Health benefits of Copper, Silver and copper alloys
Certain metals are known to be almost poisonous to Bacteria, Fungi, viruses and other micro-organisms. Specifically Silver, Copper and copper alloyed metals. Silver sulfadiazine is used in wound and burn treatments for these properties.
The Greeks noted that silver drinking cups and dinnerware would turn black and discolored if spoiled food was served on them. This lead to food being consumed till modern day on silverware. The discoloration was due to the high presence of sulfur in spoiled food. The ancients also noted that wine stored in silver casks retained its palatability far longer than wine stored in any other type of container.
The Romans discovered that drinking water that had a bit of silver in it would stay fresh and drinkable for several months. The Legions using this water also appeared to be less susceptible to camp diseases. The camp healers used silver powders and tinctures to treat wounds as it appeared to combat sepsis of the wound. This practice continued up through World War Two. Silver was used in allied field hospitals to prevent infection, as modern antibiotics were not developed.
Another interesting fact is modern day hospitals use untreated Brass for their door knobs. Brass being a copper ally has germ fighting properties. A brass door handle with totally disinfect itself in about 8 hours. This is known as the Oligodynamic Effect.
Copper was used by Hippocrates to treat leg ulcers associated with varicose veins. Egyptians of his time also used copper for headaches. The Aztecs used copper mixtures for treat sore throats. It may seem odd to use a metal like the Aztecs, but zinc is currently a common treatment for sore throats in modern day.
There is a popular belief among non-traditional healers that copper positively influences blood circulation. Copper also reportedly eases the pain of sciatica, pulled muscles and rheumatism. Many arthritis sufferers utilize these properties by wearing copper bracelets.
The Greeks noted that silver drinking cups and dinnerware would turn black and discolored if spoiled food was served on them. This lead to food being consumed till modern day on silverware. The discoloration was due to the high presence of sulfur in spoiled food. The ancients also noted that wine stored in silver casks retained its palatability far longer than wine stored in any other type of container.
The Romans discovered that drinking water that had a bit of silver in it would stay fresh and drinkable for several months. The Legions using this water also appeared to be less susceptible to camp diseases. The camp healers used silver powders and tinctures to treat wounds as it appeared to combat sepsis of the wound. This practice continued up through World War Two. Silver was used in allied field hospitals to prevent infection, as modern antibiotics were not developed.
Another interesting fact is modern day hospitals use untreated Brass for their door knobs. Brass being a copper ally has germ fighting properties. A brass door handle with totally disinfect itself in about 8 hours. This is known as the Oligodynamic Effect.
Copper was used by Hippocrates to treat leg ulcers associated with varicose veins. Egyptians of his time also used copper for headaches. The Aztecs used copper mixtures for treat sore throats. It may seem odd to use a metal like the Aztecs, but zinc is currently a common treatment for sore throats in modern day.
There is a popular belief among non-traditional healers that copper positively influences blood circulation. Copper also reportedly eases the pain of sciatica, pulled muscles and rheumatism. Many arthritis sufferers utilize these properties by wearing copper bracelets.
