Several years ago I was plagued with back pain when I read about DMSO. Many people have recently discovered what DMSO does for pain. This miracle substance was first discovered in the early 1800s by a Russian chemist and has been used over the years for many different applications.
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) is derived from dimethyl sulfide, a by-product in the manufacturing of paper products from Pine trees. It is widely used to replace sulfur in the human body. It is also used as a pain remedy. DMSO loves to eat up the free radicals in your body that cause inflammation. Rather than masking the pain, DMSO actually reduces inflammation and prevents free radical damage.
DMSO’s uses are seemingly endless in the area of pain management. People who have been using the solvent are also reporting other health improvements that they were not expecting. DMSO has been used successfully in conjunction with the following diagnosis:
- Arthritis
- Immune System Disorders like MS and Lupus
- Atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries)
- Cataracts, Eye Inflammation, Retinol Disease, Macular Degeneration
- Herpes and Shingles
- Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder condition) FDA approved use
- Scleroderma (hardening of the skin)
- Wound Care
- Psoriasis, Eczema and other skin disorders
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Table of Contents
Why Should I Try DMSO?
Our soil has been depleted of life-giving sulfur. This has caused us to be deficient. Sulfur can be found in almost every cell and is very important to maintain good health. Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral element found in our bodies.
Low sulfur levels in the body have been linked to many health issues including low levels of Glutathione. Glutathione has protective role against oxidative and free radical damage and its potential to enhance the immune function. Insulin disorders, inflammation, immune system disorders and weak joints are just a few of the areas that DMSO can help.
As a supplement, sulfur is available in two forms: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). DMSO is the liquid form and MSM comes in a crystal form or powder. Used together you can have a powerful antioxidant that can help with free radical damage and inflammation.
If you decide to purchase DMSO you will want to get 99.99% Pure Pharmaceutical Grade DMSO in a glass bottle or jar. In that form you will want to dilute it with distilled water. Veterinarians also use DMSO to help with pain management. Often used with horses and other animals it is most likely industrial grade and should not be used by humans.
How Do I Use DMSO?
DMSO comes in a liquid form. It can be taken internally with an IV or orally and may also be used topically. You will find it for sale in its pure liquid form or with another substance like Aloe Vera. If you purchase it in its pure liquid form you will want to dilute it. Depending on what you are using it for, many will add essential oils, distilled water or Aloe Vera.
You can purchase DMSO at local health food stores and on Amazon. I personally have it in 2 forms. There is a pure liquid form in a glass bottle. It can be taken orally or topically that can be diluted with distilled water or other substances. Then I have a jar that is a 70/30 dilution with Aloe Vera that can go on topically.
You can test your liquid DMSO for purity when it arrives. Pure DMSO will crystalize below 66F. Just put your bottle in the refrigerator over night and you will see crystals form. To warm it up just run the bottle under warm tap water.
DMSO can be irritating to the skin. You will not want to put it on at full strength as it can cause redness and itching. Even diluted you will have an itching sensation for about 15 minutes after application. Repeated use can also dry the skin.
This is a small price to pay for a natural supplement that has so many benefits. Prescriptions and over the counter pain medications that are wreaking havoc on our bodies.
How does DMSO Work?
DMSO is a carrier compound. DMSO has the ability to rapidly penetrate the skin. This also means that it opens a gateway for other substances to enter the body through the skin.
Because it is a carrier, you must use DMSO on clean skin and not have it come in contact with any other substances such as your clothes or furniture. The DMSO will carry whatever it touches right through your skin. That includes dirt and chemicals that you do not want inside your body.
Once it is in your system it attaches itself to the free radicals and eliminates them.
DMSO has the ability to break through the blood-brain barrier. It is being studied in patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This property has allowed for its use in drug therapies. DMSO is water-soluble. It can carry the drugs to areas that it can not normally be reached without doing any damage.
Side Effects of DMSO
DMSO can have a couple of minor side effects that can be annoying but are manageable.
DMSO Can Cause You to Smell
Many people report that their breath and body odor will start to smell like garlic or oysters. From my research, holistic health professionals, state that it is their opinion that this happens when you have more toxins. Others report that it only happens when you take it internally. Either way, you can manage the odors with peppermint gum and essential oils.
I have no idea if it is the toxins, but it is something that can be an issue for a few days after your last application or dose. The problem with it is that you can not smell it on yourself, so you will need to have a friend or a spouse keep an eye on it for you.
DMSO Is Itchy
When I used it on my back it was a struggle. Not only did I have to lay on my stomach to make sure nothing was touching the DMSO, like clothing or bedding, it also made me itch like crazy. Some say that this goes away in time. I was using a 70/30 ratio with Aloe Vera which did not dry quickly and is pretty strong. At a 50/50 ratio of DMSO and distilled water, it dried faster so it made it more manageable.
Supplement with Minerals
Many holistic health practitioners recommend that you supplement with magnesium or Trace Minerals when using DMSO. Many people will mix DMSO with Magnesium oil which is also anti-inflammatory.
When starting with DMSO it is important to start slow and allow your body to adjust.
11 Great Ways to Use DMSO
- MSM and DSMO used together are a powerful antioxidant and pain reliever.
- Essential oils used with DMSO go deeper into your cells and can penetrate the blood brain barrier.
- Detox your liver with Castor Oil and DMSO.
- 20% DMSO and 80% distilled water eyedrops can improve many eye diseases such as cataracts. Castor Oil in the eyes before bed can also help to soften cataracts.
- DMSO contains oxygen so it is antimicrobial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. You can use it for toe fungus, athletes foot, acne and other skin conditions.
- DMSO on your scalp may help regenerate hair growth in some people.
- Eliminate bruising and scars. I noticed immediate results on my newer scars. On my older scars it took about 6 weeks . Apply your 70/30 solution 2-3 times per day for best results.
- A teaspoon of DMSO with orange juice taken daily can improve your overall health.
- I have seen many testimonials from people who have suffered from strokes who have taken DMSO internally and REVERSED the damage if done soon enough.
- Use a 20% solution of DMSO in conjunction with Vitamin C in your skin care regimen for younger looking skin and wrinkles.
- A 50/50 solution of DMSO and distilled water around the temples and base of the neck has been reported to stop migraines if used at the onset.
What is DMSO Frequently Asked Questions
DMSO is no more toxic to humans than any other supplement as long as it is used properly. We recommend that you always start low and slow to see how you react to DMSO.
The FDA has approved DMSO as a prescription medication for treating symptoms of painful bladder syndrome. It’s also used under medical supervision to treat several other conditions, including shingles. The bottles sold over the counter are labeled not for human use.
Yes, it is considered generally safe. However, any product can be used incorrectly. You should always consult with your Holistic Health Practitioner to go over your particular situation. You should also purchase DMSO from a reputable provider to ensure you are getting pharmaceutical-grade DMSO.
You should not use DMSO if you have any type of medical implant, such as breast implants, or any other medical device without medical supervision.
Yes. DMSO has been used on pets for years.
I have read about people who have used DMSO to get other substances into their system that will help fight cancer. Since I could not find any reputable science-based medical studies I did not address it in the article.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any product(s) on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement or nutraceutical. Especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing medical conditions. Individual results may vary. These are from my own experience and the experience of others and only our opinions.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any product(s) on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement or nutraceutical. Especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing medical conditions. Individual results may vary. These are from my own experience and the experience of others and only our opinions.
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