What is DMSO? Potential Health Benefits for Joints and More

What is DMSO?

Dimethyl sulfoxide, more commonly known as DMSO, is a liquid solution discovered during the 19th century as a byproduct of producing paper from wood pulp. DMSO has had wide-ranging scientific applications since its discovery.

Applications of DMSO

Some of the known DMSO benefits are commonly put to use in laboratory, clinical, or hospital settings. DMSO can penetrate the cell membranes of mammalian and non-mammalian cells; because of this property, it is often used as a free radical scavenger and to help prevent freeze-thaw injuries and preserve cells and tissues in laboratory and clinical applications. 

While DMSO is not yet commonly used in dermatology, it is known to enhance penetration of the skin barrier, which some researchers are interested in for its ability to potentially augment the effectiveness of certain topological therapies.

But the list of potential DMSO benefits extends beyond these specific settings. Today, many are exploring the potential of using DMSO for pain support, joint support, and more. 

Potential DMSO Benefits

At low concentrations, research indicates that DMSO may have useful properties including:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Vasodilation
• Muscle relaxation

People have used DMSO to support a variety of painful conditions: some believe it may support relief from headaches, and it is sometimes used to support relief for chronically itchy skin or to support decreasing the size and appearance of scars.

DMSO for Pain Support

DMSO’s potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle-relaxing properties are likely among the reasons that many may consider DMSO for pain support. 

DMSO is sometimes used as a medication administered in hospital or clinic settings as an injection treatment for those suffering from interstitial cystitis, a condition also known as bladder pain syndrome. Part of the reason this therapy is believed to work is because of DMSO’s anti-inflammatory properties.

DMSO may also provide support for painful conditions affecting the joints, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Dermatology Online Journal, outside of the FDA scope of usage, DMSO is often used to support pain relief caused by osteoarthritis in humans and animals, as well as as a way to potentially support other chronic pain conditions. Along with initial research related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, researchers have also looked at the potential effectiveness of using topical DMSO as a way to promote joint and muscle comfort in those experiencing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition that can develop after an injury or medical event. The existing research does not provide enough evidence to draw any certain conclusions, so more research will likely be needed.

Interested in DMSO as an option that may support joint and muscle comfort? Start with one of the options below.

3 DMSO Products from NHC

DMSO Gel with Aloe Vera

DMSO Gel with Aloe Vera from DMSO is an easy-to-apply option for those interested in DMSO for pain support. DMSO Gel with Aloe Vera is easily absorbed through the skin, and, along with soothing aloe vera, may provide support for reducing pain and swelling; may support reducing joint discomfort and carpal tunnel pain; and may provide support for insect bites, acne, neuritis, neuralgia, and shingles.

Or, if you prefer a DMSO cream option over DMSO gel, try DMSO Cream with Aloe Vera Rose Scented, also from DMSO. This product uses the same 70% DMSO/30% Aloe Vera formulation as DMSO Gel with Aloe Vera, but with a soothing, rose-scented DMSO cream base.

DMSO 99.9% Pure Liquid

For those looking for the purest available DMSO, try DMSO 99.9% Pure Liquid from DMSO. 99.9% Pure DMSO is intended for use as a solvent only, and the choice of the process used in the various applications is the sole responsibility of the user. 99.9% Pure DMSO ensures that you’re getting a product free from contaminants; after all, the higher the purity, the safer and more effective it will be in its intended applications.

DMSO Roll On

DMSO Roll On from DMSO is an easy-to-apply roll on product that contains 90% DMSO and 10% distilled water. As with other DMSO products, the choice of the process used in DMSO applications is the sole responsibility of the user.