According to researchers, silver inhibits the growth of one-celled organisms by deactivating the organism’s oxygen metabolism enzymes. This action in turn, destroys the organism’s cell membranes, stopping the replication of the organism’s DNA. This is a completely natural reaction to silver by these organisms and is not chemically manipulated by man. You may verify this research information on our website at:
http://www.utopiasilver.com/products/cu ... /index.htm
There is also some interesting research with silver prior to the advent of patented anti-biotics. A good example that is available on the Internet is "The Use of Colloids in Health and Disease" by Alfred B. Searle, the founder of Searle Pharmaceuticals (now known as Monsanto). Although this book is dated in some respects, it demonstrates the research that had already been done as well as that which was ongoing in the area of “colloidal silver” before more lucrative patented concoctions (drugs) replaced it in the marketplace. This book cites research done by numerous scientists and documents their findings demonstrating the germicidal properties of silver.
One of the most widely publicized concerns today relating to biological warfare and terrorism is the fact that microbes have mutated and become resistant so that “patented” antibiotics may often be rendered ineffective. On the other hand, research and evidence indicates that one-celled organisms do not have an intrinsic resistance to, nor can they through mutation or natural selection, acquire a resistance to silver's anti-microbial actions. Again, this is why silver has historically been one of man’s most reliable tools in supporting the immune system against various maladies, even before he knew what caused these maladies.
For more research, go to,
http://www.utopiasilver.com/research_studies.htm
http://www.utopiasilver.com/research_st ... graphy.htm
As for tobacco, there are some traditional medicinal uses, such as insect bites, bee stings, etc. but the inhalation of any kind of smoke is not good, whether tobacco or wood. I have a number of friends who were smokers that developed emphysema and lived in misery for 15-20 years before finally smothering to death. But if it works for you, I believe you should have the "right" to smoke ...with certain consideration for non-smokers around you.