What major therapeutic benefits does DMSO provide?
DMSO offers cryoprotection for tissues, natural anti‑inflammatory and analgesic effects, vasodilation, free radical scavenging, transdermal delivery, and some heavy‑metal detox properties.
Video Summary
DMSO is a natural compound with cryoprotective, anti-inflammatory, vasodilating, and analgesic properties.
It enhances cell permeability and acts as a powerful transdermal carrier for compounds like CBD and essential oils.
DMSO binds and helps remove free radicals and some heavy metals, aiding inflammation control and detoxification.
Apply DMSO to clean skin, dilute or mix with soothing agents (e.g., aloe) to reduce irritation; consult a clinician before internal use.
FDA guidance is mixed; peer‑reviewed research (PubMed) documents many therapeutic effects despite mainstream caution.
DMSO offers cryoprotection for tissues, natural anti‑inflammatory and analgesic effects, vasodilation, free radical scavenging, transdermal delivery, and some heavy‑metal detox properties.
It binds free radicals, reduces oxidative drivers of inflammation, expands blood vessels to remove waste and deliver nutrients, and dampens nerve signaling to lower pain perception.
Yes—DMSO increases cell permeability and can transport compounds (e.g., CBD, essential oils) into deeper tissues, which is therapeutically useful but requires caution about contaminants.
Clean the skin thoroughly before application, avoid contaminants (grease, chemicals), dilute or combine with soothing agents like aloe to reduce irritation, and monitor for skin sensitivity.
Internal use can alter absorption of medications and substances; consult a healthcare provider before internal use because interactions and dosing require professional oversight.
"DMSO can protect organs or tissues that need to be kept really cold."
DMSO has exceptional cryoprotective properties that make it invaluable in medical settings for preserving organs and tissue during transportation.
For instance, when transporting a heart for transplantation, it's essential to keep it cold. If only water is used for cooling, crystallization occurs, which can damage the organ.
DMSO can maintain a much lower freezing point without causing damage, allowing organs and even stem cells to be preserved effectively.
"DMSO is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory."
As a natural anti-inflammatory, DMSO effectively reduces inflammation associated with injuries, which typically presents as redness and swelling.
Unlike conventional NSAIDs like aspirin, DMSO doesn't have the side effects that can harm the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
It also functions as a free radical scavenger by binding with damaged molecules produced from oxidative stress, helping to eliminate them from the body and reduce inflammation.
"DMSO acts as a vasodilator, helping to expand blood vessels."
DMSO promotes vasodilation, which increases blood flow and allows for efficient removal of waste and problematic fluids from injuries.
This increased circulation is also crucial for delivering nutrients that aid in wound healing.
By improving cell wall permeability, DMSO enhances a cell's ability to expel waste and absorb necessary nutrients, directly contributing to recovery processes.
"DMSO is a great transdermal agent."
DMSO facilitates the absorption of substances through the skin, which can be beneficial when combined with vitamins, minerals, and essential oils.
It has analgesic properties that reduce pain by dampening nerve signal transmission to the brain, effectively minimizing the sensation of pain from injuries or irritations.
Furthermore, it serves as an antinosusceptive agent, providing protection against various forms of injuries, including mechanical and chemical ones.
"DMSO itself was discovered in the 1800s but gained prominence in the 1950s."
DMSO's uniqueness was recognized in the 1950s when British scientists discovered its cryoprotective effects, sparking interest in its wider applications.
Stanley Jacob, a professor at the University of Oregon Medical School, played a pivotal role in uncovering additional health benefits of DMSO, leading to the identification of about 40 distinct therapeutic uses.
"DMSO is particularly important for controlling chronic pain."
For individuals with chronic pain, such as those who have undergone multiple orthopedic surgeries, DMSO offers substantial relief by decreasing inflammation and removing associated chemicals from injury sites.
Its ability to bind with free radicals and prevent recurring inflammation makes it a powerful choice for pain management.
DMSO not only alleviates pain but also contributes to healing, effectively addressing the root cause rather than merely masking symptoms.
"I want to clean the area where I'm going to put it on my body."
"I'll combine the CBD with DMSO so that I can get the CBD into my skin."
DMSO can be effectively combined with numerous other compounds to enhance their absorption. A prominent example is CBD, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When combined with DMSO, CBD can penetrate the skin more deeply, targeting joints and muscles for relief.
Other compounds like essential oils, such as frankincense and wintergreen, can also be paired with DMSO to leverage their powerful properties, offering a holistic approach to pain relief.
"The relief was important because I got full knee replacements."
Opioids are often prescribed for severe pain, but their effectiveness can be limited and short-lived. Pain relief from opioids post-surgery, such as knee replacements, may only last for about an hour, resulting in periods of pain before the next dose is allowed.
In this context, exploring natural alternatives such as essential oil creams, combined with DMSO for better absorption, can offer longer-lasting relief compared to traditional opioids.
"You can't actually be allergic to elemental sulfur."
There is a common misconception about sulfur allergies; however, sulfur itself is an essential element in the body, and true allergies to elemental sulfur do not exist.
Many reactions attributed to sulfur arise from other substances containing sulfur, such as sulfa drugs and sulfites that can trigger allergic responses. When using DMSO, understanding its chemistry helps clarify its safe application.
"You have to do the DMSO properly."
When applying DMSO, one must be cautious about its concentration, as undiluted DMSO can cause skin irritation. This irritation arises from its ability to increase cell wall permeability and its affinity for water, which can lead to dryness and discomfort.
To mitigate irritation, mixing DMSO with soothing agents like aloe vera can help balance absorption and provide moisture, reducing the likelihood of adverse effects.
"If you take DMSO internally, you've got to talk to your healthcare provider because DMSO helps with the absorption of things."
It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking DMSO internally, as it can enhance the absorption of medications.
Some medications require a controlled absorption rate, and combining them with DMSO may accelerate this process, which is not necessarily beneficial.
"I've used DMSO for six, seven years now, and I'm doing things now that I couldn't do a decade ago."
The speaker has personally experienced significant benefits from DMSO over the past six to seven years, stating that it has greatly improved their physical capabilities.
They are now able to participate in activities like weight training, hiking, and walking, which were difficult for them in the past.
"DMSO helps to soften that scar tissue so they don't have that joint binding up."
The speaker applies DMSO several times a day, particularly in areas impacted by previous surgeries, as it aids in softening scar tissue and preventing joint stiffness.
They cite their experience with 13 knee surgeries, highlighting how scar tissue buildup can restrict movement.
"At times, the FDA will say, 'Don't use DMSO,' and yet the FDA approves DMSO for all kinds of medical uses."
The FDA’s stance on DMSO appears contradictory; while they caution against its use, they have approved it for various medical treatments, including for interstitial cystitis via injection into the bladder.
This duality raises questions about the agency's communications regarding DMSO.
"If you go to WebMD, you're going to find that DMSO doesn't do much... go to PubMed, which I love."
The speaker suggests examining credible sources for information on DMSO, noting that sites like WebMD may downplay its effectiveness in favor of pharmaceutical interests.
In contrast, PubMed offers access to numerous peer-reviewed studies that validate the utility and benefits of DMSO.
"I recommend that you get hold of some DMSO, start making it part of your daily routine like I do."
The speaker encourages others to incorporate DMSO into their daily routines, claiming that individuals will likely notice significant positive outcomes from its use.
They also plan to provide information on how to obtain DMSO and related products that assist with various conditions like chronic pain and nerve irritation.