly epidermis problems. It is mined and processed in South Dakota as a natural resource.

[ M.D. 09/09/01, from thread entitled "Burn Treatment" ]

This is just an anecdote, as there's no way to say if it worked better or worse than any other treatment, but here goes...

My 13 yo son was making breakfast. The spatula sat too close to the side of the frying pan and the plastic handle started to melt. He tried to pick it up and burned the outside edge of the palm of his hand.

His sister got me from upstairs. When I came down he was doing the right thing by running his hand under cold water. I let him do that while I gathered stuff.

Examining the injury, it was probably a bit more than an inch long and a little less wide. The area was red, there were several blisters, and, worst of all, flakes of solidified plastic were adhering to the skin in places. He said it was quite painful and tender.

He was able to remove some of the plastic himself while still holding it under the cold water, but I cautioned him to be gentle and not break the skin.

After it seemed like the water had done what it could, I had him spray colloidal silver on it for a few minutes. It still hurt quite a bit.

I prepared a poultice of bentonite clay on a folded gauze square and applied it to the area, then wrapped his hand with half a roll of gauze and taped the end to hold it.

The pain gradually subsided to a dull ache and some tenderness over the next half hour.

We left for the zoo soon after, taking supplies with us to re-wrap his hand when we arrived.

In the zoo parking lot, we removed the gauze wrap and wiped and washed the clay away with gauze and the spray bottle of CS. All the plastic flakes came off with the clay! It had been applied for a bit over an hour. By this time the pain and tenderness was all but gone.

We saturated a gauze pad with CS and covered the area, covered that with a dry gauze square, and three long pieces of tape to keep the dressing in place and slow down the evaporation of the silver.

When we got home at the end of the day, the area was still not tender or painful. Several blisters remain and the skin is a little "tough" in the area, but there is no sign of infection.

We'll watch to make sure that if or when the blisters break it doesn't get infected. He'll need to protect the area most of the time 'til it heals the rest of the way.

The results seem okay so far. He was a little skeptical about the clay, this being the first time I'd attempted to use it on him, but I told him it ought to help the pain faster than anything else. Actually I had hoped the effect would be even faster, but I'm still satisfied. I know that generally, such a burn would be very tender and sore for a lot longer than this one was.

The colloidal silver, of course, did its usual fine job of preventing infection, which, by itself, is enough to speed healing.

Comments?

[ Stephen K. Hessler, N.M.D., 06/18/01, from a thread entitled "CS not working on a leg infection" ]

Hi List...........I have discovered and used a combination of elements for drawing out infections. One cancer on the nose. One prospective amputee to which they had removed about 1/3 of the bottom of her foot and when I saw it
there was nothing but exposed bone, flesh, cartilage and it was reinfecting with staph. She had no feeling in her feet for years and poor circulation. Used 3 cups bentonite, 1 cup charcoal (best with 30% ash), 1 cup diatomaceous earth, 1/4 cup 130,000 mhu cayenne pepper and 4 quarts of silver colloid to make this into a paste. In one week it had drawn out the infection and now in about 2 months the wound is almost totally closed and a good measure of feeling has returned to the area affected. Am now trying to get them to apply the paste to the rest of the foot to see if it will draw circulation and sensitivity back into the rest of the foot.

Hope this helps!

[ Jason R. Eaton, Eytons' Earth, compiled from messages dating from Dec' 99 - Dec '01 ] :

Hi All!

Bentonite is an aluminum silicate, and thus is really a organized form of quartz crystal: Al2O3 + 4SiO2 + nH2O ( hydrated bentonite, food grade ).

It is widely used in many, many industries.

However, what makes it unique for consideration in natural medicine are its very unique properties. Bentonite has an extremely dense makeup - each gram of bentonite covers a surface area of over 400 square meters.

When properly hydrated, it creates and sustains its own subtle electromagnetic field ( negatively charged particles ). It has extremely powerful sorptive properties, i.e. it attracts and holds to its surface many toxic substances.

Via its many properties, a high quality green clay can eliminate an infection in the body about 600 times faster than colloidal silver ( when used externally ). Used with understanding, it can speed tissue healing by over 60% in even the most serious wounds imaginable. However, its method of action is different than colloidal silver.

Extreme amounts of clay used in a bath have been known to help the body detox from severe heavy metal poisoning ( one can tell, because if it works, the clay turns black ).

U.S. Army studies show that bentonite may be a successful treatment for exposure to chemical warfare. One Army emergency livestock protocol calls for immediate adminstration of bentonite internally to counter effects of radiation poisoning in livestock ( food sources ).

In fact, bentonite was the choice substance dumped by the ton on top of the Chernobyl nuclear plant after its untimely demise.

The natural green clays were the prime ingredient in them embalming process of the ancient Egyptians. Cleoptra's fine skin condition was most likely due to secret blends of fine clays and exotic oils.

Used internally, bentonite is one of the most powerful detoxifying agents in nature. It neutralizes acids in the stomach almost immediately upon ingestion. It detoxifies the intestinal tracts. It acts directly upon the liver, slowly restoring it to full function with a proper diet. Although it is considered an inert substance, through long term use microscopic particles of clay ARE eventually accepted into the liver, and delivered into the bloodstream, where it fixes free oxygen, elminating free radicals.

When used immediately in severe trauma situations ( externally ), clay packs significantly reduce tissue damage associated with swelling.

I'll never forget the first story I ever heard on clay healing. In fact, the individual in question received a "most valueable citizen" town award for the incident.

A father's son wrecked quite badly in a motorcycle race, and it tore up one of his legs quite badly. He was rushed to the hospital, but developed a severe infection that turned gangrene despite medical care. After several days of observation and treatment, the doctor made the decision that the leg would be amputated the next morning.

The son had called his father, who lived in another part of the country. The father arrived at the hospital late that night. Upon hearing that the leg would be amputated, he grabbed his son and carried him straight out of the hospital. They drove for many hours, to a remote part of the Mojave desert, just outside of Death Valley, California, where the natural hotspring waters at one time had a rating of the second best in the world. The area is rich in a natural high quality bentonite.

The father brought his son to the oldtimer local. They and several friends took a large garbage bin, and filled it with hydrated clay. When the son figured out he was supposed to stick his LEG in that MUD, he resisted with all of his strength! It took four men to force him to do so, and to hold him in it long enough for the pain to start to subside.

They kept the leg in the solution for around 72 hours. Upon removing the leg, and gently ( very gently ) washing the clay off, the infection had been COMPLETELY eradicated, and the leg was well on its way to healing.

Within about two weeks the son was back on the track, racing again as if nothing had happened.

While this story may seem far fetched, I've personally seen similiar results. As far as I'm personally concerned, wound care in this day and age is nothing short of barbaric ( no offense to those wound care specialists on the list! ).

I remember dealing with some nurses who just couldn't WAIT to get a pair of pliers onto some staples embedded in granuluar tissue ( from a skin graft donor site ). I talked them into leaving the site alone, and used bentonite to extract the staples naturally, which it did in under 72 hours ( I didn't tell THEM what I did, though ) - painless and effortless.

I wish I had a before image of what the donor sites looked like before I began using silver and clay, but there is some information on the subject available at this url:

http://www.eytonsearth.org/skingrafts.html

Bentonite is gray-green to green, in color. Greener clays are considered more active for healing purposes.

White bentonite is green bentonite that has gone through purification processing. Most white bentonites are pharmacy grade bentonites. The pharmacy grade bentonite is acceptable for internal use ( though not ideal in my opinion ). I wouldn't even think of using it externally, it is too corrosive.

Some clays are greener through an increased level of magnesium. Some, due to increased levels of ferrous oxide ( which some theorize the reaction that causes the green color indicates a greater potency ).

Colloidal silver at times provokes a herxheimer reaction, especially when one is first introduced to its use. Bentonite used internally can be of great assistance in eliminating the "herx" reaction.

The herxheimer reaction, or the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, was first "medically" recognized in the treatment of Syphilis, and later recognized in the treatment of lyme disease. It is generally thought that the herx reaction occurs due to the release of endo-toxics as the result of antibiotics killing off certain types of bacteria.

As medically documented in some cases of Syphilis, symptoms last for 24 hours. Other cases show that the herxheimer reaction can last through the entire treatment. The herx reaction occurs anywhere from 2-6 hours to 24 hours from the start of treatment.

A review of the medical information clearly reveals that the medical profession doesn't really know what it is talking about.

However, through observations on the treatment of Arthritis ( center for arthritis in Riverside ), a true idea of what the herx reaction is starts to crystallize:

"We have noticed that initially patients may worsen. This is caused by a Herxheimer reaction. This is due to an increase in circulating bacterial particles and toxins, which promote an antigenic reaction that produces an intense inflammatory response. This provokes increased arthralgias, myalgias, depression, fatigue, and poor memory."

To truly understand the Herx reaction, one must realize that when any "die off" occurs in the body in great numbers, the conditions of the body are changed. In some cases, certain forms of bacteria are going to temporarily thrive. The toxins released are going to have an impact on the immune system. All in all, the body is temporarily thrown out of balance, and needs to go through a period of adjustment.

If one "formally" defines a herx reaction as endo-toxin release as the result of bacterial die off, then it is useful to coin another phrase: The exteriorization of an illness.

In other words, a sore throat as the RESULT of a herx reaction is not the herx reaction per se... Rather, it is an exteriorization of an existing condition that becomes noticeable due to changes in the conditions of the body.

This can happen for several reasons:

1) The immune system is taxed through the elimination of the toxins, which temporarily allows other pre-existing conditions to thrive.

2) The change in the conditions of the body create conditions that allow other infections to thrive, and the immune system needs time to respond.

3) Any toxic reaction in the body stimulates the body's elimination system; the body begins to flush itself out, which can result in the "bacterial particles" being released in the body.

In cases where the body is in "worse shape" than the "owner" really realized, the herxheimer reaction can fully manifest colds and other illness. The solution is to continue colloidal silver in smaller doses, and endure the cold. As one begins to feel better, it is wise to continue CS use in slightly larger doses for a period. If the reaction is extreme, then one may need to cease using the colloidal silver until conditions improve.

Normal herxheimer reactions, in my experience, can be all but eliminated through the use of bentonite internally. However, one must have already been acclimated to the use of bentonite!

Conditions can be improved if one drinks plenty of water as well.

One thing to keep in mind is that I don't usually a powder, unless I'm testing a manufacturer's processed bentonite. I use the raw stuff directly from a subterranean vein, which is almost in rock form.

When using the powder, it's best to start with hot water added to a large glass container ( this simply makes mixing a bit easier ). Then, add the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of bentonite power per 8 ounces of water, as a minimum amount. Mix thoroughly. After time, with such little bentonite in the water, the bentonite may settle toward the bottom of the container. It is a simple matter to remix the sol in a time of need ( by simply aggitating the container ). However, if one continues to add more bentonite, tablespoon by tablespoon, there will come a point when the solutions becomes uniform - a point where settling will not occur, and yet the product is still aqueous. This is ideal, and the exact point where the crystalline properties of clay begin to be harnessed. Each clay is a bit different, some requiring more and some requiring less water to achieve this state.

However, if one has never used bentonite internally, it is best to use bentonite diluted until the body adjusts to its use.

Of course, the highest quality water is always desireable. Still, there is no reason not to use tap water, or even colloidal silver.

Speaking of which, I'm still puzzled as to exactly how healing clays and colloidal silver work together, but there is no longer any doubt in my mind that they work together well.

For instance, cold sores, I have found, are eliminated more than 50% more rapidly than with healing clay alone, or colloidal silver alone ( both solutions work days faster than the best OC drug on today's market ). In fact, if treated within the first six hours or so of noticeable manifestation, they can be arrested within the first few hours of treatment, and be eliminated by the next day ( a key note is not to allow the bentonite/silver magma dry, for this can cause needless tissue irritation, with no added benefit ).

The base substance of bentonite clay ( which in reality comes nowhere near the actual natural substance ) is Al2 SiO5 ( the silicate/oxygen combination varies ). Upon hydration, bentonite becomes negatively charged. Theoretically, it is my supposition that charged-particle silver would be sorpted to the wide surface areas of the clay, and exchanged later when the clay comes in contact with other organic matter ( as this organic matter is also sorpted ). However, this is only a theory, and chemists who specialize in layer charge characteristics, and other specialties specific to crystalline/clay substances are rather hard to come by!

Dear S.:

That is an excellent concern, one which I don't believe has been dealt with to my COMPLETE satisfaction, but one which none-the-less can be dealt with successfully despite concerns.

Offhand, I don't remember who did the studies on how bentonite taken internally affected the "good" bacteria count as well as the "bad" bacteria count that resides in the intestines, but the study is the only scientific model I'm aware of that even addresses sorption rates in the body at a scientific level. However, the conclusions derived from the study provide some clues as to how bentonite works in the digestive system.

First and foremost, let's address the surface area of hydrated clay particles and consider the amount of clay that is ingested to achieve good results. The average gram of clay has a surface area of 400 to 800 square meters. While it is true that bentonite is incredibly dense, and the surface area of the particles is extraordinary, even 1000 grams of bentonite would not be able to sorpt even a fraction of the nutrients in one meal. Furthermore, bentonite acts against postively charged substances first and foremost. The clay will act first against radiation, then against toxic substances in the body, primarily those substances that carry a positive charge. Furthermore, once clay reaches its limit of adsorption, the effect is reversed, ie. the clay begins to eminate substances. In fact, I believe that there is always an exchange going on between clay and the body.

Second, clay, once it is no longer in a magma state, reacts differently. It's "mass" sorption rate declines significantly, and it appears to act more as a catalyst in the body. Therefore, a clay fluid reacts very differently even upon initial consumption then a clay gel or magma.

On a less scientific note, Weston Price drew the conclusion that clay increases the body's ability to adsorb nutrients. He drew this conclusion from studying cultures that used clay as a daily part of their diet. Whether in fact this is due to the cleansing and purifiying affect of clays, or a whole combination of related actions in the body, is unknown.

What is certain is that beyond the digestive tract, clay does not leech valueable vitamins and minerals from the body. Of further note, Raymond Dextreit, after 50 years of clinical research in natural medicine, has found no indication that clay negatively affects the nutritional system, although it CAN interfere with drugs being taken internally.

However, one can never be too careful in matters of health. In the case where an individual has severe dietary deficiencies, the way to minimize any possible consequence is to begin taking clay internally at night, before bed, when the body begins its cleansing cycle. In the average person, even clay used several times daily will not "get past" the liver for months, so any concern of an effect outside the digestive tract is actually moot. Start with a protocol of one tablespoon of clay powder in an eight ounce glass of water. With this amount of clay, even if clay were to attempt to eliminate all of the vital nutrients in the diet, it would only suceed in removing an unmeasurable amount. And yet, almost paradoxially, acting as a catalyst, even this small amount of clay will have a noticeable detoxifying effect within 72 hours.

I hope these comments help!

It is wise to keep in mind, that when using colloidal silver as a treatment protocol, what we are doing is treating symptoms and not problems. In many cases, this is enough to either take care of the initial problem, or accelerate the healing process and/or support the immune system's response.

When I address any problem that is chronic, I make a careful attempt to identify the initial cause of the condition. This is seldom an easy task!

Natural medicine takes a slightly different viewpoint on illness than strictly speaking medical science. For example, if one gets the flu, the flu itself is seldom the primary cause. More often than not, a reduced
immune system response is what allows these "colds" to proliferate in the body. Of course, I'm not stating that exposure to any bacteria/virus is NOT an element, ONLY that it is better medicine to determine why "Joe" gets the flu and "Mike" does not. If one successfully addresses this point, then not only can healing be speeded up, but future manifestation can possibly be avoided. The infection itself is a result of a set of conditions and not a cause.

Fungus is strange stuff. There have been times where I've figuratively banged my head against a brick wall dealing with exotic fungus. I've had some success with dealing with Agent Orange ( I'm not sure if it is fungus, but it sure acts like it ), and then come up with absolutely zero results on things like Jungle Rot ( generic term for rare fungal infections from tropical climates ).

I've learned a very few precious things. First, that a "new" fungal infection is much easier to eliminate than an established one. Second, that fungal outbreaks increase dramatically when there is a disturbance in the acid/basic balance in the body.

"Flare up's" in fungal infections are often cyclic. It's almost as if the fungus, once established, recreates it's own ideal environment from the very same immune system responses that are geared toward healing. In the same manner that colloidal silver will reduce the manifestation of "cold sore" lesions without eliminating the virus completely, manifestation of many fungal infections are greatly reduced - provided that the initial conditions that "allow" the infection to begin with do not "worsen". In situations where fungi is cured rapidly with colloidal silver, I believe that the intial "cause" factor had to be very slight. To parallel, a wound can heal incredibly fast under normal circumstances with colloidal silver. However, even with colloidal silver, a wound heals very slowly in oxygen depleted tissues ( like in a Type II Diabetic individual, for example ). This, of course, is not a reflection on the colloidal silver, but on the conditions of the infection itself.

I think this is why we often see conflicting reports on the benefit - or lack thereof - that colloidal silver has on fungal infections.

The hard part to consider NOW is what, if anything, is causing an acidic disturbance in the body. The possibilities are incredibly numerous, as well as possible treatments, most of which are dietary in nature. A great way to test for acidic disturbance ( not very scientific per se but it does work - there must be better ways ) is to take a low voltage zapper to the skin for a few hours ( provided that one doesn't normally use their zapper ) and look for a slight reaction, a reddening of the skin. Another way I used to use all the time when residing/working at a hotsprings resort, is to take a peice of sterling silver jewelry such as a ring, and spend about five minutes in a low sulphur alkaline hotspring. The greater the disturbance in the body's balance, the more tarnish the ring will show. It was amazing to watch some people with zero reaction and others emerge with coal-black silver. Large aqueous solutions of natural bentonite taken three times a day would often rebalance the body in short order. In cases where bentonite was not used, the hotsprings themselves used several times daily for one to two weeks would stimulate the body's elimination system enough to correct the imbalance when items such as coffee and sugar were avoided.

[ Brooks Bradley, 09/06/00, from a thread entitled "Possible, Useful CS Prophylactic and some observations" ]

Dear Jason,

We have, in the past, evaluated bentonite and kindred clays, as a protocol support for CS....in topical applications. Our results were mixed. We have experienced superior results using Raw honey X CS mixtures around 50% each, by volume. Honey, like bentonite, is hygroscopic....but with the attendant advantages of exhibiting antiseptic qualities of its own---and releasing microscopic quantities of H202 directly at the wound surface/atmosphere interface....on a continuing basis.

One adjunctive procedure we found of considerable value in pain management for volunteers experiencing pronounced pain from exposed nerve tissue, was the substitution of 2% strength Lidocaine solution for 10% of the CS solution (by volume). This modification ameliorated all attendant pain (within 5 minutes) at the insult surface--- in all cases where employed.

[ Ian, 12/29/1998, from a thread entitled "Candida" ]

PPM is a measurement of weight only - it doesn't have anything to do with the number of particles in a given dose or with the efficacy of the CS. In fact a 10-12 ppm colloidal silver could in effect be better than a 50 ppm colloidal silver. For this reason, simply knowing the ppm of silver is not adequate enough to base a dose upon. There are just too many other factors, such as particle size, quality of water, voltage used etc. Then when you pool the information you receive about what people use, this becomes the only way you can explain the variances. You would have to base your dose upon what you found effective, and that is eventually what most people do anyway.

I have a friend who is taking it. And she doses herself just enough to feel a herximer reaction and then she cuts back a little. Initially she took an ounce of 10-12 ppm (High Voltage AC colloidal silver) three times a day but quickly felt ill. She cut back to two teaspoons per day and has worked back up from there. I believe for this reason that her dose also varies a bit from day to day as she tips the bottle four to five times per day. Rule of thumb is, if you know you are fighting a major infection in your body - start off slow with the colloidal silver for a few days, even as low as 5 mls per day. There could be a whole host of people here who have gone through the cleansing process of the bowels - a common place for candida to reside. If you take the colloidal silver orally and stay just shy of the herx you may do well. Some people have found that colloidal silver gets absorbed systemically long before the colloidal silver actually reaches the gut. For this reason, they have mixed psyllium and hydrous bentonite clay together with colloidal silver and water to enable it to make it all the way into the bowels. The bentonite seems to bind to it a bit and keep it from being absorbed but it then becomes effective in the gut itself. Psyllium is used because bentonite itself is very constipating to the bowels. They also have given themselves colloidal silver retention enemas to the colon. There are several books written and available on just Candida alone.

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