DMSO Usage and Benefits Explained
DMSO gets attention because it does something unusual: it can pass through the skin quickly and carry other substances with it. It is also an excellent vasodilator (helps blood flow more easily). I'm ALWAYS so amazed at how much more quickly it heals our wounds. (Look for my next blog post where I share how it kept my loved one out of the emergency room after a table saw accident!)
DMSO, short for dimethyl sulfoxide, has been discussed for pain relief, inflammation support, skin absorption, and certain medical uses. It is also a powerful solvent, which means quality, dosage, and safety matter a lot.
This article gives a clear overview of the potential benefits people commonly talk about, use it for, and what to be careful about before trying it.
This post is for informational purposes only. DMSO can affect the body in many positive ways. However, speak with a trusted health professional before using it, especially if taking medications.
What DMSO is and why people use it
DMSO is a sulfur-containing compound that comes from wood pulp processing. It is known for its ability to dissolve many substances and move through biological membranes. It was discovered in the 1800s during the process of making paper! I love that history behind it, don't you? I find that some of the best things we use are an accidental discovery.
It is useful in several areas:
Medical treatments under professional care
Laboratory work, including cell preservation
Research on inflammation and pain
Topical products, where absorption is the main focus
The same feature that makes DMSO interesting also makes it risky. If it is applied to skin that has lotion, chemicals, dirt, or medication residue on it, DMSO may carry some of those substances into the body.
That is why people who discuss DMSO often stress clean skin, clean tools, and high-purity products and we do the same.
Potential benefits people associate with DMSO and some uses.
It may help with certain types of pain
DMSO has been studied for pain-related uses, especially because it may affect inflammation and nerve signaling. Some people use topical DMSO for sore joints, muscle discomfort, or localized pain.
DMSO supports inflammation control
DMSO has been researched for anti-inflammatory effects. This is one reason it has drawn interest for arthritis-like discomfort, sports soreness, and tissue irritation.
It is used in a recognized bladder condition treatment
One of the best-known medical uses of DMSO is for interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder pain condition. In this setting, DMSO may be used as a bladder instillation under medical supervision. As a matter of fact, this is the only use that the USA FDA has approved it for, sadly. Meanwhile, many other countries recommend and use it freely.
It helps substances absorb through the skin
DMSO is often described as a “carrier” or "transporter" because it can help compounds move through the skin. This is one reason people are interested in combining it with other topical ingredients.
My family always makes sure that our skin is clean before applying, hands are washed, and no nail polish is worn, if applying with the fingers.
It has value in laboratory and medical research
DMSO is widely used in labs as a cryoprotectant, which means it helps protect cells during freezing. That does not mean it offers the same benefit when casually applied to the skin, but it does show why researchers take the compound seriously.
They found that it has a higher freezing point. This means that it freezes at a higher temperature, 18.5°C (65°F), which is ideal for protecting organs during transport!
Safety concerns to understand before using DMSO
People who are pregnant, nursing, managing liver or kidney disease, taking blood thinners, using prescription creams, or treating a serious condition should be especially cautious. Ask your trusted naturopathic doctor if DMSO is right for you.
How to think about DMSO
A common approach looks like this:
Look for purity information
Industrial-grade DMSO should not be used on the body. Any personal use should raise questions about purity, storage, and contamination. Make sure to opt for 99.995% pharmaceutical grade and a product that is in a glass bottle. Why? Because it's a higher purity and goes through an extra filtration process. The reason for glass is it's the least leaching material available and since DMSO is a carrier, it will carrier without discernment. It doesn't know the difference between something that is beneficial or harmful substances. Just something to be aware of. I only buy DMSO in glass bottles and use glass dropper bottles if transferring to another bottle.
Be careful with mixtures
Combining DMSO with herbs, supplements, or essential oils can increase absorption in unpredictable ways. Nothing to be fearful of, but mindful usage when it comes to taking these products apart from each other, when needed, and refraining from use if on pharmaceutical medications.
I, personally, only take DMSO internally, when on an empty stomach. The best times for that: first thing in the morning, 1 hour before lunch, and/or in the evening before bed. I use it freely, externally, as needed.
The main takeaway
DMSO is interesting because it can help with pain, inflammation, absorption, and it has legitimate uses in certain medical and research settings. At the same time, it deserves respect. Its ability to pass through the skin and penetrate in the cells via oral administration are both its main appeals.
I like to refer to it an "amplifier" because that's what it does, it amplifies what's put with it and has helped my family speed healing of so many things. Like deep wounds, ring worm, acne, UTIs, burns, cuts, abrasions, toenail fungus, and more.
Grab a cup of organic coffee or tea, watch the video, and take notes. If DMSO sounds useful for your situation, I'd personally start low and slow and work one's way up. I remember the first time I tried DMSO, I was so nervous, that I literally swallowed only 1 drop and I worked my way up from there. LOL I found that as I, increasingly, used DMSO, so did my comfort level with it. If you decide to try it, do what feels right for 'you.'
And, if it helps, I personally found Dr. Amanda Vollmer's Book, "Healing With DMSO," to be very helpful for usage on myself, family, and pets!
Wishing many HEALTHY blessings for you, your family and beloved pets.
Angelica Kay
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