PDF Summary:Healing with DMSO, by Amandha Vollmer

Hailed for its remarkable ability to penetrate cellular barriers and act as a powerful solvent, Healing with DMSO by Amandha Vollmer explores the therapeutic potential of DMSO. This unassuming compound, derived from wood, boasts unique properties that enable it to transport a wide range of substances into the body with ease.

Vollmer delves into the versatile applications of DMSO, highlighting its effectiveness in alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, combating bacterial growth, and even shielding against radiation damage. The book also covers the proper protocols for safely utilizing DMSO, both alone and in combination with other natural remedies like essential oils and CBD.

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• The antimicrobial properties of DMSO may not be broad-spectrum, and its efficacy against certain strains of bacteria, fungi, and parasites could be limited.
• While DMSO can promote wound healing, it is not a substitute for comprehensive wound care management, which includes infection control, proper nutrition, and other medical interventions.
• There may be potential side effects or interactions of DMSO with other medications that are not addressed in the text, which could limit its use in certain patient populations.

It's crucial to grasp the proper methods for utilizing DMSO and to adhere to the recognized protocols.

Applying DMSO may occasionally result in temporary heightened skin sensitivity and cause the skin to redden.

To minimize skin irritation, consider diluting DMSO with water or incorporating aloe vera.

Vollmer cautions that while DMSO is generally considered safe, some individuals may experience heightened sensitivity, irritation, or skin redness, especially when using more concentrated versions of the substance. To create a topical DMSO solution, Amandha Vollmer recommends combining it with distilled water that is pure or with aloe vera gel juice that contains no preservatives. It helps to reduce its effectiveness and alleviate skin irritation. Vollmer advises to avoid applying DMSO to areas with open wounds or broken skin.

To assess individual sensitivity, it is advisable to incrementally increase the strength.

She emphasizes the importance of gradually increasing the concentration of DMSO and meticulously observing how the skin reacts. Start with a solution that is diluted to 20-30% strength and gradually increase the concentration as the body adapts. If you feel discomfort, such as warmth or itchiness, consider further weakening the concentration or ceasing application until the adverse effects subside.

In some cases, individuals may experience a detoxification response when using DMSO.

DMSO has the potential to trigger a detoxification process in the body that might initially intensify symptoms.

Vollmer explains that DMSO can trigger a detoxification reaction in some individuals, especially those with higher levels of accumulated toxins. DMSO possesses the ability to stimulate the elimination of accumulated toxins from body tissues, enabling these substances to be transferred to the circulatory system for eventual expulsion. This could result in a transient exacerbation of symptoms like tiredness and dermal reactions, which Vollmer characterizes as a "healing crisis."

Maintaining proper hydration levels aids in the natural detoxification of the body.

To mitigate the effects of detoxification, Vollmer recommends bolstering our body's natural detoxification processes through the consumption of pure water, adherence to a wholesome diet, and the incorporation of consistent physical activity and sauna sessions. She also emphasizes the importance of gradually incorporating DMSO into one's routine, starting with small amounts and progressively increasing the amount as the body becomes accustomed to it and improves its ability to eliminate toxins.

One must exercise caution when using DMSO.

It is recommended to avoid mixing DMSO with certain drugs or alcoholic beverages.

The author advises against drinking alcohol while using DMSO. Vollmer emphasizes how DMSO can alter the effects of various medications and chemicals. When ingested, DMSO amplifies the body's capacity to take in substances and heightens the impact of medications, thus increasing their effectiveness. Combining this substance with alcohol could lead to unexpected and hazardous outcomes.

DMSO's interaction with certain plastics and metals may cause them to deteriorate, thus it is essential to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the substances it comes into contact with.

Amandha Vollmer emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate containers and tools for DMSO storage and usage, as it can degrade certain plastics and metals. DMSO should be stored in containers made of glass, HDPE, or PETE plastics; however, it may have adverse reactions with softer plastics, including polystyrene and PVC. Ensure that DMSO does not come into contact with jewelry made from soft metals like aluminum, as well as those containing elements such as copper, iron, or tin, to avoid any possible chemical reactions.

Other Perspectives

• While diluting DMSO with water or aloe vera may minimize skin irritation, some individuals may still experience adverse reactions regardless of dilution, and alternative solvents or methods of application may be necessary.
• Incrementally increasing the strength of DMSO to assess individual sensitivity assumes a linear response, which may not be the case for all individuals; some may have non-linear or threshold responses to DMSO.
• The concept of a detoxification response, including the idea of a "healing crisis," is not universally accepted in the medical community and may be viewed as controversial or lacking in scientific evidence.
• Recommendations for maintaining proper hydration and a healthy lifestyle to aid detoxification are generally sound, but attributing enhanced detoxification capabilities specifically to DMSO use may be overstated without robust clinical evidence.
• The advice to avoid mixing DMSO with certain drugs or alcoholic beverages is prudent, but it may not emphasize enough the need for professional medical guidance when using DMSO, especially for individuals on medication regimens.
• The warning about DMSO's interaction with certain plastics and metals is important, but it may not account for all possible materials and scenarios, and users might benefit from more detailed guidance on safe storage and handling practices.

DMSO enhances the effectiveness of other natural remedies when used together.

DMSO enhances the skin's ability to absorb essential oils.

DMSO possesses the ability to carry substances like wintergreen, peppermint, and black pepper oils further into the depths of muscle and connective tissue.

Vollmer explores the amplification of benefits when DMSO is used in conjunction with essential oils. Amandha Vollmer explains that when DMSO is mixed with essential oils, it enhances their absorption, allowing the therapeutic qualities of the oils to reach further into the tissues. Essential oil molecules, which are quite large, can bind to DMSO molecules and in this way are carried across the skin's protective layer.

Combining DMSO with various essential oils can significantly alleviate pain and decrease swelling.

Vollmer demonstrates how to create powerful blends that incorporate DMSO and essential oils. Amandha Vollmer suggests using a blend of DMSO and wintergreen oil for reducing inflammation and discomfort, combining it with peppermint for the relief of headaches and neural inflammation, and incorporating it with black pepper oil to enhance lymphatic flow and reduce swelling.

DMSO amplifies the effectiveness of CBD oil and related products derived from cannabis.

DMSO increases the effectiveness of CBD and other cannabinoids through interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system.

Vollmer investigates the combined use of DMSO with CBD oil, a non-psychoactive extract from cannabis known for its pain relief and anxiety reduction properties. Vollmer suggests that the combination of DMSO with CBD greatly enhances the efficacy of CBD as it facilitates better integration and uptake by the body's endocannabinoid system.

The calming effects of CBD, such as reducing stress and alleviating pain, become more pronounced when combined with DMSO.

This vital network, crucial for managing emotional states and circadian rhythms, additionally coordinates our physiological reaction to pain and inflammation, with its receptors spread throughout the brain, immune system, and peripheral nervous system. Vollmer explains how DMSO boosts the interaction between cannabinoids and their respective receptors, leading to a cascade of positive effects that include pain relief, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep quality.

DMSO possesses the unique ability to extract and preserve healing compounds from plants.

DMSO is an effective solvent that extracts the active substances present in herbs and plants.

Vollmer offers advice on how to use DMSO to extract and preserve the healing qualities found in various plants. DMSO possesses the unique ability to decompose substances within the body while concurrently extracting potent compounds from plant materials, such as herbs. This creates a powerful blend that captures the medicinal properties of the plant, which can be applied topically or consumed to enhance well-being.

The use of DMSO in conjunction with compounds derived from plants significantly boosts their healing properties, offering benefits in addressing a wide array of health issues.

Vollmer recounts her personal experience with DMSO, explaining her process of utilizing it to extract powerful concentrates from various plants like arnica, St. John's wort, calendula, and horsetail, which ultimately led to the development of topically applied treatments with significant efficacy. She suggests that by combining this novel extraction method with other holistic therapies, there is a significant enhancement in the ability of the substance to permeate the skin, thereby boosting the healing effects.

Other Perspectives

• DMSO's ability to enhance skin absorption is not unique and can be achieved with other transdermal carriers; its safety profile needs to be considered, especially since it can carry potentially harmful substances through the skin as well.
• The efficacy of combining DMSO with essential oils for pain relief and swelling reduction lacks robust clinical evidence and should be approached with caution, as both DMSO and essential oils can have side effects or cause allergic reactions.
• While DMSO may increase the absorption of CBD, the interaction with the endocannabinoid system and the amplification of effects need more scientific validation through controlled studies.
• Claims about the enhanced calming effects of CBD when combined with DMSO are largely anecdotal and require further research to establish their validity and rule out placebo effects.
• The effectiveness of DMSO as a solvent for extracting active substances from plants is well-known, but the safety and efficacy of the resulting extracts for medicinal use require careful evaluation and standardization.
• The assertion that using DMSO with plant compounds universally boosts their healing properties is a broad claim that may not apply to all compounds or health issues and should be substantiated with scientific evidence.

Guidelines regarding the use of DMSO in the treatment of animals.

DMSO is widely acknowledged for its therapeutic applications, especially in treating horses within the field of veterinary medicine.

DMSO serves as a beneficial therapy for animals experiencing injuries of the musculoskeletal system, disorders of the joints, and ailments associated with arthritis.

Vollmer delves into the well-documented use of DMSO within the field of veterinary care, with a particular emphasis on equine therapy. DMSO is extensively used by equine therapists and veterinarians because it has received FDA approval for the diminution of severe swelling in horses and is applied in the treatment of numerous health issues including musculoskeletal injuries, arthritis, and joint pain.

DMSO is frequently used by veterinarians in different applications, including oral administration, direct skin application, or via feeding tubes, to preserve and enhance the well-being of horses.

Vollmer discusses various techniques for administering DMSO to horses, including topical application, oral ingestion, and the introduction through feeding tubes into their digestive system. DMSO is highly regarded for its versatile function in pain relief, mitigating swelling, and promoting healing in horse health.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of DMSO in humans, but only for a limited number of medical uses, primarily to enhance the delivery of certain medications.

DMSO has received approval for its role in the treatment of interstitial cystitis and is utilized as a safeguard for organs and tissues in the process of cryopreservation.

Despite growing research that underscores its safety and effectiveness, as well as its potential in veterinary care, the FDA has approved only a narrow range of uses for DMSO in human medicine. The RIMSO-50 sterile DMSO solution is approved for bladder instillation to alleviate pain stemming from a condition referred to as interstitial cystitis. The FDA in the United States has approved DMSO as a protective agent for tissues and organs during transplant procedures, helping to shield them from damage due to freezing and thawing.

The FDA has approved DMSO for specific medical applications, which encompasses its integration into devices and pharmaceutical formulations.

Beyond these primary uses, Vollmer emphasizes that DMSO plays a crucial role in specialized equipment and mixtures, mainly by improving the delivery of drugs or acting as a solvent. For example, DMSO is used as a carrier in medical devices like Onyx, which is applied in the treatment of brain aneurysms, and Tegress, which is used to enhance the structure of the urinary canal. DMSO is employed in pharmaceutical contexts like Viadur, an implantable device designed to dispense medication specifically aimed at managing prostate cancer.

The healing advantages of DMSO remain a subject of debate and have not yet achieved broad acceptance.

The FDA has consistently maintained a cautious stance, harboring skepticism about the safety and efficacy of DMSO despite a multitude of studies.

Vollmer expresses her frustration that despite the abundance of research and significant clinical evidence supporting the safety and therapeutic benefits of DMSO, conventional medical practices continue to largely ignore the incorporation of this substance into treatments. She associates the skepticism about DMSO with concerns about its safety, which were initially sparked by studies that showed eye changes in animals exposed to high levels of the substance, concerns that were put forth by the regulatory agency responsible for drug safety.

The interest and investment of drug companies have been limited because DMSO lacks exclusive patent rights.

Vollmer also emphasizes that the inability to patent DMSO plays a major role in limiting its more prevalent use. Pharmaceutical companies are often disinclined to invest in the research and development of substances such as DMSO because they cannot be patented. This lack of financial backing limits the availability of high-quality clinical trials and impedes the process of gaining FDA approval for broader medical applications.

Other Perspectives

• The FDA's cautious stance on DMSO may be justified due to the potential for side effects and the need for more comprehensive studies to ensure safety and efficacy in humans.
• The effectiveness of DMSO in veterinary medicine, while widely acknowledged, may not be universally supported by all studies, and there could be a bias in reporting positive outcomes.
• The use of DMSO in humans is limited for a reason, and off-label uses may not be adequately studied or could pose unknown risks.
• The argument that pharmaceutical companies' lack of interest is solely due to the inability to patent DMSO oversimplifies the complexities of drug development and ignores other factors like market demand and regulatory hurdles.
• The claim that DMSO is underutilized due to a lack of patentability does not consider the possibility that its therapeutic benefits may be overstated or insufficiently proven in comparison to other treatments.
• The assertion that skepticism about DMSO is primarily due to early studies showing eye changes in animals may ignore ongoing concerns about its purity, consistency of formulation, and long-term effects.
• The use of DMSO in medical devices and pharmaceuticals, while approved, may not be indicative of its safety or efficacy in broader applications, and each use case should be evaluated on its own merits.