dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
• DMSO: it is a byproduct of wood pulp processing. There is medical grade that is safe and an industrial grade that is used in paint thinner and antifreeze. DMSO can be used as a solvent to transport molecules across cell membranes like the skin. DMSO taken internally or topically causes the person’s breath to smell like garlic or oysters. DMSO is a prescription drug given by catheter to treat interstitial cystitis. Therefore, it cannot be sold over the counter. Patients getting it from vendors are taking industrial-grade DMSO, which is unsafe. There are reports supporting DMSO’s ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.