DMSO: The Real Miracle Solution

Posted by:

Due to the nuclear alert in Japan and its likelihood to affect the United States and other parts of the world, I decided to carry this article which I wrote for the Dot Connector Magazine‘s issue N. 12.

First, a little bit of background.

Radiation produces free-radicals (“inflammatory molecules”) that damage cells that make up tissues such as organs, glands, muscles, and bones. Besides causing the cells to age more quickly they also become distorted, or mutated, creating cancers such as leukemia, anemia, birth defects, and other diseases.

Sulfur has a long history of use as an antidote for acute exposure to radioactive material. DMSO is the classical sulfur compound. A Japanese study showed that even low concentrations of DMSO had radio-protective effects through the facilitation of DNA double-strand break repair, providing protection against radiation damage at all cellular levels in the whole body.

Remember that boosting your body’s detox capabilities and overall anti-oxidants levels is a key to survive in these stressful times. Being on a detox diet is crucial to regain health in a toxic environment. Our extensive experience and research shows that those on a no grain/low carb (no gluten) and non dairy diet fare MUCH better.

For more information on how to protect yourself from nuclear radiation, see:

Treatments for Nuclear Contamination

Iodine Treatments for Radiation Exposure

Greenmedinfo.com – Radioprotective

DMSO is an effective pain killer, blocking nerve conduction fibers that produce pain. It reduces inflammation and swelling by reducing inflammatory chemicals. It improves blood supply to an area of injury by dilating blood vessels and increasing delivery of oxygen and by reducing blood platelet stickiness. It stimulates healing, which is a key to its usefulness in any condition. It is among the most potent free radical scavengers known to man, if not the most potent one.

In 1866, Russian scientist Alexander Saytzeff isolated a most curious and peculiar chemical compound. It was crystalline, odor-less, non-toxic and had a garlic-like taste when consumed. At the time, Saytzeff had no way to predict that his discovery was going to prove highly controversial throughout its entire medical history, that it was going to be tested in thousands of studies, providing miraculous relief in numerous patients.

I’m talking here about dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an organic sulfur compound which was used only as an industrial solvent, that is, until its medical properties were discovered in 1963 by a research team headed by Stanley W. Jacob, MD.
DMSO is a by-product of kraft pulping (the “sulfate process”) which converts wood into wood pulp consisting of almost pure cellulose fibers. As industrial as it may sound, the process simply entails a treatment of wood chips with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, known as white liquor, breaking the bonds which link lignin (from the Latin word lignum, meaning wood) to the cellulose.

DMSO is useful as a pain reliever, in burns, acne, arthritis, mental retardation, strokes, amyloidosis, head injury, scleroderma, it soothes toothaches, eases headaches, hemorroids, muscle strains, it prevents paralysis from spinal-chord injuries, it softens scar tissues. In fact, it is useful in well over 300 ailments and it is safe to use. You would think that a compound that has so many alleged uses and benefits will be automatically suspect, but careful examination of its properties and the data available will shed some light in this miraculous chemical.

Sulfur: The Stuff of Life

DMSO is an intermediate product of the global Sulfur Cycle which distributes bioavailable sulfur for all animal and plant life (Parcell, 2002). Sulfur compounds are found in all body cells and are indispensable for life, they are needed for a number of chemical reactions involved in the detoxification of drugs and other harmful toxins, and they have potential clinical applications in the treatment of a number of conditions such as depression, fibromyalgia, arthritis, intersticial cystitis, athletic injuries, congestive heart failure, diabetes, cancer, and AIDS (Parcell, 2002). Among the sulfur compounds, DMSO is probably the one that has the widest range and greatest number of therapeutic applications ever shown for any other single chemical. It has around 40 pharmacological properties that may be beneficial in the prevention, relief or reversal of numerous diseases (Morton, 1993).

Someone complained to Dr. Jacob of a splitting headache and gave him permission to apply some DMSO after hearing of its capabilities. The headache was gone in minutes, came back in four hours, and left for good after DMSO was applied a second time. Used for one purpose, sometimes it did another; put on a cold sore, within a few hours it cleared up a woman’s sinusitis. A woman who had had a stroke found after DMSO was painted on her painful jaw that she could now write with her paralyzed hand and could walk better. (Haley, 2000)

Therapeutic Properties

DMSO is an effective pain killer, blocking nerve conduction fibers that produce pain. It reduces inflammation and swelling by reducing inflammatory chemicals. It improves blood supply to an area of injury by dilating blood vessels and increasing delivery of oxygen and by reducing blood platelet stickiness. It stimulates healing, which is a key to its usefulness in any condition. It is among the most potent free radical scavengers known to man, if not the most potent one. This is a crucial mechanism since some molecules in our bodies produce an unequal number of electrons and the instability of the number causes them to destroy other cells. DMSO hooks on to those molecules and they are then expelled from the body with the DMSO.

 

 


DMSO also penetrates the skin and the blood-brain barrier with ease, penetrating tissues, and entering the bloodstream. Furthermore, DMSO protects the cells from mechanical damage and less of it is needed to achieve results as time passes as oppossed to most pharmaceuticals where increasing doses are required. It has a calming effect in the central nervous system and it reaches all areas of the body, when absorbed through the skin, including the brain. That is, DMSO applied to one area often leads to pain relief in some other location due to its systemic effect.

It acts as a carrier for other substances or drugs and it also potentiates their effect. In fact, certain drugs dissolved in DMSO, such as corticoids, antibiotics and insulin, may be used in a lower dose than usual without reducing their therapeutic efficacy and in addition, their undesirable side effects are greatly diminished. Also, drugs are able to pass through the blood-brain barrier which is usually impenetrable.

DMSO promotes the excretion of urine and functions as a muscle relaxant. It boosts the immune system, increasing the production of white cells and macrophages that destroy foreign material and pathogens in the body. It also has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. DMSO also increases the permeability of cell membranes, allowing a flushing of toxins from the cell.

DMSO has radioprotective properties against lethal and mutagenic effects of X-rays in cells, cellular systems and whole animals. It also has cryoprotective properties, meaning that it is capable of protecting against injury due to freezing.
DMSO has also been shown to have anti-cholinesterase properties (Sams, 1967), in other words, it inhibits an enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine, increasing both the level and duration of action of this important neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is responsible for learning and memory and is also calming and relaxing. Acetylcholine is also a major factor in regulating the immune system, acting as a major brake on inflammation in the body.

As a source of sulfur, DMSO aids in heavy metal detoxification. Sulfur binds with toxic heavy metals (mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, nickel) and eliminates them via urination, defecation and sweating.

FDA and Big Pharma Obstacles

DMSO is sold in health food stores, mail-order outlets, on the Internet, and in most countries around the world. It is used by millions for its health benefits yet in the U.S., DMSO has FDA approval only as a preservative of stem cells, bone marrow cells, and organs for transplant, and for interstitial cystitis – a painful inflammatory condition of the bladder which is very difficult to treat with other therapies.

That DMSO has not found favor as a remedy for other medical conditions is partly due to the inability to test it in double-blind experiments. Blind studies, as the name suggests, requires that a study be done without knowing which patient is taking the placebo or the drug. In the case of the DMSO, a blind study is impossible since the peculiar garlic-like taste and smell (no matter the route of application) gives it away and no satisfactory placebo could be devised that would mimic this particular effect of DMSO (Steinberg, 1967).

The FDA and big pharma would prefer we remain dependent on their drugs.


If you search for DMSO on the U.S. National Library of Medicine (pubmed.gov), you’ll get almost 30,000 indexed results, making it one of the most studied compounds of our time. Yet, we are led to believe that DMSO can’t pass the required regulations for its approval in other medical conditions even though its effectiveness and low toxicity profile is unquestionable.

You see, DMSO is a common chemical that can be manufactured cheaply. No drug company can get an exclusive patent since it is also a natural compound, therefore there is no significant financial return. In fact, an executive of a major drug company is quoted as saying, “I don’t care if DMSO is the major drug of our century and we all know it is, it isn’t worth it to us” [CBS TV show 60 minutes with Mike Wallace, The Riddle of DMSO]. If DMSO were to be approved by the FDA, it would be competetive and drug companies would be unable to hold the patents. In the words of the director of the Bureau of Drugs of the FDA, J. Richard Crout, M.D., “DMSO is a low toxicity and safe compound (…) I think that it is a fact of life that drug companies are not going to invest in something unless they think there is some financial return” [CBS TV show 60 minutes with Mike Wallace, The Riddle of DMSO].

Despite restrictions on the use of DMSO, thousands of Americans purchase it on the ‘black market’ each year, its popularity due not to publicity, but rather ‘word of mouth’. When you have something that relieves all kinds of ailments, including some life-threatening ones, people naturally recommend it to friends and family!

In Perspective

In the 1960s, research with DMSO on humans was temporarily halted after certain animals treated with DMSO were found to have changes in the eye lens. Some of these changes resembled those seen in aging dogs (Gordon, 1967), but nevertheless, research was gradually restarted after no evidence was found of eye changes in humans. As Daniel Haley reports in his book Politics in Healing: “Tests in rabbits, dogs, and pigs (but not humans) had shown some problems. When quantities of DMSO equal to about ten times the maximum human dose were given every day over a period of six months, slight changes in the lenses of the animals’ eyes would result, enough to produce a slight nearsightedness. The lens changes were not enough to cause dogs difficulty when running – they didn’t bump into things – and in some cases, the changes disappeared after the massive DMSO doses were stopped. In no test at that time or since has DMSO ever caused cataracts, either in animals or in humans” (Haley, 2000).

In fact, DMSO is effective for macular degeneration and retinal disease, both diseases of the eye. This effectiveness was first discovered when patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a retinal disease, were taking DMSO for certain musculoskeleteal disorders. They sensed that their vision had improved and some had remarkable results (Morton, 1993).

As far as eyes are concerned, the evidence on DMSO is quite to the contrary. When several patients treated with DMSO for muscular problems reported to Dr. Jacob that their vision had improved, he sent them to Dr. Robert O. Hill, ophthalmologist at the University of Oregon Medical School. Confirming the favorable changes, Dr. Hill began his own experiments with DMSO (after it was known that the lens changes did not happen in humans). His research showed drops of 50% DMSO to be effective in retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration, and presented a report on this at the New York Academy of Sciences symposium in 1971. (Haley, 2000)

In contrast, the number of medication-related deaths in the U.S. is estimated at over 200,000 a year, making medications the third or fourth leading cause of death (Pezzalla, 2005). Even common pain relievers called NSAIDs, examples of which include Advil, Motrin, Aleve and aspirin, account for an estimated 7,600 deaths and 76,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. every year (Tamblyn et al, 1997). Taking this into consideration, it is safe to declare that DMSO is among the safest substances in the world today. In fact, the classic test for toxicity -the LD-50 test – measures the lethal dose (LD) at which half of a group of test animals is killed. The LD-50 tests for aspirin and DMSO show that aspirin is seven times more toxic than DMSO (Haley, 2000).

Quick Guide and Ailments

DMSO is generally applied to the skin in a gel, cream, or liquid. It can be taken by mouth or as an intravenous injection, in many cases along with other drugs. It has also been administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, intrathecally, by inhalation, instilled into the eye, on the mucous membranes, and into the urinary bladder. Strenghs and dosages vary widely.
If you are just dealing with pain or an injury, use a topical application. Don’t drink it. Drinking it is for serious detoxing and other internal necessities. If you use a rose scented DMSO cream, chances are that nobody will be able to smell DMSO’s garlic-like smell.

DMSO being distilled.

 

The usual oral dose of DMSO is one teaspoon per day of DMSO 70% (Morton, 1993). But since it can trigger detoxification reactions and DMSO’s total excretion from the body can take several days, it is best to do it only once a week. Start with half a teaspoon of DMSO 50% and increase to a teaspoon of DMSO 70% only if any possible detoxification reaction is well tolerated.

When you use liquid DMSO in the skin, let it dry for over 20 to 30 minutes before wiping the rest out. The skin must be clean, dry, and unbroken for any topical use of DMSO. The face and the neck are more sensitive to DMSO and no higher concenrations than 50% should be applied there. Topical concentrations of DMSO should be kept below 70% in areas where there is a reduction of circulation. When 60 to 90% DMSO is applied to the skin, warmth, redness, itching, and somtimes local hives may occur. This usually disappears within a couple of hours and using natural aloe vera, gel or cream, will help counteract or prevent this effect. When 60 to 90% DMSO is applied to the palm on the hand, the skin may wrinkle and stay that way for several days.

“My brother put some DMSO gel (70% dmso, 30% aloe vera) on his shoulders and lower part of neck because he had muscle pain/soreness in that area, and it caused skin redness/irritation for a few hours, although it did diminish the muscle soreness as well…my grandma has rheumatoid arthritis that made her legs swell up and hurt continuously, and I had her apply the same DMSO gel, and after about 2-3 days of applying it once a day, the swelling was 90% gone, and I think within 4-5 days it was 100% gone, and she said the pain diminished as well.” – Michael Shatskiy, Los Angeles, California, United States

Chronic pain patients often have to apply the substance for 6 weeks before a change occurs, but many report relief to a degree that had not been able to obtain from any other source. In general, the greater the chronicity of the disorder, the longer the treatment with DMSO must be employed in order to achieve palliation (Steinberg , 1967).

Common health problems for which people will apply topical DMSO at home include acute musculoskeletal injuries and inflammations. The earlier DMSO is used, the more dramatic the result. A 70% concentration of DMSO mixed with water in volumes ranging from 8 to 12 ml, applied on and around the injury in a wide area at least three times daily, will have a healing affect in 4 out ot 5 people.

Arthritis, Sprains, Strains

It provides rapid amelioriation of pain and increased mobility and reduction of inflammation when used topically. You can see a positive response within 5 to 20 minutes and usually lasting for 4 to 6 hours. (Steinberg, 1967).

“Applying DMSO where it hurt to a six-year-old wasted from rheumatoid arthritis, in a half hour the child could move her shoulder and turn her head for the first time in two years. Persuaded to try walking, she managed a few steps and then burst into tears. “Why are you crying?” Dr Jacob asked her. “Because it doesn’t hurt anymore”, she replied. (Haley, 2000)

“My brother has arthritis of the spine. He is in pain and bedridden more than half the time. When he is treated with DMSO, he is able to lead a normal, active life… Just one application of this cheap, safe DMSO changed my brother from a grimacing patient into an active, pain-free man in exactly 30 minutes!” (Haley, 2000)

June Jones, once quarterback and later coach of the Atlanta Falcons pro-football team, had a bursitis calcification in his right shoulder. His career almost didn’t happen as he could hardly lift his arm, let alone throw a football. But he was aware of DMSO and had used DMSO for sprains, like thousands of others. He received a shot of DMSO in the shoulder and after using DMSO for 30 days straight, the calcification disappeared. (Haley, 2000)

Stroke

Given soon after a stroke, DMSO can dissolve the clot that causes the stroke, restoring circulation and avoiding paralysis. Once DMSO gets into the body either daubed on the skin, given in I.V., or by mouth, it permeates the body and crosses the brain barrier, so even taken orally it can improve circulation. Ideally it should be I.V.

DMSO products

DMSO is available in various formats.

 

Even though DMSO 40% causes a prolongation of bleeding time, it is still indicated for use in treating embolic or hemorrhagic stroke. DMSO is superior to any other treatment for wounds to the brain where a great deal of bleeding is present (Morton, 1993).

One man who had a stroke at 7:30 AM refused to go to the hospital until after his wife had spoken with Dr. Stanley Jacob, which didn’t happen until 6:30 PM. Starting at 7 PM the day of the stroke, she gave him one ounce of 50% DMSO in a little orange juice every 15 minutes for two hours and then every half hour for two hours. The next day, her husband was better and soon returned to normal. A substance that can stop a stroke as it’s happening is something many might want in their home medicine chest .(Haley, 2000)

Angina, Heart Attacks, Injuries of the Brain and Spinal Chord

DMSO may help neutralize harmful effects on the heart and brain in medical disorders involving the head and spinal chord injury, stroke, memory dysfunction, and ischemic heart disease (Jacob, de la Torre, 2009). A 40% DMSO solution should be administered within four hours to be effective, within ninety minutes is best.

After I.V. administration of DMSO, there is an elevation in the amount of spinal cord blood flow to the region of trauma. One of the first things that happens after spinal cord trauma is that a reduction of oxygen and blood flow sets in, inasmuch as the blood vessels constrict or shut down… Without some treatment, the tissue swells. Eventually, this leads to paralysis. In a cerebral stroke, the animal will either become comatose or lethargic or die. With DMSO infusion immediately after injury (or stroke) all this is prevented. – Dr. Jack de Ia Torre, professor of physiology and neurosurgery at the University of New Mexico

Dr. Stanley Jacob has even given DMSO intravenously to people who were already paralyzed – paraplegics – and some regained use of limbs. One man, quadraplegic, recovered enough to go through college and then to work in a bank. (Haley, 2000)

Infections

When combined with antibiotics, DMSO will convert bacteria which are resistant to a given antibiotic to being sensitive to that same antibiotic and probably a 80 to 90 per cent solution of DMSO will be required in order to be clinically useful ( Pottz, Rampey, Benjamin,1967). DMSO has been used to transport antibiotics to hard-to-reach areas of the body with excellent results, such as the bone marrow and brain (Sanders, 1967).

DMSO can dissolve a virus protein coating, leaving the virus core unprotected with its nucleic acid exposed to the immune system. Applied topically, it alleviates the lesions that occur as a result of Herpes Zoster, shingles (Morton, 1993).
Placed into the nostrils or topically in the face, DMSO can open blocked sinuses within a few minutes and it has been used with sucess in patients with polyps (Marvin, 1967).

DMSO can clear up gum disease and reduce tooth decay and their pain by painting it on the involved areas.

“I have some pharmaceutical grade DMSO and I pour about two teaspoons in a glass in the evening, put my 20 mg of doxycycline in it, add about 2 teaspoons of distilled water, and then swish it around in my mouth for about 2 or 3 minutes and then swallow it. So I guess it is about 50% solution. It’s really working on my mouth. That inflamed area of my jaw has calmed down about 70% in just a couple of days. Or more, actually. I expect it to be completely soothed by tomorrow after tonight’s dose of DMSO.” – Laura, Toulouse, France

Keloids, Scars, Burns, Bruises

A concentration of 50 to 80% put on two or three times a day will flatten a raised scar after several months. It is of considerable value in superficial burns (Goldman, 1967) and when applied quickly to an injury, it can eliminate any bruising.

“I have been applying it to my face for two weeks… I had a bout of acne in March, and this healed the damage pretty well but what amazed me is that my hyperpigmentation (melasma) has also faded very noticeably. In fact, it’s amazing!” – HG, United States

“I diluted a 50% solution and applied it topically to the inflamed lymph node. I applied it again this evening. I am totally amazed! There is a noticeable decrease in the size of the node, in just two applications! And it no longer feels matted. This node has been swollen for over 20 years!!! – Melissa Medlock, Coldwater, Michigan, USA

Podiatry

DMSO can be effective in the treatment of painful corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, and the inflammation of gouty big toes.

Varicose veins and thrombophlebitis

Topical DMSO can whiten telangiectasias, small dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin. It can also decrease the size of varicosities in the legs and the inflammation that goes with it, along with a relief of their cramping discomfort (Marvin, 1967. Blumenthal, Fuchs, 1967).

Eye problems

One drop of a 25% DMSO solution (diluted in sterile physiologic or saline solution) once or twice per day is useful for eye problems, including cataracts or glaucoma.

“DMSO is amazing, I’ve also read various good results with using it in the eyes. Being the adventurous type myself, today I diluted DMSO down to 30% and put 2 drops in one of my eyes that has been having red spots around the iris. The red spots diminished drastically. The only side effect was a slight burning sensation, similar to those drops you get when one goes for a glaucoma test, without the side effect of dilated pupils.” – DZ, United States

Headaches

DMSO is highly effective in vascular headaches and in muscular tension which so often goes with headaches. It may be used on hairy areas such as the scalp and it also may be used near the eyes. A 90% solution is more effective (Ogden, 1967).

Mental Disorders

DMSO has been useful in the treatment of patients with the following diagnoses: (1) overexcited states (acute schizophrenic reactions, manic phase of the manic-depressive psychoses, alcoholic psychoses, symptomatic psychoses); (2) some symptoms of the chronic psychoses (autism, stereotypia, negativism, abnormal behavior or delusional states) ; (3) severe neuroses (anxiety reactions, obsessives)( Ramírez, Luza, 1967).

McGrady called special attention to an extraordinary paper presented by Dr. Eduardo Ramirez and Dr. Segisfredo Luza of the Ayetano Heredia University in Lima, Peru. After extensive tests on animals and then on normal humans, Dr. Ramirez reported “injecting 50% or 80% DMSO intramuscularly into patients with acute and chronic schizophrenia” and that “of the 14 acute cases, every single one was discharged from the hospital within 45 days after the start of DMSO treatment… He said that 4 of the 11 chronic cases, one of whom has been ill for 14 years, were discharged eventually, and the other 7 improved a great deal and were given occupational therapy… He observed rapid decrease in agitation… recession of persecution feeling, a relatively sudden tendency to communicate and to stay clean.., the wane of obsessions, return to alertness, and a calmness where there had been restlessness and anxiety”. (Haley, 2000)

Genitourinary disorders

DMSO has been used in the treatment of a number of patients with various genitourinary disorders, including Peyronie’s disease, interstitial cystitis, acute epididymitis. Some have obtained dramatic and gratifying relief of symptoms (Persky, Steeart, 1967).

Miscellaneous

DMSO in conjunction with other treatments has shown to regress cancer in a very effective way (Ayre, 1967). Intravenous administration of DMSO markedly reduces pathological intestinal permeability while preserving the gut’s absorption capacities (Wang et al, 1996). Considering that gut permeability (‘leaky gut’) has a fundamental role in chronic degenerative diseases, this is of great clinical importance.

DMSO also has excellent results in the skin of people afflicted with scleroderma, results which have never been observed with any other method of therapy (Scherbel et al, 1967).

Mrs. Jean Puccio of Washington, DC testified at hearings of Senator Edward Kennedy’s sub-committee on health in 1980 on her recovery from scleroderma. Diagnosed in 1971, she was told that no medication would help, and that she would probably soon face a wheelchair and early death. By the time she found Dr. Jacob (through word of mouth), she told the Senators, “I was having difficulty breathing, walking, and eating”. The disease “thickens the tissue and makes your skin so tight you cannot move. It was difficult for me to drive, to turn the ignition in my car or turn my body”. Her dentist could not work on her for awhile because she could not open her mouth. “Now I can open my mouth like anybody”, she said. After her sensitized skin burned from topical application of DMSO, Dr. Jacob suggested taking it orally. “Within six months”, she testified, “my condition reversed almost immediately. I can do anything anybody else can do now” (Haley, 2000).

Hopefully, this brief overview of DMSO’s great capabilities has helped to illustrate how it is indeed, the cure of our times. I’m convinced of its therapeutic power, both by my own experience and that one of scores of people, not to mention the back-up of published scientific literature. Its uses and applications make it a very handy compound to have on your medical shelf. In pure form, the life of DMSO is indefinite, so it may be used for years.

 

Several books have been published on the benefits of DMSO.

 

Troubleshooting

The garlic-like body odor and taste in the mouth that some experience is attributable to a specific DMSO metabolite: dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a component of natural onion and garlic flavors (McKim, Strub, 2008). This can last for one or two days and in a small number of people, especially men, the odor can be very pungent. Drinking enough water will help diffuse the smell. Other side effects – such as stomach upset, headaches, dizziness, and sedation – are very likely related to detoxification reactions prompted by the DMSO.

Only purified and properly diluted DMSO should be used. When you dilute a pure DMSO solution, always do it in distilled water. When it is applied, the skin site as well as the applying hand should be thoroughly cleaned before application. This is of utmost importance as DMSO’s properties allow contaminants to be absorbed through the skin and transported into the bloodstream.
DMSO is known to be one of the least toxic substances in biology (Parcell, 2002), so any serious side effects should come from potential contaminants or the intake of concomintant drugs that DMSO will carry into the body. Worth repeating again, DMSO and any substance dissolved in it, will penetrate the skin, the blood-brain barrier, and other parts of the body very fast.

Remember also that DMSO increases the effects of drugs like blood thinners, steroids, heart medicines, sedatives, etc. In addition to that, acetone or acid contamination of DMSO can lead to serious medical consequences. Be aware of this problem when buying unreliable DMSO. A pure DMSO solution will turn solid (like ice) in the refigerator within 2 hours. If, when the frozen bottle is turned upside down, little rivulets of water flow through the ice, you probably possess the veterinary grade DMSO. This is a 90% concentration. Ten percent is distilled water (Morton, 1993).

Women are discouraged from using DMSO during pregnancy or breastfeeding, even though DMSO is used to preserve frozen human embryos. DMSO can interfere with liver function tests and give a false reading. That problem is easily solved by waiting a week after DMSO usage before taking the test.

Long-term use has been documented as safe. Eye damage, reported in laboratory animals, has not been confirmed. Side effects such as skin rash and itching after topical application, breaking up of blood elements after intravenous infusion, can be avoided in large part by employing more dilute solutions. Despite these side effects, DMSO is used as a preservative for blood elements and stem cells (McKim, Strub, 2008).

When DMSO is diluted with water, heat is released. The bottle will be warm to the touch. This is a temporary, harmless reaction.
Since DMSO causes dryness and scaling of the outer layer of the skin, skin diseases characterized by scaling (psoriasis) could be aggravated by the use of DMSO. But DMSO applied topically for only a few days has been useful in psoriasis. Prolonged use of DMSO for the treatment of psoriasis is not advised however, as it can worsen the psoriatic condition (Engel, 1967), only DMSO taken orally is suggested.

“I’m happy to say that taking DMSO in conjunction with implementing the detoxification suggestions that were given is starting to take care of many of my remaining psoriasis problems. A couple areas are still being stubborn, but I’ve noticed a lot of general improvement. Using DMSO topically also helped improve a patch of eczema that my wife has been bothered by for quite a while.” – Peter Norquest, Tucson, Arizona, United States

DMSO2, a derivative of DMSO, is better tolerated and doesn’t have the odor and irritation side effects. Despite this positive aspect, it hasn’t surpassed the effectiveness, fascination and popularity of DMSO. It is also known as methylsufonlmethane or MSM, an entire topic for another article by itself!

Sulfur is an element of the earth and it is essential to life, it as among the most prevalent elemenents in the human body. Allergic reactions to sulfur are not possible because sulfur has no protein component. When people are ‘allergic to sulfur’, what they really mean is that they are allergic or sensitive mainly to certain sulfur-containing drugs or proteins, most notably sulfa antibiotics (sulfonamides) or to sulfites (preservatives used in wines and some foods), or to foods with a high sulfur content (broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, etc). Many individuals with allergies to sulfa drugs, sulfites, or high sulfur containing foods (like the author) do not experience problems taking DMSO, because apart from sulfur, DMSO bears no relation to these substances.

As always, proceed with caution, do your homework, and consult a health care provider in case of doubts.

References

Ayre JE, LeGuerrier J. Some (regressive) effects of DMSO dexamethasone upon cervical cells in cervical dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):414-22.
Blumenthal LS, Fuchs M. The clinical use of dimethyl sulfoxide on various headaches, musculoskeletal, and other general medical disorders. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):572-85.
Engel MF. Indications and contraindications for the use of DMSO in clinical dermatology. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):638-45.
Goldman J. A brief resume of clinical observations in the treatment of superficial burns, trigeminal neuralgia, acute bursitis, and acute musculo-skeletal trauma with dimethyl sulfoxide. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):653-4.
Gordon DM. Dimethyl sulfoxide in ophthalmology, with especial reference to possible toxic effects. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):392-401.
Haley Daniel. Politics in Healing. Potomac Valley Press, 2000.
Jacob SW, de la Torre JC. Pharmacology of dimethyl sulfoxide in cardiac and CNS damage. Pharmacol Rep. 2009 Mar-Apr;61(2):225-35.
Marvin P. Interval therapy with Dimethyl Sulfoxide. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Volume 141, Biological Actions of Dimethyl Sulfoxide pages 551 – 554.
McKim A.S., Strub Robert. Dimethyl Sulfoxide USP,PhEur in Approved Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Devices. Pharmaceutical Technology, May 2008.
Ogden HD. Experiences with DMSO in treatment of headache. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):646-8.
Parcell S. Sulfur in human nutrition and applications in medicine. Altern Med Rev. 2002 Feb;7(1):22-44.
Persky L, Steeart BH. The use of dimethyl sulfoxide in the treatment of genitourinary disorders. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):551-4.
Pezalla E. Preventing adverse drug reactions in the general population. Manag Care Interface. 2005 Oct;18(10):49-52.
Pottz GE, Rampey JH, Benjamin F.Ann- The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on antibiotic sensitivity of a group of medically important microorganisms: preliminary report. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):261-72.
Ramírez E, Luza S. Dimethyl sulfoxide in the treatment of mental patients. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):655-67.
Sams WM Jr. The effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on nerve conduction. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):242-7.
Sanders M. Discussion. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Volume 141, Biological Actions of Dimethyl Sulfoxide pages 649 – 652, March 1967.
Scherbel AL, McCormack LJ, Layle JK. Further observations on the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide in patients with generalized scleroderma. (Progressive systemic sclerosis). Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1967 Mar 15;141(1):613-29.
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.
Tamblyn R, Berkson L, Dauphinee WD, Gayton D, Grad R, Huang A, Isaac L, McLeod P, Snell L. Unnecessary prescribing of NSAIDs and the management of NSAID-related gastropathy in medical practice. Ann Intern Med. 1997 Sep 15;127(6):429-38.
Walker Morton. DMSO Nature’s Healer. New York: Avery, 1993.
Wang XD, Wang Q, Andersson R, Ihse I. Alterations in intestinal function in acute pancreatitis in an experimental model. Br J Surg. 1996 Nov;83(11):1537-43.

747
  Related Posts

Comments

  1. Colin  November 7, 2015

    I am sixty-five and have enjoyed excellent health all my life, but I now have two issues to address:

    Three years ago, I developed tendinitis in the inner elbow of my right arm. This became chronic and the tendon has now shortened and still remains mildly sensitive to the touch near the inner joint. If I try to straighten that arm, it will not move beyond the last 15 or 20 degrees. Will a topical application of DMSO to the region do anything to resolve this issue?

    Now, in the last thirty days, both my wrists have suddenly developed symptoms of what appear to be rheumatism. The associated pain has abated considerably in the last week, but still persists –particularly at night. Again, what would you recommend in this instance?

    My apologies for my utter cluelessness and I thank you for your time. I was reminded of DMSO just last night after a chance reference to it in an article on nanobacteria. Your article above was one of the first things I ran across. Fascinating and mind-blowing. I dimly recalled hearing of DMSO when I was still a teenager, but then, of course, as I now realize, the government and associated medical establishment effectively quashed all the initial public enthusiasm.

    All this is somewhat reminiscent of the healing powers attributed to cannabis oil as a direct and effective cure for cancer. If curious, I would recommend a quick viewing of the YouTube documentary available titled The Rick Simpson Story ( or some such ). This is also very fascinating and credible, and the anecdotal accounts, even one by a cancer researcher himself who contracted an aggressive prostate cancer ( I think you can find that one referenced on the Phoenix Tears website ) are very convincing.

    Thanks once again.

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  November 7, 2015

      It depends how attached you are to your lifestyle… DMSO will definitely help and as soon as you apply it, the better. It works best for acute situations. Then, for arthritic pains I would do a protocol with dietary changes, removing all inflammatory foods. Rheumatism is inflammation of the joints. Two factors trigger a lot of inflammation there: microbes and inflammatory foods. Something can be done about the two. In fact, people who take doxycycline have less inflammation and a better prognosis as they address the bugs. I would definitely start with the DMSO. Best!

      reply
      • murthy  November 21, 2015

        In the middle of Oct 2015 I was suffering with severe fever followed by terrible nerves tightening around my neck and shoulders. This symptom persisted for couple of days and finally one day I have squeezing feeling of my heart . Especially at the center of the heart and I noticed that, I could not rotate my left hand completely. I even today I cannot life my hand above my shoulder height. I have consulted nuro physician he suggested couple of Injections of of mythyl cobal and some Benformet plus capsules. This has been going on for the last 26 days and I could achieve 70% improvement in my hand rotation but still I feel the slight pain at the shoulder joint and sI cannot lift my hand above my head.

        My request , In the give situtation can I use DMSO to improve my situation –need your advise. If yes, What could be the solution of applicaiton . Thanks in advance for your quick reponse.

      • Gabriela Segura, MD  November 21, 2015

        I think DMSO could help. You can use a 50 or 70% solution topically, twice per day. Speedy recovery!

  2. Raj  December 23, 2015

    I have some questions on the use the DMSO for nasal polyps. I have been suffering from them for about 10 years and have tried everything except surgery due to high probability they will come back. I have read differing info on whether to mix DMSO with essential oils or not. Some say mixing with other antifungal or antibacterial oils like tea tree, oreganol, etc. are good but one source says not to mix with essential oils for this use. I have tried both about half dozen times. This site states “You may also add Lugol’s solution, non-acidified MMS, hydrogen peroxide, magnesium chloride and other water-soluble remedies, but not kerosene, gum turpentine, essential oils or oil-soluble remedies.” http://www.health-science-spirit.com/ultimatecleanse.html

    The other question I have is how to use it. I know the key is sterility and I boil the bell jar and eye dropper however am using Q-Tips to apply in the nostril. Is that ok or is there a better way. I used 30% with essential oils and 50% with distilled water. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks for the article and your responses to the comments.

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  December 24, 2015

      Boiling the bell jar and eye dropper and using Q-tips is good enough. I would not combine DMSO with MMS for this reason:

      https://health-matrix.net/2010/08/10/mms-miracle-mineral-solution-or-trojan-horse-your-body-and-dna-decide/

      I would mix it however with any essential oils you trust, also magnesium and so forth. Be careful with the lugol as it can literally burn a hole in your skin or mucosa if it is too concentrated. It has to be mixed with coconut oil or other oils.

      If you are having good results, there is no reason to modify your technique. I would experiment with different combinations or only use DMSO depending on the results though. Best!

      reply
  3. Hannah  December 27, 2015

    I am in extreme pain and just received an amazon purchased DMSO bottle, but have been too afraid to even try it myself yet, since I don’t know how to apply it and I came across this article. I have read that DMSO enhances medicine in your body tenfold, I have been on the strongest pain meds for over 9 months now (dilaudid, opana, percocet, gabapentin, and I can go on forever), and am afraid that the stuff I have in my system will interact very bad with the DMSO now.
    But I really want to try this and would want to see if there’s any way you could tell me how to apply it to my hip and back for my excruciating pain.
    I have actually been doing so much research myself, and my pan management Dr, actually told me DMSO was great when I brought it up, but he didn’t go into it in further details.
    Any advice you can give me regarding this is greatly appreciated since I am on the verge of suicidal thoughts from this pain at the moment.

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  December 27, 2015

      You’ll need an assistant to apply the solution in your back. Use a cotton or a gauze. You can use a 70% dilution of DMSO. If your bottle is 99.9% DMSO, just dilute it with 1/3 of filtered or distilled water (or physiological/saline solution). That’s it, apply it topically and let it dry. When applied topically is safe. Just make sure your skin is clean and also apply with washed hands.

      You might want to check The Mood Cure book and questionnaires for some clues that might help you:
      http://moodcure.com/take_the_mood_type_questionnaire.html

      Eliminating inflammatory foods is crucial! More info on that book as well. Don’t despair, there is hope!

      reply
  4. Kris  January 9, 2016

    Hi Gabriela, i am currently suffering with both golfers elbow and tinnitus. Whilst I know I can use dmso on my elbow I wanted to ask you if it may be useable on/in the ears to help reduce (or preferably eliminate) tinnitus? Any advice would be much appreciated!

    reply
  5. Jo Ann Brown  January 26, 2016

    I’m not truly convinced this product will be to my advantage. I have had a liver transplant 8yrs. ago and I take rejection
    medicine. I take a blood thinner and blood pressure medicine. I have done fantastic all these years till I could no longer fight my big problems with all my joints.in my body. I have to keep my immune system low because of my liver and I have fought skin cancers really bad.

    Please let me know if it would be safe for me to take DMSO

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  January 27, 2016

      In your case, I would remove ALL inflammatory foods, specially the ones that are particularly inflammatory for the joints: night shade family, gluten, dairy, nuts, soy… In short, a paleo diet for inflammatory conditions. If DMSO is needed, I would use only the topical solution or cream.

      reply
  6. DB  January 30, 2016

    Hello, Dr. Segura,
    How long does it take DMSO to dry before it loses its enhanced penetration ability? I.e how long should I be concerned about skin exposure to toxins? Does anyone know what the effective time period is for DMSO to penetrate the skin?

    In other words, how long after applying DMSO should I wait before the transdermal properties are tapped out and won’t carry anything through— fabric softener from clothing, etcetera?

    I ask because I read here on health-matrix, this comment regarding DMSO; I have re-posted it below. I would appreciate your response. Please see below.

    Thank you.

    Skin Researcher January 30, 2015
    DMSO does have many proven healthy benefits.

    HOWEVER, it is a solvent. It is an intense solvent. It penetrates to the bloodstream effectively and quickly. This is wonderful when you are using it to penetrate a useful active.

    But whatever else is already on your skin, or whatever else your skin comes into contact with over the next 36 hours, will penetrate directly into your bloodstream. This is very dangerous. They first discovered this in a clinical trial where they were cleaning the skin area of application with rubbing alcohol prior to DMSO application. The rubbing alcohol ended up immediately in the blood stream of the participants. This phenomena has been restudied and confirmed.

    The complications of this are innumerable. We do not want to absorb most detergents, chlorine from our water, toxins from our air, etc.., immediately into our bloodstream.

    Be very careful when using this substance. Dilute it as much as possible while still getting enough to notice relieve. Additionally, find a source in a glass bottle, instead of plastic. The plastic containers do have special linings, but they are still chemicals and plastics that you do not want absorbed into, and then building up with repeat use, your bloodstream and body.

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  January 31, 2016

      Yes, certainly it can’t be handed without care. Within 10 minutes it should be dry. You can try your own experiment and see how it dries up. Don’t combine it with anything that you are unsure about and/or do not trust.

      reply
      • DB  February 3, 2016

        Thank you for your reply, Dr. Segura. Even AFTER THE DMSO DRIES, the poster, “Mr. Skin Researcher” stated
        “… Whatever else your skin comes into contact with OVER THE NEXT 36 HOURS,(substances) will penetrate directly into your bloodstream.”

        What is your opinion of this statement?

        Thanks again for all of the information you provide here on Health Matrix.

      • Gabriela Segura, MD  February 4, 2016

        It is reasonable to be cautious with toxic substances like paint that may come in contact with your skin. But for practical purposes, after a day, you should be safe. For safety reasons, don’t deliberate put any toxic substance on your skin after DMSO. Best!

  7. marj  February 3, 2016

    helow ma’am…is this product available here in the philippines?

    reply
  8. Denny  February 11, 2016

    I am a legal Medical Marijuana Patient that has been using Topical Concentrated Cannabis Oil for Osteoarthritis/inflammation and a failed lumbar back surgery. I just bought a bottle of 99% DMSO but would like your suggestions as to the proper way to incorporate Cannabis and DMSO into a cream such as Eucerin or even make a cream from scratch. I would like to end up with a 2% Cannabis concentration which shouldn’t be a problem. Will DMSO mix with a cream? The Cannabis Oil will mix with alcohol or a fatty oil, and being that it is an oil, will it mix with DMSO?
    Thank you,
    Denny

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  February 12, 2016

      You’ll probably need a 70% DMSO dilution for that. You can also buy the DMSO cream directly which has the appropriate DMSO dilution and the ideal cream consistency. Don’t mix DMSO with anything you don’t want in your body and brain. If you trust your oils, you can experiment with one drop or two in your DMSO cream. Unfortunately home made versions will be just approximations. But that is good enough for experimental purposes. The other possibility is to consult a pharmacy and see if they can make the compound for you. Happy experimenting!

      reply
      • Denny  February 12, 2016

        Thank you.

  9. Nick  February 14, 2016

    Great information! I have never heard of this solvent – but I am needing to try something… I burned the lower part of my esophagus a few months ago from breathing some acid fumes ( a few breaths ). Unfortunately I continued irritating the lining of my lower throat and upper stomach by drinking Pepsi and consuming salt and vinegar chips (without realising what I was doing until much later)… In the last few weeks it seems to have ulcerated and possibly cause an infection in my chest (because my throat should have healed by now)… My breast bone area feels very inflamed and I have much intestinal bloating and some prostate/bladder irritation/infection – worst part is my sore throat… I am a little concerned by the sensitivity of this solvent… Example you have this condition? Use 50% You have that condition? Then use 80%… So what happens if you use 90% when you should be using 87%? That part is a little alarming to me…. Not to mention the wide range of dilutions for different problems in different stages of severity and progression… When to cut back? When to strengthen?

    Would you mind answering a few of my concerns? And also the best internal DMSO protocol for my ailments? I will be seeing a Doctor this week and he will be ordering an endoscopy so we can at least begin treating the infection…

    Thank you very much!!

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  February 17, 2016

      That is a very complex issue that couldn’t be addressed as a comment. An anti-inflammatory diet should be followed. Supplements such as vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine and magnesium will also be helpful. I don’t advise taking DMSO for this particular problem because it can dehydrate your gut cells. Let’s see what the endoscopy shows. Overall, a detox and healing protocol will be better suited. If you were to use DMSO, I would use it topically first and then, if nothing else is working, I would try a very mild dilution (20%) with plenty of water intake. But I would leave it as a last option. Digestive health and detox is best achieved through diet and supplementation. Best!

      reply
  10. Jamie Zerilli  February 19, 2016

    Hello Dr. Segura,
    I just received DMSO 99.98% pharma grade in a blue glass jar. How would I use this for macular degeneration wet? My Dad is 76 and I’d love to help him.
    Warmly,
    Jamie

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  February 19, 2016

      You’ll find in this post a “how to”: https://health-matrix.net/2012/01/30/dmso-the-real-miracle-solution-addendum-eye-problems/

      I would also like to draw your attention to Albert’s testimonial in the comments section of that post: “My Mom was diagnosed with MD at age 75. She did the 50/50 DMSO/DistilledWater eye cup method. Initially, she could only tolerate 2 – not 30 seconds. She says: “It felt like my eyes were being burned out of my head”. The discomfort eventually diminished & she did 30sec, twice/day. She continued for 6 months, when the opthomologist found “No sign of MD”. That was 15yrs ago; Mom is now 90yrs!
      [Saline instead of distilled water is a good idea!]”

      reply
  11. Jamie Zerilli  February 20, 2016

    Thank you!

    reply
  12. Adam Greene  March 16, 2016

    Hi Dr. Segura,
    I’ve recently been diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease and am searching for alternative help. Do you think dmso can benefit me? If so, what dilution should I use and how often do you think it should be applied? I must mention, I’m not sure how to get it diluted to a certain percentage. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Adam Greene

    reply
  13. Brett Donovan  March 31, 2016

    Hello and thank you for the great info
    I recently had a gout attack on my left big toe after I stubbed it. The initial attack was caused by an injury to the joint combined with too much fructose.I am off inflammatory foods, don,t drink or smoke and take no medication and keep myself hydrated.Do you have any suggestions on what I might add to a topical 70/30 solution to dissolve the urate crystals in the joint as I believe that these crystals are only coated and remain waiting to be triggered.I would be most grateful for your help.
    cheers and thanks
    Brett

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  March 31, 2016

      Whatever you mix with DMSO must be 100% reliable in quality and purity. I would combine it with frankincense or comfrey root oil. It adds to the anti-inflammatory effect. Speedy recovery!

      reply
  14. Linda  March 31, 2016

    Hello, In my search for DMSO in a glass container, I came across the manufacturer Pharma Grade. They specialize in DMSO and they say that it is distilled and purified to remove the dimethyl sulfide, so that the “garlic/onion” smell will not be a problem. Can you tell me whether that would render the product ineffective or less effective?

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  April 1, 2016

      I don’t know Linda, but if you report back after using this product, I would be grateful.

      reply
      • Linda  April 2, 2016

        Thank you Gabriela, I was only drawn to this company because they are the most reasonably priced DMSO in a glass bottle. Can you tell me if it is a consideration to buy a product in a plastic bottle?

        A blogger suggested that the DMSO should not be mixed with water or even a product that contains water (like a lotion). True?

        If I wash the application area with tap water, can the minerals and sedimentary particles in the tap water be toxic?

        thank you for your time and your kindness,
        Linda

      • Gabriela Segura, MD  April 3, 2016

        Yes, I would definitely mix DMSO only with filtered or distilled water. If you can get physiological solution, that is even better. Most DMSO bottles originally come from a bigger plastic container. It shouldn’t be any problem though. As for mixing DMSO, always mix it with products you trust and that you wouldn’t mind in your body. For instance, frankincense oil, comfrey root oil.

  15. Brett Donovan  March 31, 2016

    hello and thanks again for your info.
    As the urate crystals are coated and remain after my attack ( which has subsided),what I was wondering was what I could add to the 70/30 DMSO to dissolve them so they could pass out in to the blood stream, rather than an anti inflammatory action?
    cheers
    brett

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  April 1, 2016

      I’m afraid it will not be so cut and dry as that. It is a metabolic process that has to be addressed. You can work through the diet and by raising the pH of your urine and allow the healing process to take place.

      reply
  16. Ben rangel  April 12, 2016

    Hi… Gabriela… is there any special brand that you recomend of DMSO….I really appreciate your help…

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  April 17, 2016

      I appreciate the rose cream version a lot. Although it is pretty handy to have 99.9% liquid DMSO in case of emergencies. In my experience, the ones illustrated in the picture are pretty reliable.

      reply
    • Tricia Mitchell  May 14, 2016

      I recently developed vertigo it came on very suddenly I woke up one morning and fell headfirst into my closet because the world seem to be turned upside down I assume I need to ingest DMSO I would like to know the percentage of DMSO to distilled water how many times a day I should take it and if you have any idea of how long it’s going to take to get rid of vertigo. Thanks for the help Trish.

      reply
  17. Tom  April 18, 2016

    Back in 1980 I injured my left arm. I was told to use DMSO but because it made me smell so bad, I stopped. My wife thanks me for doing so. Over the years I forgot all about it.
    Then a few days ago a friend reminded me of the benefits of DMSO. It piqued my interest again. Why? About two weeks ago I was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer.
    In your above report, it only give a sentence or two on cancer and DMSO. So I am at a loss as to how to proceed.
    Chemo is on the horizon for me (which I am not looking forward to) within the next week or so.

    So, can I use DMSO along with chemo or would that be a big no-no?
    I am also using liquid oxygen and alkaline water.

    I learned this from the Hoxsey clinic information in Mexico.

    reply
  18. Martina  April 27, 2016

    Hello dr. Segura,

    I got a Deep Vein Thrombosis in my leg 20 days ago, and I am taking a blood thinning medication Pradaxa now.

    I wanted to ask you if it is safe to use DMSO topicaly , while taking a blood thinning medication, since it thinns the blood for about 40 %?

    If it is not safe, would you advise to stop taking medication and try to dissolve a blood clot a natural way: DMSO topicaly, omega-3, Ginkgo, L-Arginine, vitamin E…

    Anyway, if using DMSO, what concentration should I use topicaly and how many times a day, liquid or gel?

    Thank you very much for your help.
    Best regards,
    Martina

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  April 27, 2016

      I would not worry about the topical DMSO. I would use it myself if I were you. You can use a 70% or a 50%.

      Hope you get off the pradaxa at some point. Make sure you eat an anti-inflammatory diet and take anti-inflammatory supplements. Best!

      reply
  19. vance collins  May 2, 2016

    Hi Dr. Segura
    I’ve learned to swim before I could walk and I’ve been in the sun my entire life. Over the years I’ve used Efudex to treat skin issues. I came across articles that suggested mixing 1 part Efudex with 4 parts DMSO.
    Apply multiple times daily but only for a short time frame instead of the 4-6 weeks for the typical Efudex treatment. My concern is absorption of the Efudex beyond the dermal layers that it was intended to treat. I have Natures Gift 99.9% liquid and I have a cream from Clinic Service Co that is combined with an herbal complex of Arnica, Rosemary, a whole bunch of stuff.
    Do you have any concerns or suggestions?
    As a note-I used to use DMSO during my long distance paddle races to relieve the pain-it worked well but I was applying it when I was completely sweaty and right out of the ocean covered in saltwater.

    reply
  20. William Rogers  May 13, 2016

    Dear Gabriela…what is the oral dosage (70% DMSO) or protocol would be recommend for health maintenance.
    I have Dr. Stanley Jacobs brand.

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  May 16, 2016

      Usually folk took 1(2 teaspoon or one, but I don’t recommend that route for a regular basis. Best!

      reply
  21. Chris Mller  May 16, 2016

    Hi
    Stumbled across your article and had to grab my bottle of DMSO, that had been sitting in the medicine cabinet for a few years, to help with some cramping muscles, thank you. My question though is about the internal use of DMSO. When ingesting should you have an empty stomach or does it matter? I can understand that one may not to have consumed a bunch of alcohol prior to consuming the DMSO, that could lead to a room spinning evening. Thanks ahead of time.

    Chris

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  May 17, 2016

      With or without should be okay. But be careful with oral DMSO, it can trigger a bad reaction in some folk. Better to use it topically when possible. Best!

      reply
  22. Frank  May 27, 2016

    Hi. I”m age 55 and a few years ago I had a (first time) outbreak of grover’s disease. I am otherwise in perfect health. AFAIK. LOL. The dermatologist prescribed doxycycline and traimcinilone Acetoinide cream. This worked well for me. However, I still get occasional mild flareups that always coincide with stressful times. I would like to try applying (to the affected areas) a 50% solution of DMSO w/distilled water with vitamin C powder, however, I have read conflicting info as to the best form of vitamin c to use. What form(s) of vit C would you use recommend for this? By the way, I have eliminated fish from my diet and I am going to give your recommended diet a serious trial. And…thank you! You are an amazing source of useful and reliable information!

    reply
  23. Anthony Thomas  May 30, 2016

    I have a product that contains DMSO to be rubbed on the temples, wrists etc before bed to aid sleep. It contains some oils such as Lavender and also Melatonin.
    I keep it by the bed. If I apply it after a night out drinking alcohol, how dangerous would it be?
    This is a concern as being by the bed it may happen purely by reflex.
    Best regards.
    Tommo.

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  May 30, 2016

      Well Tommo, I remember reading some research about OH and DMSO. I forgot the details as I generally discourage people to drink OH. In general, it is best not to combine both or you might have a bad hang over. If it is topical, it shouldn’t be much of a problem though.

      reply
      • Anthony Thomas  May 30, 2016

        Hi there again,
        Sorry if I am being a bit thick but what do you mean by OH? Am I correct in assuming that is alcohol?
        Best regards.
        Tommo.

      • Gabriela Segura, MD  May 31, 2016

        Yes, that is right, it is alcohol. Best!

  24. Anthony Thomas  May 31, 2016

    OK. Thank you very much.

    reply
  25. gabriella  May 31, 2016

    I have allergies, nasal polyps and an allergy to aspirin. Have been to an ENT and he suggested surgery. I have also been to an immunoligist and he suggested aspirin desensitisation. I have been putting the surgery off and don’t really want to do the desensitisation due to the long term high doses of aspirin. I haven’t yet tried DMSO as I have only learned of it. What do you suggest?

    reply
    • Gabriela Segura, MD  May 31, 2016

      I would actually suggest getting some pure nystatin powder, i.e. like the one they sell on fludan.com Then, sniff some nystatin through your nostrils several times per day for a period of time. Polyps often have a fungi component and the nystatin deals with that. This has helped people consistently with their polyps through the years. You can also experiment with DMSO, but you’ll need a 30% dilution and it will still burn temporarily.

      Make sure you do an anti-inflammatory diet. You can get an idea of your inflammatory triggers by getting an IgG food intolerance panel test.

      reply

Leave a Reply to Karen Popovich
click here to cancel reply


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.