DMSO Safety: Powerful Ally or Cautionary Tool? What You Need to Know Before You Order or Use

Lately, you may have been hearing more about a substance called DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and wondering if it might be the solution you've been looking for.

In fact, since a popular book was published in 2020, interest in DMSO has seen a noticeable surge. Frustration with conventional healthcare during the pandemic, a growing desire for medical independence, and increased mistrust of pharmaceutical solutions have all contributed to renewed curiosity about this once-obscure compound.

If DMSO has been part of your healing journey in a positive way, that’s wonderful. My goal here is simply to offer a balanced perspective for those still weighing their options.

But before you reach for the bottle, let's talk about the very real risks, what DMSO actually does in the body, and safer, more evidence-based ways to get the results you’re looking for.

What Is DMSO?

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a sulfur-containing compound derived from lignin, a natural substance found in wood. It was originally developed as a byproduct of paper manufacturing, first used as an industrial solvent in the 1950s, and later studied for its biological and medical properties.

By the 1960s and 70s, researchers began exploring its therapeutic potential, especially for inflammation, pain relief, and interstitial cystitis (a painful bladder condition for which it remains FDA-approved). Since then, it has gained a loyal following in the natural health world, especially among those looking for more direct or DIY-style healing options.

It can pass through the skin and directly into the bloodstream, dragging other substances with it. And that’s exactly why it’s both intriguing and dangerous.

Why People Use DMSO

• To reduce muscle and joint pain

• To decrease inflammation

• To carry other substances (like magnesium, iodine, or herbal remedies) directly into tissues

• As part of detox or infection protocols

The Problem: DMSO Doesn't Discriminate

DMSO carries everything it touches directly through the skin, into the bloodstream, and into your cells. That includes:

• Fragrance chemicals

• Lotions and skin products

• Pesticides or cleaning products

• Heavy metals

• Plastic residue from containers

Once it's in, there's no off switch. If you had any toxins or unwanted substances on your skin, DMSO just fast-tracked them into your body—bypassing your liver, your gut, and all your natural detox pathways.

Risks of DMSO Use (Especially Internal or Topical with Poor Cleanliness)

• Toxic absorption of environmental chemicals

• Nausea, dizziness, or GI upset

• Strong body odor (sulfur/garlic smell)

• Cell membrane disruption (possibly impacting the gut lining or brain barrier)

• Strain on the liver and kidneys

• Unpredictable interactions with medications or supplements

If you're working on detox, gut healing, or inflammation, using DMSO without precision could do more harm than good.

Safer, Smarter Alternatives That Still Work

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to use something as aggressive as DMSO to get powerful results.

1. Liposomal Nutrients

These use fat-based particles to deliver nutrients directly into cells—no forced membrane disruption required. Excellent for glutathione, vitamin C, curcumin, and more.

2. Castor Oil Packs

A classic naturopathic remedy that supports the lymphatic system, liver, and gut without risk. Great for long-term, gentle healing.

3. Topical Botanicals

Arnica, cayenne, frankincense, turmeric, or magnesium oil all offer deep, localized support without dragging unwanted chemicals along for the ride.

4. Binder + Drainage Protocols

If you're trying to "pull things out," use binders like fulvic acid, humic acid, zeolite, or pectin—paired with strong liver and lymph support to guide toxins out safely.

The Bottom Line on DMSO Safety

DMSO is powerful. But power without precision is risky. If you're not 100% sure that your skin, environment, and internal load are clean—you might be doing more damage than good.

There are other ways to reduce pain, support detox, and nourish cells that don’t carry the same risks. Know your options, and don’t let the hype make you bypass DMSO safety and strategy.

Want help choosing the right approach for your body? Book a consultation and let's find the safest, most effective path forward for you. Here's the link: https://l.bttr.to/zoE0H

If you're feeling unsure or overwhelmed by all the options, working 1:1 can make all the difference. Together, we can sort through your goals, sensitivities, and personal health history to find a plan that supports deep healing—without unnecessary risks. Your body deserves both wisdom and safety.