Therapy
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)
A topical solvent-liquid some use on the skin over sore joints; requires caution and pharmaceutical-grade product only.
🛑 RemedyRank warns against this
Industrial-grade DMSO carries whatever else is in the drum straight through the skin and into the blood.
This page exists so the reasons are written down plainly, not because the practice is recommended. Nothing is sold here. If a doctor has prescribed something for a diagnosed condition, follow their guidance — that is a decision between you and them, and it is a different thing from trying this at home.
⤢📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 45/100Tap to see the breakdown
🌱 What it is
DMSO is a solvent that, in a purified pharmaceutical or food-grade liquid form, is applied topically by some people for joint discomfort; it is FDA-approved only for a bladder condition (interstitial cystitis) and is otherwise used off-label.
📜 Where it comes from
DMSO was first produced as an industrial solvent in the nineteenth century and only came to medical attention in the 1960s, when researchers noticed it could carry other substances through the skin and seemed to ease pain and swelling on its own. It gained a following among athletes and alternative-health circles in the following decades as a topical rub for sore joints, despite regulatory caution. Today only a purified pharmaceutical form has approved medical uses.
🙏 Begin with prayer
Prayer is the first remedy, not the last resort. Whether you are facing this yourself, caring for someone who is, or simply reading to understand — here is a simple prayer you are welcome to make your own, in your name or in theirs:
Dear God, I bring before You this small comfort for my aching joints. Thank You for the relief many find in it, and for the caution it requires — help me use only what is safe and pure, on skin that is whole. You are the One who binds up the broken and eases pain; whatever comfort this brings, may it be for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”— Psalm 147:3
🥄 How to use it
If using, apply only pharmaceutical or food-grade DMSO (never industrial grade) sparingly to clean, unbroken skin over the affected joint, following product directions closely; discuss with a healthcare provider first.
How much: As directed on the product label; typically a thin layer applied once or twice daily, short-term.
Why it works: DMSO penetrates the skin readily and is thought to have mild anti-inflammatoryA food or habit that helps calm swelling and redness in the body. More → and pain-relieving effects, though it also carries whatever else is on the skin into the bloodstream — which is part of why grade and skin cleanliness matter.
⚠️ Cautions
- Use only pharmaceutical/food-grade DMSO from a reputable source — industrial grade is unsafe for skin contact.
- Never apply to broken or irritated skin, since it carries substances into the bloodstream.
- Causes a distinctive garlic-like body odor and can cause skin irritation; discontinue if irritation occurs.
- Not FDA-approved for joint pain; talk with a doctor, especially if pregnant or on other medications.
📚 Learn more
🌿 Deeper natural detail
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🩺 The conventional view
💬 Ask Remy about DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)
📚 Resource confidence
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