DMSO: A Cure the Medical World Couldn’t Swallow

Dimethyl sulfoxide—better known as DMSO—has one of those backstories that makes you go, “Wait, how did we not know about this sooner?” It was first discovered back in the mid-1800s by a Russian chemist named Alexander Saytzeff, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that scientists started getting really curious about its medical potential.

So, what is it?

DMSO is a byproduct of the paper industry, derived from wood pulp during the manufacture of cellulose. At first glance, it sounds about as natural and glamorous as motor oil—but that’s part of what makes its story so interesting. Despite its industrial origins, DMSO is an organosulfur compound with some pretty wild abilities.

Chemically, it’s a small, polar molecule with a unique structure:

• It can pass through skin and biological membranes with ease.

• It’s a powerful solvent, meaning it can dissolve both polar and non-polar substances.

• It’s known for its "carrier" ability—it doesn’t just pass through skin, it takes other substances with it into the bloodstream. This is both a blessing and a warning flag.

A Little Background History

In the 1950s, a South African-born chemist named Dr. Stanley Jacob at the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center started experimenting with DMSO on human tissue. He was actually looking for a safe way to store organs for transplant and discovered that DMSO could penetrate cells without damaging them, keeping tissues viable longer. That discovery alone was groundbreaking.

But what really turned heads? Patients using DMSO started reporting rapid pain relief—from arthritis, sprains, and even nerve pain. And so began one of the most controversial journeys in medical research.

By the early 1960s, DMSO was in the spotlight. Early research suggested it had:

• Anti-inflammatory properties.

• Analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.

• Cell-protective and antioxidant behaviour.

  
  

Doctors and patients were excited. Clinical trials launched. Headlines praised it. But then came the backlash.

In 1965, a patient in a clinical trial died—not from DMSO, but the death caused regulators to pause everything. The FDA temporarily banned human testing, despite mounting anecdotal support and no solid evidence linking DMSO to serious harm. This sparked decades of regulatory pushback, even while other countries like Canada, Australia, and some European nations continued studying or even allowing DMSO use in medicine.

In the U.S., the only FDA-approved human use of DMSO is for interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder condition. That’s it. Yet ironically, veterinarians have used it for years to treat inflammation and injury in racehorses—a move that ironically increased public interest in using it “off-label” for human ailments.

If DMSO is so effective—so versatile—why the heck isn’t it a mainstream treatment? That’s the million-dollar question, and answering it means diving into some murky waters where science, regulation, and big pharma interests collide. Researchers and practitioners accused the FDA of overreacting—or worse, protecting pharmaceutical interests. After all, DMSO wasn’t something that could be easily patented. It was inexpensive, naturally derived, and too “wild card” for drug companies to control.

It’s Too Powerful to Be Trusted — Or Too Cheap to Sell?

One of the core reasons DMSO remains controversial is that it doesn’t play by the usual pharmaceutical rules. It’s not a single-action drug that targets one thing. It’s a multi-functional molecule:

• It relieves pain.

• It reduces inflammation.

• It scavenges free radicals.

• It transports other substances across the skin and into the bloodstream.

That last feature is both a miracle—and a medical liability. DMSO is so good at transporting substances through membranes that it can carry toxins (like pesticides or heavy metals) right into the bloodstream if applied irresponsibly. That’s why many in mainstream medicine still wave red flags.

But for many people suffering from chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or autoimmune flares, that warning hasn’t been enough to stop them from experimenting with DMSO. And the kicker? It often works.

And just to make things more interesting, DMSO has a funny little side effect: it can make your breath and skin smell like garlic, even when applied topically. That’s not a bug—it’s just how sulfur behaves in the body.

Underground Popularity, Above-Ground Silence

Despite limited approval, DMSO quietly exploded in popularity in alternative health communities, often passed hand to hand like a whispered secret.

• Athletes used it for joint and muscle recovery.

• Horse trainers used it on themselves after seeing its effects on injured racehorses.

• People with arthritis and nerve damage began swearing by it.

Meanwhile, the medical establishment largely stayed silent—or hostile. The same old refrain: “There’s not enough evidence.” But many would argue: there’s not enough profit motive to investigate further.

A Tangled Web of Trust

DMSO sits at the center of a broader conversation about medical freedom, natural compounds, and regulatory roadblocks. Should the public be trusted to use something so powerful on their own? Or is DMSO simply the victim of a broken system—one where only expensive, profitable drugs make it to the finish line?

Let’s Wrap This Up

DMSO in Natural Health & Home Remedies

While the medical establishment has largely kept DMSO at arm’s length, natural health communities have embraced it enthusiastically. Its ability to work topically, quickly, and effectively makes it a staple in many DIY wellness cabinets. But what makes it really unique is how it pairs with other natural substances. That’s why we’ve incorporated DMSO into some of our pain relief preparations i.e. Arthravo MD; Immunavo; Avobetic; AvéGut Lotion (available soon).

Here’s a breakdown of how DMSO is used

🔄 Common Blends & Pairings

People often mix DMSO with:

• Magnesium oil – for muscle cramps, restless legs, and recovery after exercise.

• Aloe vera gel – to soothe skin irritation, reduce sting or burning sensation when applying DMSO.

• Essential oils (carefully!) – such as lavender (for calming), peppermint (for cooling and pain relief), and frankincense (for inflammation).

💬 Why it’s popular in natural circles

• It’s cheap, effective, and doesn’t require a prescription.

• Many see it as an “old-school miracle” that the medical world unfairly buried.

• It's especially beloved by those with chronic pain, inflammation, or autoimmune conditions who have been failed by conventional medicine.

⚠️ Safety Tips

• NEVER apply it over dirty skin – anything on the surface (lotions, perfumes, bacteria) can be pulled into the bloodstream.

• Start with small patches to test sensitivity—some people experience redness, itching, or warmth.

I’ve seen what this substance can do with my own eyes. In a world where drug companies profit from endless prescriptions, is it any wonder that something as natural, cheap, and unpatented as DMSO gets left behind?