DMSO

How You May Benefit:

Fight free radicals
Enhance immune-system function and protect against free-radical damage
Reduce inflammation
Decrease inflammation of joints and muscle tissue after intense training sessions
Reduce joint pain
Relieve arthritis and back pain by reducing inflammation
Control pain
Relieve the pain and inflammation of pulled muscles and connective-tissue injuries
Nourish the skin
Soothe acne, skin ulcers, herpes, and other skin conditions by promoting healing

Overview

DMSO is an oily liquid that when applied topically may reduce pain and inflammation in joints and muscles. It's also been shown to promote healing of minor cuts and burns and is a powerful antioxidant. However, it is a highly controversial nutrient, and while it is one of the most studied nutrients, it's also considered one of the most poorly understood.

Usage

Amount: DMSO creams of between 10% and 50% DMSO are reportedly applied to the injured area. Little research has been done on humans, and amounts and timing are not yet understood.

Tip: Sometimes DMSO causes a "garlic-like" body and breath odor. At higher amounts, this odor can become so strong, you may be forced to spend a lot of time alone.

Some athletes have begun using DMSO to reduce pain and inflammation after sports injuries. Still, the information on DMSO is preliminary, and little is understood about its safety, use, and effectiveness.

Safety Information

Safety:

Skin irritation, stomach upset, headache, and sensitivity to light may occur in some cases.

It is important that the area where DMSO is applied as well as the hands applying it be very clean because DMSO is quickly absorbed by the skin, allowing contaminants on the skin to also be absorbed.

It is also important to use highly purified forms of DMSO.

Toxicity:
Studies on the toxicity of DMSO in humans have shown no serious adverse effects when it is applied topically at or below one gram per kilogram of bodyweight.

Bans and Restrictions:

DMSO is not FDA approved for any uses other than interstitial cystitis, which requires doctor administration.

DMSO is available only by prescription in Canada.

References

Alyabyeva, A.P., and Muravyev, YuV., "Control Trials of Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Rheumatoid and Collagen Diseases," Ann N Y Acad Sci 411 (1983) : 309-15.

Jimenez, R.A., and Willkens, R.F., "Dimethyl Sulfoxide: A Perspective of its Use in Rheumatic Diseases," J Lab Clin Med 100.4 (1982) : 489-500.

Melikhova, N.I., et al., "Effectiveness of the Treatment of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis with Dimethyl Sulfoxide Gel," Pediatriia .6 (1986) : 53-4.

Murav'ev, IuV., "Dimethyl Sulfoxide in the Therapy of Rheumatic Diseases," Ter Arkh 62.12 (1990) : 112-6.

Ur'ias Villarino, E., "Treatment of Some Musculo-Skeletal Diseases with Dimethyl Sulfoxide. Preliminary Report," Medicina (Mex) 45.974 (1965) : 511-4.

Vuopala, U., et al., "The Analgetic Action of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Ointment in Arthrosis. A Double Blind Study," Acta Rheumatol Scand 17.1 (1971) : 57-60.

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