Dimethyl sulfoxide, known as DMSO , originates as a byproduct of the paper manufacturing industry derived from pine wood pulp. It was isolated for the first time in the second half of the 19th century by a chemist of Russian origin.
Although it has been the subject of decades of research and has an extensive and controversial history, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) remains practically unknown to health professionals and the general population.
What is DMSO used for?
DMSO shows exceptional versatility , being one of the few compounds that can be administered orally, topically, and even by injection into vein and muscle. The results of countless studies that support its healthy properties strongly affirm that DMSO is a therapeutic anti-inflammatory of great importance and promise in the treatment of various conditions.
- Arthritis : With its ability to penetrate tissues, DMSO may reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and possibly even gout.
- Atherosclerosis : in laboratory tests, DMSO has shown its ability to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) caused by cholesterol. In addition, it inhibits the accumulation of cholesterol in tissues, even when levels are considerably high.
- Drug extravasation injury : Extravasation refers to the escape of a drug into the extravascular space (soft tissue), either by leakage from a vessel or by direct infiltration. When chemotherapy drugs leak into surrounding tissues (extravasation) the effects can be potentially harmful. Numerous studies have shown that the application of DMSO has significantly improved tissue damage caused by extravasation in affected patients.
- Herpes : DMSO has been used to improve the penetration of herpes skin treatment.
- Interstitial cystitis – Instillation of DMSO into the urinary bladder is an FDA-approved analgesic treatment for this chronic inflammatory condition.
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy : DMSO may help alleviate the pain associated with this condition, which is an autonomic nervous system disorder primarily characterized by an overwhelming sensation of pain in the extremities.
- Scleroderma (hardening of the skin) – In basic work done at the Cleveland Clinic, topical DMSO was found to have an anti-inflammatory effect while increasing blood supply to the skin.
- Strains and Sprains – Topical application of DMSO could offer quick pain relief and improve mobility significantly. By passing through the fatty membranes of the skin, it reduces swelling and inflammation almost immediately.
Keloids, scars, burns, bruises: a 70% concentration applied two or three times a day could flatten a raised scar after several months. It offers significant value in the treatment of superficial burns and, applied quickly to an injury, has the ability to eliminate any hematoma.
Why is DMSO so effective?
Sulfur compounds are essential and are present in all cells of the body. These play an indispensable role in various chemical reactions related to the detoxification of the body. As a source of sulfur, DMSO contributes to the removal of heavy metals . Sulfur binds to toxic metals such as mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic and nickel, facilitating their excretion through urine, defecation and sweating. DMSO also protects cells against mechanical damage , being needed in considerably lower quantities compared to many other drugs. This mechanism is crucial, since some molecules in our body generate an unequal amount of electrons, and this instability can lead to the destruction of other cells. DMSO adheres to these molecules, thus facilitating their expulsion from the body. Additionally, DMSO acts as an efficient pain reliever by blocking the nerve conduction fibers responsible for pain, reducing inflammation and swelling by eliminating inflammatory chemicals.
Likewise, it has a calming effect on the central nervous system and extends to all areas of the body when absorbed through the skin, including the brain. In other words, applying DMSO to one region often results in pain relief in another location due to its systemic effect. DMSO's ability to effortlessly penetrate the skin and blood-brain barrier facilitates its access to tissues and entry into the bloodstream. Additionally, it improves blood supply to injured areas by dilating blood vessels, increasing oxygen delivery, and reducing the viscosity of blood platelets. DMSO also stimulates the immune system , increasing the production of white blood cells and macrophages, responsible for destroying foreign materials and pathogens in the body. It also has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Among sulfur compounds, DMSO possibly stands out as covering the widest range and presenting the greatest number of therapeutic applications , surpassing any other chemical demonstrated to date. Its ability to stimulate healing is essential to its usefulness in various conditions. Likewise, it is among the most powerful free radical scavengers known to humanity, and is even considered the most powerful.
How to use DMSO
DMSO is usually applied to the skin . It can be administered orally, but is only recommended for more intense internal detoxifications and should be done under the supervision of a health professional.
Important points about DMSO:
DMSO is highly susceptible to temperature variations. Liquid DMSO (99%) can and will crystallize in a cold environment. If this happens, place or keep the DMSO bottle in a warm place (between 15°C and 20°C) and after a few hours it should return to its liquid form. To achieve faster results, place it in a bain-marie. Under no circumstances do you put it in the microwave! When using DMSO, be sure to always keep your hands and skin clean. DMSO is a powerful pain reliever and transporter. If your hands or skin have dirt or other debris, DMSO can transport it to deep tissues causing possible irritation or discomfort. If you use DMSO after showering, it is advisable to wait between 30 minutes and an hour, since the skin pores are more open, which increases the absorption of DMSO and can cause irritation or discomfort. It is important not to cover the areas where you apply DMSO; it should be allowed to air dry. When starting to use DMSO, test a small amount before gradually increasing the dose. It is worth mentioning that DMSO has a distinctive sulfur and garlic odor. When applied, you may experience a garlicky taste in your mouth. This is normal.