DMSO - Anti-inflammatory, Painkiller, Carries medication through skin and into cells
What is DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) ?
DMSO is a natural substance used as a powerful health tool
DMSO, a popular therapy for inflammation and pain in the 1960’s (unconscionably suppressed by the FDA), can be used to safely treat a wide range of health issues, including some that are considered incurable, often fatal, or that lead to permanent disability. DMSO is used at an appropriate dose with strokes, traumatic brain injuries, neurological conditions(E.g. ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, while not curative, DMSO will halt progression)), neurological problems (E.g. peripheral neuropathy), circulatory disorders, pain, arthritis, tissue injuries, chronic lung issues (E.g. asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis), autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, eye /ear/sinus/dental conditions, internal organ disorders (E.g. pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver), skin conditions, acute and chronic infections (e.g. shingles, herpes, DMSO solves these problems by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, reviving dormant cells, and restoring normal protein-folding (stabilizes damaged or mutant proteins, e.g. accumulation of misfolded proteins in Alzheimer’s, amyloidosis).
DMSO is the only coxib-class NSAID approved by the FDA for treating interstitial cystitis. Commonly used as an anti-inflammatory / painkiller for horses, but the FDA has only approved its use for humans in the treatment of interstitial cystitis.
| DMSO is a byproduct of the kraft pulping (the timber industry’s “sulfate process” for manufacturing wood pulp, consisting mostly of cellulose fibers) in the production of paper. Wood chips are treated with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide to break the bonds between cellulose and lignin, the natural material that bonds tree cells together. Crown Zellerbach, a timber processing company, attempted to get rid of this so called ‘waste’ by spraying it on dirt roads to compact the earth. Dr. Stanley Jacob of the Oregon Health Sciences University observed that various animals would come and lick it up, deer sometimes making six-inch potholes in the road in their determination to obtain this substance. Dr. Jacob later identified this “lip-smacking” substance as DMSO, a healing penetrant that instantly soaks in through the skin and reduces pain. |
Readily available as a liquid or gel, DMSO can enter the body when used TOPICALLY, ORALLY or INTRAVENOUSLY (especially useful for neurological conditions). DMSO has three main health-restoring attributes:
- Cell membrane penetrant
- Precursor to anti-inflammatory MSM
- Medicine carrier into the body
1. DMSO is a cell membrane penetrant
- DMSO is able to quickly penetrate biological membranes into the body’s cells / tissues / organs, including the bones and CNS (brain and spinal cord).
- DMSO’s ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) empowers its treatment of the CNS. Useful when targeting the nerves (E.g. for peripheral neuropathy) or brain-related disorders, such as brain cancer and ALS, Alzheimer, and Parkinsons diseases, otherwise consider incurable.
- DMSO’s penetrant ability also enables its topical delivery into the body, via the skin. Using this method of application, DMSO can be in the blood within 5 minutes, all organs within 20 minutes and the bones within an hour Brayton, 1986 By way of illustration, a few minutes after rubbing some DMSO on the soles of your feet, you would taste its “garlicky” presence in your mouth.
- By making cell walls more permeable, DMSO assists cellular nutrient delivery and detoxification. Cells not only absorb nutrients more easily, but they are also better able to get rid of toxins, which are constantly being created inside the cell and cause problems. E.g. Pain and inflammation are often caused by an accumulation of toxic buildup in the joints, muscles and fluids.
- Unlike most penetrating solvents, DMSO is not associated with irreversible membrane damage
- Elimination half-time is about four days. However transdermal application prolongs elimination up to a third. Excretion of DMSO is primarily via urine and feces.
- DMSO’s ability to pass through membranes varies proportionally with its strength Up to a 90% solution. From 70-90% strength DMSO has been found to be the most effective strength across the skin – and, oddly, performance drops with concentrations higher than 90%. Lower concentrations are sufficient to cross other membranes. E.g. 15% DMSO will easily penetrate the bladder. Herschler & Jacob, 1980
2. Precursor to anti-inflammatory MSM
- 15% of DMSO is converted to its active form MSM in the body. Whether entering the body intravenously, orally or topically, 15% of administered DMSO is oxidized to the now familiar anti-inflammatory / joint-healing supplement MSM (with its additional oxygen atom). and <1% is reduced to DMS (responsible for DMSO’s unpleasant garlicky / oyster-like taste and smell).
- MSM (dimethyl sulfone, methylsulfonylmethane or DMSO2) is normally present in humans, animals and plants. In significant amounts in nerve tissue, skin, hair and joints. Its presence decreases with age. MSM is a nutrient in many foods, also in rainwater and aloe vera. Unpasteurized milk is a particularly rich dietary source of MSM, and small amounts of MSM are found in fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, wheatgrass juice, Swiss chard, tomatoes, tea, coffee, beer, clams, and cooked corn, Food refining and processing reduces MSM content, much the way it reduces vitamin and mineral levels.
- A therapeutic level of MSM provides healing and relief for many health problems. Its benefits include being able to remove toxins and infections, relief of inflammation and pain (e.g. from osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis), skin issues (e.g. wrinkles, sunburn, wounds, rosacea, varicose veins), GI conditions (e.g. stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids), brain-related problems (E.g. Alzheimer’s), infections, lung problems, HIV, cancer, liver problems, allergies, bladder disorders (E.g. Interstitial cystitis), HBP, snoring, the list goes on . . .
3. DMSO can be combined with other therapeutic substances and carry them into body
DMSO is an almost universal solvent and can be combined with certain other treatment substances. This attribute makes DMSO a powerful “tool” to deliver not only its own healing properties) into body cells and tissues, but if bonded to other therapeutic molecules, DMSO will carry these health-beneficial substances across cell membranes.
E.g. rubbing a mixture of vitamin C with DMSO will carry vitamin C into the body. Combining DMSO with cesium chloride (as used in a powerful anti-cancer therapy) and rubbing it onto the skin would carry its extremely alkaline cesium through the skin and inside cells to kill cancer cells.
Unfortunately, DMSO is more successful in ferrying some drugs than others. What it will carry depends on the molecular weight, shape, and electrochemistry of the molecules. Such as morphine sulfate, penicillin, steroids, and cortisone. DMSO is not as good a carrier for INSULIN. DMSO will carry vitamin C or cesium chloride (used to safely kill cancer cells) through the skin.
DMSO health functions in the body
DMSO / MSM is a source of sulfur
MSM is ~ 34% sulfur by weight. Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in the body after calcium and phosphorus and is considered by some to be a much-depleted mineral in many people – likely a major reason why DMSO / MSM is able to achieve its healing results. Sulfur is found in foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, eggs, and lean meat, although processing, heat, or long-term storage can diminish their MSM content. Also soil Sulfur content is lower in some geographic locations.
DMSO / MSM donates sulfur to a broad range of biochemical processes in the body. Biologically active sulfur has unbelievable preventive and therapeutic properties:
- Supports growth and maintenance of body’s connective tissue. Sulfur is needed for the manufacture of proteins rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, including collagen – the primary protein of connective tissue in joints, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bones, skin, hair, bones, and teeth.
- Significant component of INSULIN. A hormone essential to carbohydrate metabolism
- Sulfur is a component of bile acids. Contributes to fat digestion /absorption.
- Supports your immune system
- Operates as a synthesizer and activator. With Vitamin C and the B vitamins, thiamin, biotin, and pantothenic acid, all of which are needed for metabolism and healthy nerves.
DMSO / MSM reduces acute / chronic inflammation and pain
- 70% DMSO typically used as a topical analgesic
- DMSO was the first non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) discovered since aspirin. Possibly spurred on by pharmaceutical companies to find and develop other (more profitable) non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Unfortunately, the NSAIDs used today are more toxic and have more side effects than DMSO.
- Chronic pain patients often have to apply DMSO for up to 4 weeks to affect a change. Many report significant relief hitherto unattainable.
Some example anti-inflammatory / analgesic uses:
DMSO used for non-infective inflammatory conditions and auto immune caused inflammatory conditions. Stephen Edelson, MD, F.A.A.F.P., F.A.A.E.M., who practices medicine at the Environmental and Preventive Health Center of Atlanta, has used DMSO extensively for years. “We use it intravenously as well as locally,” he says. “We use it for all sorts of inflammatory conditions, from people with rheumatoid arthritis to people with chronic low back inflammatory-type symptoms, silicon immune toxicity syndromes, any kind of autoimmune process.”
Several clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness / one trial found no benefit Demos et al, 1967: Lockie & Norcross, 1967
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of DMSO may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Brayton, 1986
- Treats burns. Those treating burns, cuts, and sprains with DMSO report almost immediate relief lasting up to 6 hours. This study found that DMSO prevents burns from becoming infected. In a study of 1371 patients with skin disorders (173 patients with 2nd- or 3rd-degree burns on the hands, feet, and legs), 95% had a complete recovery after applying a topical DMSO spray ~ 3 times a week (most of the other 5% had not fully participated).
- Treatment enhancer for acid burns. DMSO used as penetrant enhancer for calcium gluconate (a treatment for acid burns)
- Reduces / eliminates muscle soreness / cramps
- Reduces swelling and kills the pain of insect stings in just a couple minutes
- Treats frostbite. DMSO has saved fingers with extensive frostbite from amputation. Some experimental studies with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in cold injury
“DMSO is one of the few agents in which effectiveness can be demonstrated before the eyes of the observers …. If we have patients appear before the Committee with edematous sprained ankles, the application of DMSO would be followed by objective diminution of swelling within an hour. No other therapeutic modality will do this.”
– Stanley Jacob, MD, former head of the organ transplant program at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, at hearing of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Health in 1980.
DMSO / MSM reduces inflammation by several mechanisms
- Laboratory studies suggest that DMSO cuts pain by blocking peripheral nerve C fibers. Evans et al, 1993
- As an antioxidant
- DMSO stabilizes membranes and slows or stops leakage from injured cells. At the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1978, 213 patients with inflammatory genito-urinary disorders were studied. Researchers concluded that DMSO brought significant relief to the majority of patients. They recommended the drug for all inflammatory conditions not caused by infection or tumor,in which symptoms were severe or patients failed to respond to conventional therapy. (progestagens et al, 1978)
- Shown to break down the plaque in your arteries. Combined with its anti-inflammatory effect, DMSO is beneficial in the prevention of heart disease, which is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Increases cellular ATP energy. Even at minute concentration, DMSO increased brain cell metabolism
DMSO increases cellular detoxification
- DMSO can aid cellular detoxification. By making membranes more permeable, toxins are more easily flushed from cells
- Copper and other heavy metal detoxifier (Phase 2). Sulfur is required for liver detoxification.
DMSO / MSM is an antioxidant
- MSM is a scavenger of oxidants (E.g. free radicals) that gather at the site of injury. This capability has been observed in experiments with laboratory animals and in 150 ulcerative colitis patients in a double-blinded randomized study in Baghdad, Iraq. Itoh & Guth, 1985; Salim, 1992
- DMSO/MSM’s antioxidant properties are thought to be responsible for preventing chemotherapy extravasations (in which chemo drug leaks into surrounding tissue causing possible pain/damage) [Dorr, 1990]
- Anti-aging and works against degenerative diseases
DMSO has some anti-microbial activity
- Kills certain parasites. Giardia, Trichomonas, roundworms, nematodes, Enterobius and other intestinal worms
- Prevents Candida overgrowth. By balancing the pH of body’s blood and tissues; prevents Candida from living anywhere except in the intestines, where it belongs.
Other Miscellaneous Functions
- Prevent neurological problems. By repairing oxidative damage and restoring cell membrane elasticity /permeability
- Improve INSULIN function / Prevent Diabetes. INSULIN contains sulfur
- Improve lung function. Allows body to take up oxygen more effectively
- Improve cellular uptake of several important nutrients. Vitamins. A, B, C, D, E, amino acids, selenium, calcium, magnesium, coenzyme Q10;
- Improves skin / hair problems. DMSO / MSM provide sulfur for connective tissue integrity – including keratin for strengthening hair and nails, and collagen for skin.
- Improves immune function. Alleviates allergy symptoms / Decreases allergic reactions; increases immunity to infections
- Prohibits cancer growth. Also, DMSO can bind to cancer-toxic substances and help carry them inside cancer cells – resulting in the more effective destruction of cancer cells. E.g. Vitamin C or Cesium Chloride mixed with DMSO and applied transdermally.
Chart of health benefits of DMSO
DMSO provides a “tool” to deal with symptoms of an underlying problem – while its actual cause is determined and dealt with.
MSM has the same health benefits of DMSO since MSM is the active component of DMSO. However, with its ability to penetrate skin / cell membranes, DMSO can more quickly reach body tissues. MSM can also be mixed with DMSO (as a carrier).
| Antibiotic | Researchers as early as 1975 discovered that DMSO could break down resistance developed by certain bacteria. Feldman, W.E., Punch, J.D., Holden, P. In vivo and in vitro effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on streptomycin-sensitive and resistant Escherichia coli. Ann Acad Sci 141:231, 1967. |
| Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) | DMSO can relieve joint pain, increase range of motion and increase grip strength in arthritis, but DMSO works best of all in osteoarthritis – Patients of all ages get good results, no matter how long or how severe the condition. Larger joints – hip, knee, shoulder – may require longer treatment.In the largest study, in Germany, over 1641 patients applied topical DMSO 2-4 times /day for the first week, then twice/day for the remainder of 2-6 months, until remission of symptoms occurred. 851 one patients enjoyed full remission, 553 had partial relief, and 237 reported no benefit.In another study with 152 patients, a 90% solution of DMSO was applied topically 4 times /day to the joints and surrounding areas. Patients reported considerable pain relief just minutes after application, lasting 4-6 hours. Almost 85% reported significant results.Steinberg A. The employment of dimethyl sulfoxide as an antiinflammatory agent and steroid-transporter in diversified clinical diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):532-50. In a Russian test, scientists concluded that:”the use of DMSO for inflammatory and degenerative joint disease is well founded. Treatment with DMSO in different combinations is tolerated well by patients and adverse side effects are seldom encountered.” DMSO is most effective for those who have had arthritis for a short time – Although it relieves pain in both acute and chronic arthritis, it works best in the acute forms, due to DMSO’s reducing inflammation and autoimmune antibodies that damage or destroy tissue. It also prevents free radicals from destroying lubricating fluid in the joints. DMSO injections (rather than application to the skin) may be indicated in really severe conditions |
| Arthritis (Rheumatoid arthritis) | Sometimes it works for RA, sometimes it doesn’t – Although controversial, DMSO’s pain-relieving, collagen-softening, and anti-inflammatory characteristics make it a likely choice against arthritis. Not only has the FDA not given approval for this use but has instead turned down 3 Investigational New Drug (IND) applications to conduct extensive clinical trials. Robert Bennett, MD, F.R.C.P., F.A.C.R., F.A.C.P., professor of medicine and chief, division of arthritis and rheumatic disease at Oregon Health Sciences University (Dr. Jacob’s university), says other drugs work better. Dava Sobel and Arthur Klein conducted their own informal study of 47 arthritis patients using DMSO in preparation for writing their book, Arthritis: What Works, and came to the same conclusion.Sobel, D., Klein, A.C. Arthritis: What Works. New York: St. Martins. Yet laboratory studies have indicated that DMSO’s capacity as a free-radical scavenger suggests an important role for it in arthritis.Santos, L., Tipping, P.G. Attenuation of adjuvant arthritis in rats by treatment with oxygen radical scavengers. Immunol Cell Biol 72:406-414, 1994 The Committee of Clinical Drug Trials of the Japanese Rheumatism Association conducted a trial with 318 patients at several clinics using 90% DMSO for 4 weeks and concluded that DMSO relieved joint pain and increased range of joint motion and grip strength, although performing better in more recent cases of the disease. Matsumoto, J. Clinical trials of dimethyl sulfoxide in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Japan. Ann NY Acad Sci 141:560-568, 1967.The former Soviet Union and other countries use DMSO for different types of arthritis.”You talk to veterinarians associated with any race track, and you’ll find there’s hardly an animal there that hasn’t been treated with DMSO. No veterinarian is going to give his patient something that does not work. There’s no placebo effect on a horse.”- Dr. Jacob |
| Burns/Sunburn | A 50-100% solution, applied as quickly as possible after the burn, can ease pain and diminish scarring. |
| Bursitis | DMSO relieves acute bursitis 80-90% of the time. Even in chronic bursitis with calcium deposits, DMSO brings good results in weeks to months, and the calcium deposits eventually fade away. DMSO research: A study involving 293 patients with acute bursitis showed complete relief in 136 patients, partial relief in 121, and 36 with no change. In the same study, of 782 patients with chronic bursitis, 345 experienced complete relief, 321 showed partial remission, and 116 saw no change in three months. The protocol was 5 ml (1 tsp.) of 90% DMSO topically applied to the affected and surrounding area 2-4 times/day.John H, Laudahn G. Clinical experiences with the topical application of DMSO in orthopedic diseases: evaluation of 4180 cases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):506-16. |
| Cancer | One rat study found DMSO to delay the spread of one cancer and prolong survival rates with another. Miller, L., Hansbrough, J., Slater, H., et al. Sildimac: A new deliver system for silver sulfadiazine in the treatment of full-thickness burn injuries. J Burn Care Rehab 11:35-41, 1990. In other studies, it has been found to protect non-cancerous cells while potentiating the chemotherapeutic agent. |
| CNS Trauma / Paralysis / Stroke | DMSO quickly and effectively lowers intracranial pressure – Since 1971, Dr. de la Torre, then at the Universityof Chicago, has experimented using DMSO with injury to the CNS. Working with laboratory animals, he discovered that DMSO lowered intracranial pressure faster and more effectively than any other drug. DMSO also stabilized blood pressure, improved respiration, and increased urine output by five times and increased blood flow through the spinal cord to areas of injury.de la Torre, J.C., et al. Modifications of experimental spinal cord injuries using dimethyl sulfoxide. Trans Am Neurol Assoc 97:230, 1971.de la Torre, J.C., et al. Dimethyl sulfoxide in the treatment of experimental brain compression. J Neurosurg 38:343, 1972.de la Torre, J.C., et al. Dimethyl sulfoxide in the central nervous system trauma. Ann NY Acad Sci 243:362, 1975. Since then, DMSO has used for human patients suffering severe head trauma, in those whose intracranial pressure initially remained high, despite the administration of mannitol, steroids, and barbiturates. In addition to its ability to lower intracranial pressure following closed head injury, Dr. de la Torre’s work suggests that DMSO may prevent paralysis, given its ability to speedily clean out cellular debris, stopping the inflammation that leads to muscle tissue death by preventing blood from reaching muscle. DMSO has proven to be the first substance to significantly lower intracranial pressure, the number one problem with severe head trauma, in humans and animals.”We believe that DMSO may be a very good product for stroke and that is a devastating illness which affects many more people than head injury. We have done some preliminary clinical trials, and there’s a lot of animal data showing that it is a very good agent in dissolving clots.”- Dr. de la Torre |
| Frostbite | People using DMSO even up to 24 hours after the frostbite showed total recovery. |
| Frozen shoulder | A 70% solution of DMSO can relieve pain and increase mobility – Apply for up to a month. |
| Healing | Used for minor cuts and burns with reports of speedy recovery – Several studies have documented DMSO use with soft tissue damage, local tissue death, skin ulcers, and burns. Lawrence, H.H., Goodnight, S.H. Dimethyl sulfoxide and extravasion of anthracycline agents. Ann Inter Med 98:1025, 1983. Lubredo, L., Barrie, M.S., Woltering, E.A. DMSO protects against adriamycin-induced skin necrosis. J. Surg Res 53:62-65, 1992 . Alberts, D.S., Dorr, R.T. Case report: Topical DMSO for mitomycin-C-induced skin ulceration. Oncol Nurs Forum 18:693-695, 1991.Cruse, C.W., Daniels, S. Minor burns: Treatment using a new drug deliver system with silver sulfadiazine. South Med J 82:1135-1137, 1989. |
| Hemorrhoids | Apply a 70 % solution to the hemorrhoid for quick relief of pain and swelling. |
| Injuries / Inflammation | DMSO’s abilities to reduce inflammatory/pain and increase circulation produces impressive results – with strains, sprains, bruising, bone fractures, whiplash, athletic injuries etc: especially if treatment is begun s oner rather than later.Expect pain relief within 20 minutes – swelling is dispelled almost completely within a few hours of application. Apply 90% solution topically 2-4 times daily.Swollen ankles reportedly shrink in less than an hour. |
| Insect stings | Immediate topical application on bee/wasp stings stops pain and swelling in minutes – Nothing beats DMSO for this use! |
| Interstitial cystitis | In the study that prompted the only current FDA approval of DMSO, 64 % of the men and 54 % of the women obtained relief of symptoms |
| Muscle spasms (including nighttime muscle cramps) | DMSO helps remove toxins and waste material and improves circulation in the muscles to help relieve muscle spasms. |
| Neuritis | The pain of this nerve inflammation is relieved from 50 – 95 % of the time. |
| Pain | Massage a small amount of DMSO into painful area and leave uncovered for 20-30 minutes for it to be absorbed. Apply up to 3 times /day. |
| Peyronies disease | Topical application to the penis removes pain about 50% of the time. |
| Prostatitis | About 75% of those treated may get relief from associated pain. |
| Pruritis ani | Up to 90% of those affected find relief from rectal itching and pain from the application of 70% DMSO to the anal area. As always, skin must be clean before application. |
| Sciatic nerve pain | Apply DMSO topically |
| Scleroderma | This rare, disabling, sometimes fatal disease, results from an abnormal buildup of collagen in the body. The body swells, the skin (particularly on hands and face) becomes dense and leathery, and calcium deposits in joints cause difficulty of movement. Fatigue and difficulty in breathing may ensue. Amputation of affected digits may be necessary. The cause of scleroderma is unknown and there is no effective mainstream treatment. Arthur Scherbel, MD, of the department of rheumatic diseases and pathology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, conducted a study using DMSO with 42 scleroderma patients who had already exhausted all other possible therapies without relief. Dr. Scherbel and his co-workers concluded 26 of the 42 showed good or excellent improvement. Histotoxic changes were observed together with healing of ischemic ulcers on fingertips, relief from pain and stiffness, and an increase in strength. The investigators noted,”It should be emphasized that these have never been observed with any other mode of therapy.”Scherbel, A.L., McCormack, L.J., Layle, J.K. Further observations on the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide in patients with generalized scleroderma (progressive systemic sclerosis). Ann NY Acad Sci 141:613-629, 1967.Researchers in other studies have since come to similar conclusions.Engel, M.F., Dimethyl sulfoxide in the treatment of scleroderma. South Med J 65:71, 1972. |
| Tendonitis | Applied regularly, DMSO eases the pain of tennis elbow, golf elbow, tendonitis of the foot/ankle – A study of 50 patients showed significant results in 94% of patients. A 90% solution was applied to the area every 4 hours at the beginning, then decreased for the remainder of the treatment period. Patients usually found relief within 10-15 fifteen minutes following the treatment.Steinberg A. The employment of dimethyl sulfoxide as an antiinflammatory agent and steroid-transporter in diversified clinical diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):532-50. |
How to use DMSO
DMSO is sold as a solvent in different types and strengths
- Vendors of DMSO cannot sell it for medical reasons
- DMSO comes as a liquid or gel in various strengths. It can also be bought scented or combined with aloe vera instead of water (not recommended for therapeutic use because of additional ingredients)
- The recommended DMSO strength is 70%. i.e. 70% DMSO (99.9% pure) and 30% distilled water or aloe vera juice. 90% DMSO can also be used with extra care.
How to test for DMSO allergy
A very few people are allergic to DMSO, usually meaning that they have weak liver function. The following test is recommended to check for an allergy to DMSO, to prevent a bad reaction from using DMSO:
- Rub in one drop of DMSO to an area the size of a quarter on your clean, washed and dried arm;
- Allow to soak in for 15 minutes
- Watch for pain in your liver (located in upper right abdomen) over the next few hours (24h to be safe)
- If no pain in liver (usual case) – DMSO is likely safe to use
- If pain in liver area – it is necessary to improve liver function before using DMSO and then retest for allergy. Liver can be cleansed by various means:
Overnightliver / gallbladder flush
SOTA Magnetic Pulser (Pulsing over the liver)
Side effects of using DMSO
Dr. Edelson says: “Occasionally, a patient will develop a headache from it, when used intravenously – and it is dose related.” He continues: “If you give a large dose, [the patient] will get a headache. And we use large doses. DMSO detoxification effect could overload liver/kidney’s ability to eliminate them from the body, such that toxins in the bloodstream could cause a headache. Stephen Edelson, MD, F.A.A.F.P., F.A.A.E.M. practices medicine at the Environmental and Preventive Health Center of Atlanta
The garlic odor is a problem for some. A strong garlic taste in the mouth following DMSO administration comes from the exhaled dimethylsulfide (DMS) metabolite. Some spouses have to move out of their shared bedroom into separate bedrooms.
How to apply DMSO to skin
General instructions
If mixing DMSO liquid or gel with any substance (usually for the purpose of carrying the substance into the bloodstream):
- Use a glass, ceramic, wood or stainless-steel container
- Use stainless-steel utensils to mix.
Optionally reduce some side-effects of DMSO by mixing it with some magnesium chloride solution and / or organic raw honey. Helps reduce bad breath, body odor, and possible heat sensation felt on sensitive areas, like the face and neck.
Thoroughly wash hands applying DMSO and application area. ALL substances combined with DMSO are transported through the skin and into the body. This includes both beneficial and toxic substances (e.g. in dirt), and therefore DMSO should be handled with care. Preferably use natural, chemical-free soap for washing.
Benefits of using a plastic sandwich bag to cover your hand when applying DMSO:
- Prevents hands from becoming wrinkly
- Another person applying DMSO does not get the DMSO treatment through his / her skin
Spread or spray (Use a small glass spray bottle) DMSO or DMSO mixture over clean skin in area of concern. Rub in using clean, bare, dry hands with no fingernail polish or hands covered in a plastic sandwich bag. Typical usage is 1-3 teaspoons of 70-90% DMSO. Acute problems can be treated every couple of hours for 6-8 hours after injury, followed by every 4 hours for a few days. Chronic issues at least 2-3 times / day until resolved. You will experience some slight heat for a few seconds. Skin will absorb DMSO or combined mixture in about 30 mins.
You can reapply the solution after 1/2 hour and continue applying the solution every hour. Until the desired relief is obtained. This is done on a personal / as needed basis.
Warning: DMSO should not be used with rubber and some plastics
DMSO is a solvent for rubber and some plastics. If DMSO comes into contact with them and reacts with them, DMSO will carry the toxic reaction products into the body. Some DMSO products are sold in glass, more are sold in HDPE plastic containers
Do not use rubber gloves – PERIOD!
Test plastic containers (including nebulizers), gloves, or plastic bags used to cover hands for reactivity before using them to store or apply DMSO. Leave material in contact with some DMSO for 24 hours to see if material has been affected / altered in any way.
DMSO compatibility with plastic types and other materials | ||
| DMSO is Compatible (Non-reactive) with: | ||
Type? | Used in: | |
| Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene (PETE) |  | Soft drink, juice, water, detergent, cleaner and some peanut butter containers |
| High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |  | Opaque plastic milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles and some plastic bags |
| Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) |  | Grocery store bags, sandwich bags, shrink wrap, clear plastic bags, and some bottles |
| Polypropylene (PP) |  | Most deli soup, syrup and yogurt containers, straws and other clouded plastic containers |
| Nylon | ||
| Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) | Teflon | |
| DMSO is NOT Compatible or only partly Compatible with: | ||
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – Flexible and rigid |  | Cling wrap, some plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil, some peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles |
| Polystyrene (PS) |  | Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, carryout containers and opaque plastic cutlery |
| Polycarbonate |  | |
References
Brayton CF. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): a review. Cornell Vet. 1986 Jan;76(1):61-90. PMID: 3510103. PubMed
DMSO Could Save Millions From Brain and Spinal Injury
Jaarsma, T.A., et al., Chemotaxonomy of the Symphytum officinale agg. (Boraginaceae). Plant Systematics and Evolution, 1989. 167(3- 4): p. 113- 128. Ref
