Have you ever noticed how some of the most promising natural remedies never seem to make it past the medical “gatekeepers”? Dimethyl Sulfoxide (better known as DMSO) is one of those.
In the 1960s, DMSO was splashed across the headlines as a breakthrough (Science News). It was easing pain, calming inflammation, even helping stubborn injuries heal — and people were taking notice. Doctors were curious. Patients were grateful. Relief was real.
But the excitement didn’t last. Almost overnight, DMSO was buried under controversy and stalled by regulatory red tape. Some said it was “too cheap” to ever make it big in the world of medicine. What could have been a household name quietly slipped into the shadows.
Now, decades later, this once-forgotten remedy is being rediscovered. And I for one, am glad. Its potential is just as remarkable today as it was back then. And maybe even more so, as science catches up.
The Many Benefits of DMSO
- Pain relief at the source. Unlike OTC pain relievers that have to move through your entire system, DMSO can be applied right where it hurts. It penetrates deeply into tissues and calms inflammation fast. In fact, research shows that within just 15 minutes, DMSO has already passed through the outermost layer of the skin (ResearchGate).
- Speedy healing. Athletes and doctors once praised its ability to accelerate recovery from injuries, sprains, and even post-surgical wounds.
- A natural anti-inflammatory. It doesn’t just mask pain — it quiets the inflammation behind it.
- A free radical fighter. DMSO acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress that accelerates aging and chronic disease.
- A transporter. One of its most unique qualities is that it carries other beneficial compounds straight into your tissues, where they’re needed most.
- Support for eye health. Research has even explored DMSO’s role in conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, thanks to its ability to improve circulation and reduce oxidative stress in delicate eye tissues. You can read more in my earlier article on natural eye remedies.
And in a study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research, researchers determined that “DMSO has shown promise in the off-label treatment of basal cell carcinoma, pressure ulcers, scleroderma, herpes simplex, cutaneous fungal infections, and amyloidosis.”
No wonder it was once called a “wonder drug without a patent.”
How To Use DMSO
Most often, you’ll see it as a clear liquid, though gels and creams are available, too. It’s applied directly onto the skin, where it is absorbed within minutes into the tissues underneath.
CAUTION: Because the liquid form of DMSO is so strong, you don’t want to use it full strength. Dilute it about 50/50 with distilled water or aloe vera gel. Start with an even weaker mix — closer to 70% aloe or water and 30% DMSO — if you have sensitive skin.
DMSO is also available in gel form* that is pre-mixed with aloe vera or distilled water.
One more thing: DMSO carries anything on your skin straight into the bloodstream, so you always want to apply it to clean, product-free skin. No lotions, perfumes, or residues — just the DMSO blend.
Where to Find DMSO?
>>Look for a pharma grade liquid like these from LuvBoate or DMSO Store. *Or try a DMSO gel with aloe like this one by Womrich.
Resources:
Karim M, Boikess RS, Schwartz RA, Cohen PJ. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): a solvent that may solve selected cutaneous clinical challenges. Arch Dermatol Res. 2023 Aug;315(6):1465-1472. doi: 10.1007/s00403-022-02494-1. Epub 2022 Dec 2. PMID: 36459193.
Rawls WF, Cox L, Rovner ES. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as intravesical therapy for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: A review. Neurourol Urodyn. 2017 Sep;36(7):1677-1684. doi: 10.1002/nau.23204. Epub 2017 Feb 21. PMID: 28220525.
Swanson BN. Medical use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Rev Clin Basic Pharm. 1985 Jan-Jun;5(1-2):1-33. PMID: 3916302.
16 Responses
When I read the information about its DMSO on Earth Harmony site it says to avoid contact with skin. So I am confused as to application.
Linda, thanks for your comment. That’s why we recommend diluting it (about 50/50) with distilled water or aloe vera gel. Start with an even weaker mix — closer to 70% aloe or water and 30% DMSO — if you have sensitive skin. DMSO is also available in gel form that is pre-mixed with aloe vera or distilled water. Hope this helps! – Team ALG
Have you used dmso with castor oil?
Kimberly, we’ve never used it with castor oil so cannot say definitively. – Team ALG
Hi – there are Facebook Groups for DMSO you might to view. Yes, castor oil is used with DMSO by a number of people.
I’m going to give it a try for planter fasciitis
Jackie, let us know how it works! And a reminder: because liquid DMSO is so strong, always dilute it — about half DMSO and half distilled water or aloe vera. If you have sensitive skin, start weaker (around 30% DMSO, 70% water or aloe). You can also buy pre-mixed gel formulas. And remember: DMSO carries anything on your skin into the bloodstream, so apply only to clean, product-free skin. – Team ALG
Can you use this product if you are allergic to Sulfa?
Melinda, DMSO is a sulfur-containing compound, but it does not have the same structure as sulfonamide antibiotics. Because of that, many people with a “sulfa allergy” can tolerate DMSO without issue. That said, it’s not a guarantee. Everyone reacts differently, and DMSO is a strong penetrant—so if you’re sensitive, it could still cause irritation or an unexpected reaction. Hope this helps! – Team ALG
There are Facebook groups using DMSO. I did read a number of folks use castor oil with DMSO.
If using for cataracts does one apply the diluted oil on the eye lid?
Sherry, yes — but always with caution. DMSO should never be put directly into the eye. If used, it’s only applied in a very diluted form around the eyelid. – Team ALG
Can’t seem to find Womrich brand anywhere. Does anyone have another recommendation for a brand of gel?
Silvana, try this brand of DMSO Gel with Aloe Vera by Natural Healthy Concepts – Team ALG
https://www.nhc.com/dmso-gel-aloe-vera-by-dmso
What about poke root and dmso mixed with castor oil. I have used poke root to clear away a lump i had on my shoulder lymphatic system. Not sure if mixing poke root and dmso is safe.
Darrell, we are not sure if that combination is safe and so cannot recommend at this time – Team ALG