DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a natural liquid that comes from trees and has been used for many years to help with health problems. It is non-toxic, dissolves easily in water, and can do amazing things in the body. What makes DMSO so special is its ability to travel through the skin, tissues, and even the blood-brain barrier quickly. It can also carry other healing substances directly to where they are needed, making it an incredible tool for treating many conditions.
Despite its powerful benefits, DMSO is not widely accepted in the United States. The FDA has approved it for only one use—treating interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder condition. This is surprising because DMSO has been shown to help with many other problems. So, why is DMSO not used more often? The main reason is that it’s a natural substance and cannot be patented. Without a patent, pharmaceutical companies cannot make big profits, so they choose to focus on more expensive drugs instead.
What Makes DMSO So Special?
DMSO is unique because of how quickly and effectively it works in the body. It can pass through the skin and into the bloodstream almost instantly. For example, if you apply it to your feet, you may notice a garlic-like smell on your breath in just a few minutes. This shows how fast it moves through the body.
DMSO is also a strong solvent, which means it can dissolve and carry many different substances, including both organic and inorganic materials. This ability allows it to deliver healing compounds deep into tissues and even bones. It is so effective that some holistic practitioners use it instead of needles to administer medicine. By simply mixing healing compounds with DMSO and rubbing it on the skin, patients can get the benefits without injections.
How Is DMSO Used?
DMSO is used around the world to treat many health problems, including:
- Arthritis – It reduces pain and inflammation in the joints.
- Injuries – It speeds up healing for head, spinal, and muscle injuries.
- Infections – DMSO fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Chronic illnesses – Conditions like diabetes, sciatica, and asthma have been treated with DMSO.
- Cancer – In some countries, DMSO is combined with hydrogen peroxide to create an oxygen-rich environment where cancer cells cannot survive.
- Other conditions – It has been used for
- cataracts
- sinusitis
- herpes simplex
- stroke recovery, and more.
Athletes often use DMSO to recover from injuries. It is even approved for use in the Olympics because of how effective it is in reducing inflammation and speeding up recovery.
Veterinarians also rely on DMSO to treat farm animals because it works well and is much cheaper than expensive medications or surgeries. Animals don’t have medical insurance, so DMSO is often the best choice for their care.
Why Is DMSO Not Widely Accepted?
In the United States, the medical system is heavily influenced by pharmaceutical companies. These companies focus on selling drugs that can be patented because patents allow them to charge high prices and make large profits. DMSO, being a natural substance, cannot be patented, which makes it less attractive to the pharmaceutical industry.
The FDA has also played a role in limiting the use of DMSO. Despite its proven safety and effectiveness, the FDA has approved it for only one medical condition. Critics argue that this decision protects drug company profits rather than public health.
Another reason DMSO is not more widely used is that it is not taught in most medical schools in the United States. Doctors are trained to rely on pharmaceutical drugs, so many are unaware of DMSO’s potential. This lack of education ensures that DMSO remains on the sidelines of modern medicine.
DMSO as an Antimicrobial Agent
DMSO has demonstrated remarkable properties as an antimicrobial agent, effectively inhibiting the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Its unique ability to penetrate deeply into tissues and cells allows it to deliver its antimicrobial effects where they are needed most. This makes DMSO particularly useful for treating infections that are resistant to traditional antibiotics or that occur in hard-to-reach areas of the body. Additionally, DMSO’s ability to enhance the delivery of other compounds means it can work synergistically with antimicrobial agents, boosting their effectiveness. Its broad-spectrum activity against various pathogens underscores its potential as a powerful natural tool in combating infections and promoting healing.
DMSO and Hydrogen Peroxide in Cancer Treatments
Outside the United States, DMSO and hydrogen peroxide are frequently used as alternative treatments for cancer. These therapies are based on the principle that cancer cells struggle to survive in oxygen-rich environments. Both DMSO and hydrogen peroxide are highly effective at delivering oxygen directly into the body, which not only creates an unfavorable environment for cancer cells but also supports the health of normal cells.
In addition to oxygenation, these substances help alkalize the body’s pH. Cancer thrives in acidic conditions, so by raising the pH to a more alkaline state, DMSO and hydrogen peroxide further inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. While these treatments are not widely accepted in the United States due to regulatory and industry barriers, their success in other countries highlights their potential as powerful tools in the fight against cancer. This approach reflects a broader understanding of how balancing the body’s internal environment can play a critical role in preventing and treating disease.
DMSO in Organ, Sperm, and Blood Cell Preservation
DMSO is not just a powerful healing agent; it also plays a critical role in advanced medical procedures, particularly in the preservation and transport of living cells and tissues. For decades, DMSO has been used as a cryoprotectant—a substance that protects cells and tissues during freezing and thawing processes. It is commonly used to keep organs destined for transplantation alive and healthy during transport. By protecting cells from damage caused by ice formation, DMSO ensures that transplanted organs remain viable, increasing the chances of successful procedures and saving countless lives.
Beyond organ preservation, DMSO is used to store and transport sperm cells, helping maintain their vitality and functionality. This application is essential for fertility treatments, where healthy sperm cells are critical for successful outcomes. DMSO’s ability to stabilize and protect living cells is also why it is a key ingredient in the storage of human blood cells, particularly in bone marrow and stem cell transplants. By preventing cellular damage during freezing, DMSO helps preserve the integrity of these cells, which are later used to treat diseases like leukemia and lymphoma.
These vital uses demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of DMSO in medical science. Anyone who dismisses DMSO as a “fringe product” is likely unaware of its critical role in such life-saving applications. Its widespread use in organ transport, fertility treatments, and blood cell preservation highlights how essential this natural compound is to modern medicine.
What Can We Learn from DMSO?
The story of DMSO highlights the need for a healthcare system that values healing over profit. DMSO is used as a safe and effective treatment for many conditions around the world. In the United States, however, it is mostly limited to sports medicine, veterinary care, and holistic practices.
DMSO’s ability to deliver healing compounds directly to tissues makes it a powerful tool. Herb Roi Richards, Ph.D., author of DMSO for Humans, has called it invaluable for treating patients without needles. He believes DMSO has the potential to revolutionize medicine, but only if the medical system embraces it.
DMSO is one of nature’s most amazing healing tools. It is affordable, easy to use, and has been proven to help with many health problems. However, its use has been held back by a system that prioritizes money over health. Because it cannot be patented, pharmaceutical companies and the FDA have shown little interest in making it widely available.
Despite these challenges, DMSO continues to help people and animals worldwide. It is used in sports medicine, veterinary care, and by holistic practitioners who recognize its incredible potential. The more people learn about DMSO, the more likely it is to gain acceptance in mainstream medicine.
The story of DMSO reminds us to stay open to the power of natural remedies and to push for a healthcare system that puts patients first. By educating others about DMSO and continuing to advocate for its use, we can help bring this remarkable compound the attention and recognition it deserves.
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