It’s been known to ward off bad luck, vampires, and werewolves, but carrying silver is not all superstition. In 400 BC, Hippocrates talked about the antimicrobial benefits of silver, and for centuries humans used the metal to prevent infections in wounds and keep food and water fresh. We know today that nanosilver is used in the same way to keep bacteria off everything from our laundry machines to socks, but the reason behind silver’s “magical” properties have never been fully investigated.
A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine is now shedding some light on the matter. The research states that adding silver to antibiotics makes it thousands of times more effective. Not only that, but silver has been shown to weaken bacteria that was previously immune to antibiotics.
Silver worked in two ways, first by degrading bacteria’s protective layer. This allows the antibiotics to more easily penetrate the bacteria. Secondly, it leads to the creation of molecules that kill bacteria such as oxygen.
We think the ancients were on to something when they used pure silver coins to keep their water clean. And while wearing silver may not cure all that ails you, it’s always good to know that your jewelery is doing double duty.
[Source – Scientific America]