Hi Steve,
Thanks for your input on this. HCl activation is still very experimental and I should point out not recommended by Jim at this time. I posted an excerpt from his book where he talks about other acids here on the other activation thread (
genesis2forum.org/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=11&id=3303&limit=6&limitstart=6&Itemid=66#3534 ). As a point of reference, there is a German site selling 4% hydrochloric acid as an alternative activator (
babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vitalundfitmit100.de%2Fepages%2F61507702.sf%2Fde_DE%2F%3FObjectPath%3D%2FShops%2F61507702%2FCategories%2FMMS1_ProdukteSets&lp=de_en&btnTrUrl=Translate ), again though, it is not recommended by Jim Humble at this time.
I agree with you Steve that Jim’s protocols are based on more real world experience than any others and I give them the highest respect for that reason. People who can use the citric acid protocols should stick with them because they have much more of a track record like Jim says. The HCl alternative and others that have not been recommended by Jim have to be viewed as experimental.
But people who have real problems with citric acid, vinegar and lemon juice, may be able to get the full benefits of MMS by finding some other activator that works for them. I have been having to deal with major sensitivities all my life, and when you have a body like this you have to do things differently than everyone else. Once further experience has been generated, then other alternatives may achieve Jim’s recommendation. He seems to be doing a great job of keeping up with what works and I appreciate that.
I have been using USP grade citric acid from Jungbunzlauer, and they claim to be the largest producer in the world. It appears all of their citric acid is USP grade so probably most of what is being sold is as well. In my opinion, one problem is their citric acid is produced by microbial fermentation rather than from citrus fruit. I think there is enough microbial residue in it to cause people who are sensitive to react to it. People who are sensitive react to things that have no effect on normal people. It is interesting, when I did MMS foot soaks, the citric acid caused me to get a skin rash but when I used vinegar it went away. This happened twice. Vinegar also has plenty of fermentation residues in it, but not the kind that give me a rash apparently.
I don’t know exactly what concentration of HCl or how long an activation is needed to produce a result just like Jim’s protocols. I’ve just been looking for an appearance that seems similar to the citric acid activation. The HCl does act more quickly it seems.
Have you been able to find a place to get food grade HCl Steve? I know the swimming pool grade HCl is technical or industrial grade that has impurities, but I imagine it is not different from the technical grade sodium chlorite and calcium hypochlorites we are using. Jim’s experience has shown that the benefits from these technical grade chemicals far outweigh the negatives, although we should always strive to reduce toxins as much as possible. It seems to me Jim has proven to the world that industrial grade water purification and swimming pool technology can be used very effectively for personal health according to his protocols. Part of the beauty is these technologies/chemicals are accessible world wide at a cost that small producers can afford. Jim has not added swimming pool HCl to his protocols at this time, but I remain hopeful based on my limited experience so far.
Any experience you can add this experimental approach Steve will be much appreciated. There are plenty of people with sensitivities out there and special cases of all kinds that can benefit from our experiments.
I have a question, when you are activating with 6.25% for 10 minutes your baths, the liquid must get really brown looking for probably the whole period, is that right?
Also, I agree with your cautions, we need to be very careful with acids that are this strong. The acid I bought was a swimming pool acid that pool owners have to be careful with as well.
Thanks again,
Michael