Pointless
Member
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2016
- Messages
- 945
I've been using DMSO in various forms and in various uses for years. So I've decided to write up a primer for people that are new to DMSO. People can also post specific questions or references for DMSO that people might find interesting.
DMSO stands for dimethyl sulfoxide. It is a solvent, meaning it dissolves things. Its primary use among Peatarians is to dissolve drugs, hormones, vitamins, or other supplements so that they can absorb topically. Sometimes the bioavailability of a preparation like that meets or exceeds that of an intramuscular injection.
Ray Peat has expressed concern that DMSO could break down into toxic compounds or have unpredictable effects. This is a serious concern, but on the other hand, DMSO has a very low toxicity. There are no serious side effects. It has been in use for a very long time and is still FDA approved for some conditions like interstitial cystitis. It is also anti-inflammatory and is commonly used by runners, on horses, and for autoimmune diseases. The only side effect common at the low doses we use (doctors use huge infusions) is itchy skin or rash.
DMSO is a byproduct of the lumber industry, and it is an industrial solvent. DMSO of low or moderate purity has a strong smell that is described as garlicky, metallic, or bitter. If you use impure DMSO, it will make your whole body stink, and you will taste it in your mouth. USP DMSO does not have this effect at low doses. The same dose may create a different amount of odor in different people.
The big concern for people new to DMSO is unwittingly dissolving artificial compounds like lotion, dyes from clothing, makeup, or plastic products. If DMSO dissolves anything like that, it will carry it into your blood and even facilitate transport into your cells. I don't know any anecdotes of people being harmed by this, but apparently the researcher that discovered it handled it with latex gloves and had to be hospitalized because of latex poisoning. Some types of plastic will dissolve in DMSO (I've seen this personally) but most DMSO is sold in special plastic containers that won't dissolve.
As for application points of DMSO perparations, it works anywhere. Some people apply to locations with thin skin like the wrists or inside of the elbows, but that can cause more irritation if you have that issue. The thighs or calves or buttocks are better if that's the case. You should wash your hands with water after applying it.
Well that's it for now. I may add citations later. No guarantees lol.
DMSO stands for dimethyl sulfoxide. It is a solvent, meaning it dissolves things. Its primary use among Peatarians is to dissolve drugs, hormones, vitamins, or other supplements so that they can absorb topically. Sometimes the bioavailability of a preparation like that meets or exceeds that of an intramuscular injection.
Ray Peat has expressed concern that DMSO could break down into toxic compounds or have unpredictable effects. This is a serious concern, but on the other hand, DMSO has a very low toxicity. There are no serious side effects. It has been in use for a very long time and is still FDA approved for some conditions like interstitial cystitis. It is also anti-inflammatory and is commonly used by runners, on horses, and for autoimmune diseases. The only side effect common at the low doses we use (doctors use huge infusions) is itchy skin or rash.
DMSO is a byproduct of the lumber industry, and it is an industrial solvent. DMSO of low or moderate purity has a strong smell that is described as garlicky, metallic, or bitter. If you use impure DMSO, it will make your whole body stink, and you will taste it in your mouth. USP DMSO does not have this effect at low doses. The same dose may create a different amount of odor in different people.
The big concern for people new to DMSO is unwittingly dissolving artificial compounds like lotion, dyes from clothing, makeup, or plastic products. If DMSO dissolves anything like that, it will carry it into your blood and even facilitate transport into your cells. I don't know any anecdotes of people being harmed by this, but apparently the researcher that discovered it handled it with latex gloves and had to be hospitalized because of latex poisoning. Some types of plastic will dissolve in DMSO (I've seen this personally) but most DMSO is sold in special plastic containers that won't dissolve.
As for application points of DMSO perparations, it works anywhere. Some people apply to locations with thin skin like the wrists or inside of the elbows, but that can cause more irritation if you have that issue. The thighs or calves or buttocks are better if that's the case. You should wash your hands with water after applying it.
Well that's it for now. I may add citations later. No guarantees lol.