DMSO to the Rescue: A Life-Saving Natural Remedy

The Bioregulatory Medicine Institute

An Old Herbalist’s Adage

There’s an old herbalist’s adage—something both mystical and deeply practical—that says the plants growing closest to you are the ones your body most needs. I’ve always found that idea beautiful, even poetic. But more than that, I believe it’s true. Nature speaks, if we’re willing to listen. Sometimes, what we most need shows up not in a bottle or a textbook– but in a story passed on in a half-remembered podcast–in a decision you almost made—but didn’t.

Earlier this spring I’d been listening to a podcast, somewhat off-the-beaten-path, featuring a man endearingly dubbed “Bob the Plumber.” The main topic was chlorine dioxide—controversial, of course, but intriguing… At one point the conversation took a brief but unforgettable detour into DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide. Bob recounted a story that stuck with me. He told his friend, quite emphatically, that if there’s one thing to always keep on hand, it’s DMSO. His reasoning? In the event of a heart attack or stroke, take a swig—fast. It might save your life. He gave his friend a bottle with the added information that there is no lethal dose.--That was comforting!

What happened next was the kind of synchronicity you can’t plan. Just days later, that very friend was driving when he began to feel strange—alarming symptoms that made him pull over, fearing something serious was unfolding. In a moment of panic and clarity, he remembered Bob’s advice. He reached for the DMSO and took a swig. What followed wasn’t easy—he felt worse before he felt better—but within minutes, the fog lifted. He was okay. That story found a quiet place in the back of my mind. I didn’t forget it. I just tucked it away.

Synchronicity in Action: An Unexpected Rescue

Fast forward a month or so later. My husband and I were driving to Maine, a long, beautiful trip that took us through back roads and into the charming town of Bar Harbor. It was late when we arrived. Tired, mildly dehydrated, and off our usual supplement routines, we shared a local IPA (probably not the best solution for dehydration) with dinner and turned in for the night.

At 5:30 the next morning, my husband shook me awake with calm urgency. “I can’t feel the right side of my body,” he said.

I snapped to attention. I wanted to call 911. It was instinctual, immediate. But we had talked about this before—our deep mistrust in a medical system that too often treats symptoms in isolation and fails to ask why. “No,” he said firmly. “I’d rather die here.” (Feel free to laugh here—we both did before returning to our serious predicament.)

He was calm. Awake. No facial asymmetry. I took a breath. Dehydration. Electrolyte imbalance. Everything I could think of in my power. As I reached for my travel supplements, I had the sharp memory of the DMSO bottle sitting at home, and the fleeting moment before the trip when I’d almost packed it—but didn’t.

Instead, I gave him water. I added sea salt—always in our bag—and magnesium, potassium, turmeric, and a few others. We waited. His symptoms ebbed and flowed. He could walk, but not well. He was functioning, but his right side remained numb.

By 8 a.m., we were at Tractor Supply—the only place open that early—and I remembered having seen DMSO on the shelves at our local store back home. They had it here too, though only one jar left in gel form with a 99% concentration. Not ideal, but it would have to do.

He took a small amount—somewhere between an eighth and a quarter teaspoon–with plenty of water both before and after. While I recalled reading that DMSO has no known lethal dose, I also remembered the account from Bob the Plumber’s friend. We didn’t need to be drastic and he proceeded cautiously.

Within a minute, something shifted. Half of his symptoms melted away. Encouraged, he took a bit more. Within ten minutes, only a faint numbness lingered—in his right pinky. And within the hour, even that was gone.

Time For a Hike While Looking for the Root Cause

That day we kept our plans and hiked. And yes, we continue to investigate the underlying cause—not dismissing the seriousness, but also not surrendering to fear. We’re exploring it through a bioregulatory approach of finding the root cause. That may be another story for a later time. 

I am hopeful this experience powerfully demonstrates why you, too, might consider keeping a bottle on hand—just in case. Read on to learn more about DMSO: its fascinating history, wide-ranging benefits, practical uses, and important safety considerations.

History of DMSO

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was first synthesized in 1866 by Russian chemist Alexander Zaytsev, who oxidized dimethyl sulfide—a papermaking byproduct—using nitric acid. Intrigued by the resulting oily, colorless liquid, Zaytsev and his colleagues quickly recognized its remarkable solvent properties. He published his findings in a German journal in 1867. However, for nearly a century, DMSO remained largely an industrial byproduct with limited scientific or medical interest.

Its potential began to gain attention in the early 1960s, when Dr. Stanley Jacob and his team at Oregon Health & Science University discovered that DMSO could penetrate skin and biological membranes without causing damage—and could transport other substances with it. This property sparked widespread research into its use as a topical analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent.

Interesting Anecdotes

Dr. Jacob reportedly consumed a teaspoon of DMSO daily for over 30 years, claiming he never caught a cold or flu during that time. He once described DMSO as “the most potent free radical scavenger known to man,” underscoring its potential in neutralizing harmful molecules in the body.

Despite early enthusiasm, DMSO's medical use became controversial, particularly after the thalidomide tragedy of the 1960s prompted tighter FDA regulations. In 1978, the FDA approved a 50% DMSO solution (Rimso-50) for intravesical use in treating interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder condition. This remains the only FDA-approved human use of DMSO in the United States, though it is approved for veterinary applications and remains widely used internationally.

Health Benefits of DMSO

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

DMSO is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It appears to block peripheral nerve C fibers, reducing pain transmission, and may inhibit inflammatory pathways. This has led to its experimental use in treating chronic pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Antioxidant Properties

As a potent free radical scavenger, DMSO reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful molecules. This antioxidant activity may contribute to its therapeutic potential in inflammatory and degenerative diseases.

Other Potential Benefits:

• Interstitial Cystitis: DMSO's only FDA-approved human application is the intravesical treatment of interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder condition. It is believed to provide symptom relief by reducing inflammation and muscle spasms.

• Chemotherapy Support: DMSO is used in clinical settings to protect the skin from extravasation injury caused by certain chemotherapy agents and is a well-established cryoprotectant for preserving stem cells and other biological products.

• Wound Healing: Some studies suggest that DMSO may enhance wound healing, including in cases of burns, surgical wounds, and diabetic foot ulcers, by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.

• Amyloidosis and Peptic Ulcers: Preliminary studies have explored DMSO’s potential benefits in rare conditions such as amyloidosis and in preventing recurrent peptic ulcers, though more research is needed.

• Neuroprotection: Animal studies and early clinical reports indicate that DMSO may help reduce intracranial pressure and protect neural tissues following central nervous system trauma, possibly by improving microcirculation and stabilizing vital functions.

• Immune Modulation: Recent findings suggest that DMSO may modulate the immune system, enhancing certain immune responses while suppressing excessive inflammation.

  
  

Medical Uses:

• Topical Analgesic: DMSO is commonly applied as a cream or gel to relieve localized pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.

• Drug Delivery: It serves as a carrier to improve the skin absorption of other medications, including antifungal agents and various transdermal drugs.

• Intravesical Therapy: DMSO is administered directly into the bladder to treat interstitial cystitis, providing symptomatic relief for this chronic bladder condition.

• Intravenous Therapy: In integrative and alternative medicine, intravenous DMSO is sometimes used for managing pain, inflammation, detoxification, and promoting cellular repair. However, this practice lacks FDA approval and should be approached cautiously.

Non-Medical and Industrial Uses

DMSO’s excellent solvent properties make it valuable in numerous industrial applications. It is widely utilized in manufacturing processes such as paint removers and cleaning agents, and it even finds use as a flavoring agent in the food industry.

Safety and Risks

When used as directed for FDA-approved purposes like interstitial cystitis, DMSO is generally considered safe. However, its use outside approved indications is not regulated and may involve risks. Common side effects include skin irritation, a distinctive garlic-like odor on the breath and skin, and stomach discomfort. More severe reactions—such as dizziness, drowsiness, or allergic responses—are rare but possible.

A notable safety concern is DMSO’s ability to increase the absorption of substances through the skin, which can lead to unintended toxicity if contaminants or impurities are present. Therefore, purity and careful handling are critical. Pregnant and breastfeeding are advised to avoid DMSO, and medical supervision is strongly advised, particularly with oral or intravenous administration.

Conclusion

DMSO’s history is a fascinating blend of promise, discovery, and ongoing exploration. While it is FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of interstitial cystitis, its well-documented anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have inspired interest and hopeful research across a wide range of conditions. The growing body of both scientific studies and anecdotal reports points to DMSO’s potential as a versatile, natural agent that may support healing in ways conventional treatments sometimes cannot.

Though many of its uses await further clinical validation, the experiences shared by users and researchers alike highlight the unique ways DMSO can enhance well-being and respond to acute situations, as in the story above. It stands as a reminder that nature’s gifts—sometimes overlooked or misunderstood—can hold powerful keys to health when approached thoughtfully and responsibly.

And perhaps, in the spirit of that old herbalist’s adage, this story reminds us to stay open to what’s growing closest to us—whether that’s plants, stories, or sudden moments of insight—because sometimes, what we most need is already near, waiting quietly for us to listen.

References:

• Shulyak, A. B., et al. “Modern Aspects of the Use of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO).” Docslib. https://docslib.org/doc/6282262/modern-aspects-of-the-use-of-dimethyl-sulfoxide-dmso-1shulyak-a

• Jacob, S. W., and Herschler, R. J. “Pharmacology of Dimethyl Sulfoxide.” Cryobiology 23, no. 1 (1986): 14–27.

• Manjunath, A. S. “Dimethyl Sulfoxide: A Review of Pharmacology and Clinical Effect on Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.” ResearchGate, 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375559990

• Jacob, S. W. “Interview and Commentary.” DMSO.org. https://www.dmso.org/articles/interstitialcystitis/icu.htm

• Jacob, S. W., and Pope, D. E. “Topical and Systemic Use of DMSO in Pain Management.” Current Therapeutic Research 6 (1964): 134–198.

• Jacob, S. W., and Rosenbaum, E. E. Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) in Trauma and Neurosurgery. https://www.dmso.org/articles/information/jacob.htm

• Jacob, S. W., and Herschler, R. J. “Wound and Peptic Ulcer Applications of DMSO.” Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1980.

• Mayersohn, M., and Conrad, K. A. “Transdermal Drug Delivery Using DMSO.” American Journal of Pharmacy, 1973.

• Kligman, A. M. “Topical Pharmacology and Toxicology of DMSO.” JAMA 193 (1965): 796–804.

• Grinspoon, Peter. “Is Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) Effective for Pain Relief?” Health, September 22, 2024. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://www.health.com/dimethyl-sulfoxide-8704851

Bioregulatory medicine is a total body (and mind) approach to health and healing that aims to help facilitate and restore natural human biological processes. It is a proven, safe, gentle, highly effective, drugless, and side-effect-free medical model designed to naturally support the body to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. BRMI is a non-commercial 501(c)(3) foundation and will expand and flourish with your support. Our goal is to make bioregulatory medicine a household term.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the direct care of a qualified health practitioner who oversees and provides unique and individualized care. The information provided here is to broaden our different perspectives and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.