The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Knee Pain
Posted by Karen (Sydney, Nsw) on 10/03/2010
★★★★★
I have really bad knees which seemed to be getting worse each week... I bought MSM on ebay here in Australia.. 400 gms and the cost was $20 for the MSM and $5 to send... I started on one teaspoon a day and have increased it to 2 teaspoons a day in orange juice, ( one teaspoon in each glass)... I wouldn't be able to walk if I hadn't started on MSM , as the pain was so severe.. I read the powder form is much bettr than the tablets as the tablets have fillers.. All I know is within one day of taking MSM, the pain was gone... I combine MSM with Castor oil.. The Castor oil I rub into the front and back of my knees.... It is fantastic... Look for the MSM that has some lumpy bits in it.... That way you know it has no fillers... It was the best $25 I've ever spent and the tub should last at least 3 months...
Side Effects and Warnings
Posted by Lisa (Lafayette, La) on 09/27/2010
Troy, I am sure everyone understands what detox is. But when your 48 yr old husband whom you love more than life itself wakes up in the middle of the night with a heart jumping out of control after taking msm for 2 days, detox is the last thing on your mind!!! My hubby had already made 2 trips to the ER with rapid heartbeat a couple years ago. These symptoms decreased to almost zero with the addition of magnesium, co-q-10 and L-carnitine to his daily diet, but is now truly down to zero after adding d-3, k-2, quercetin and milk thistle. Yay!! Then last night, he had another episode thing with the heart pounding. I also had severe head pain and EXCESSIVE thirst, even though I drink tons of water. We are stopping this msm after only 2 days. He doesn't need it bad enough to experience heart problems, and try to work through a "detox". I need HIM around more than he needs msm! To encourage someone to stay on something that is causing serious side effects is simply dangerous advise in my opinion! Arthritic and joint pain can be treated with Hyaluronic Acid, which is what we are doing. Husband just wanted to add the msm to see if the results would be even greater, so that's why we added it to our mix. Not anymore, though! I'm throwing out that big bag of white powder today!
Where to Buy
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/06/2010 490 posts
Hi Peter from Chicago,
Happy to share with you where I purchase my MSM. Hope they have a farmer's co-op near you because that is where I purchase mine. Just go to the co-op and head for the animal medicine section. The container will be labeled "not for human consumption". If you can't find a co-op there, I used to order mine from ProFormula Labs in Davies, Fla. If you do get at the co-op, just make sure that it is packaged well and is l00% pure MSM. Lots of luck on getting rid of that problem. Another possibility you might call AHC Products in Winchester, Ky. 859-737-3441. This is the brand I have been getting at the present co-op and I know that they put it out in 2 1/2 lb & 6 lb containers. Don't be afraid to use the large end of the scoop once or twice a day - allegedly Dr. Jacob's has had no unwanted side effects from taking the race horse dose for years and neither have I.
Where to Buy
Posted by Peter (Chicago, Il) on 08/03/2010
Joyce from Joelton, Tn,
Can you let us know where (phone #) do you buy your MSM powder from? Most of the MSM in the market is from China. Thanks!
Asthma
Posted by Jacqui (Plainville, Massachusetts) on 06/25/2010
★★★★★
MSM cured my Asthma. I have been using ACV for quite some time now without any measurable improvement in my Asthma, but I will continue to use it for all its other health benefits. I wanted desperately to find something to help my Asthma. I have had Asthma since I was 6 (I'm now 35) and it became much worse 11 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter. I have been using Advair and Ventolin for years, but I don't want to be dependent on them. I ran out of my Advair about a week and a half ago and my Asthma became out of control. I was waking up a couple of times a night needing my rescue inhaler and I struggled throughout the day. I took 2 1,000 mg capsules of MSM yesterday (I broke the powder into applesauce) and I was able to sleep through the night and wake up without ANY issues! I took a second dose this morning and again just now. I haven't had so much as a wheeze all day! I feel like a new woman! I will let you know how I feel after continued use. I LOVE this site!
Urinary Incontinence
Posted by Catherine (Wellington, New Zealand) on 05/04/2010
★★★★★
To Ted: Early this year I had a very bad UTI and ended up in hospital. Afterwards I had trouble with extreme urgency and thought that I would now have to rely on pads for the rest of my life. I had already been taking ACV regularly, so no obvious help there...However, a couple of weeks ago I started regularly taking MSM (500mg x 2 times daily).I was suprised on the second day after starting that I no longer had the "before and after" dripping problem. On the third day I was amazed at being able to hold on for 10 minutes instead of the usual 10 seconds. Since then I have had no real problems and no longer need to wear pads. I have an idea about why this worked for me but of course I have no proof, but perhaps the infection weakened my bladder (or kidneys) sufficiently to allow some opportunistic parasites to invade and the MSM killed them off. I would be interested in your thoughts on this. As ever Earth Clinic is a wonderful source of information and support.
Side Effects and Warnings
Posted by Troy (Dublin, Va, Usa) on 04/26/2010
Folks, you have got to understand what detox is. A detox can do all sorts of strange things, until it runs its course. The best thing may be to go slow in the beginning. I highly doubt there could be a true allergic reaction to pure MSM. Because, it is in pretty much every cell in your body, and in pretty much every living thing on the planet. It is a very important nutrient. If you are allergic to it, you would be allergic to your own body.
Increases Energy
Posted by Maz (Sydney, Australia) on 01/18/2010
★★★★★
I have started using 3000mg of pure MSM (capsule form) and also found my energy levels are through the roof! I'm taking msm for melasma but this is a fantastic side effect
Sorry for all the posts but I think this website has changed my life!
Maz :)
Broad Benefits
Posted by John (Nyc, Ny) on 01/15/2010
★★★★★
I have been in the healing profession (practitioner, researcher, advocate) for 30 years, nothing comes close to my experience with MSM. I am so sorry it took this long to try it.
My chronic asthma gone in 3 days!! On albuterol for almost 40 years. I am in shock.
Some side effects which I consider to be cleansing symptoms. Nausea, sleeplessness and skin breakouts, but I did start on a high dose of 20 grams a day. After three weeks no more 'side effects'.
My energy has greatly increased, I feel quite euphoric every day now. The only time I had that kind of euphoria was by drinking three glasses of organic green juices a day. I think people on heavy medications, mercury fillings, toxic diet are going to have more difficulties with it, so building up from a small dose with extra vitamin C and plenty of pure water will help.
The other supplement that really helps is Vitamin D3, I take 16,000iu liquid daily, no colds for two years now and my chronic bronchitis of 20 years has disappeared.
Some years it was mild others, severe triggering serious asthma attacks. So the combination of Vitamin D3 and MSM has been miraculous for me. This great website encouraged me to try MSM. Thanks so much.
p.s. Brushing my teeth with MSM has whitened them.
COPD
Posted by Kim (Birmingham, England ) on 09/21/2009
★★★★★
I have been taking MSM for a while now and I have to say my asthma/COPD is much improved. However, MSM does contain sulphates which some individuals may be sensitive to and may cause some side effects. I have read from a very good source that this can be largely overcome by taking a supplementation of molybedenum(500mcg). Hope this helps.
Arthritis
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/31/2009 490 posts
★★★★★
When I first learned about MSM from an artcle in Journal of Longevity about 15 or more years ago, I read that one of the doctors treating patients with it had been taking the race horse dose for years to see if any adverse side effects occurred. Supposedly at the age of 75(at time article was written), he still had a full head of dark hair and was still teaching medicine as well as practicing medicine.
I started off at the race horse dosage myself and continued at that dose. I wasn't aware that it was doing anything until one night I noticed it was raining and my joints that had always warned me that weather change was coming, hadn't warned me! I took MSM daily for several years at the large dosage for race horses.
I have to admit that I have gotten quite lax with it over the last few years, but my knees are giving me twinges now and then. When they do I go back on the large dose daily until I forget I had the problem, and then get slack again.
MSM supposedly has both antiinflammatory properties as well as cell regeneration. You can find a lot of information on line about MSM. There is also a book written by the doctor who wrote the article that let me in on the MSM, and I believe Dr. Jacobs (the one taking racehorse dose for years) co-authored the book on MSM. You should be able to find it in any bookstore.
Where to Buy
Posted by Digger (Tagbileran, Phillipines) on 05/30/2009
Hi to Ted...hi mate im Australian and i use MSM and DMSO...I buy these products in australia when i visit there.. But i also visit thailand a lot..Is there anywhere that i can BUY DMSO in Thailand..or if not, can you tell me where you buy your DMSO from. Thanks. Digger
Tennis Elbow
Posted by Mark (Albany, NY) on 04/28/2009
★★★★★
I just read about MSM for tennis elbow. My elbow has been killing me for like 3 days. Cracking, snapping, just all around pain like you wouldn't believe. I don't play tennis or golf, I'm a plumber so I use my hands all day. I think it's from sitting at the computer with my elbow hanging off as I use the mouse. Anyways, I was ready to cut my arm off with a sawzall until I read about this MSM and decided to give it a shot. I went to the local Health store and they had come 15% pure MSM cream. Cost like $8.00 for a small bottle. Got home, still in pain and rubbed it on. Okay, so within like 1 minute...pain gone. I am not kidding, this really works! So whatever is in it totally works and I'm a believer. Magic bullet...pain gone! Still a little soreness but the aching, snapping is gone! Thanks Earth Clinic and your posts people! Love this site !!! Keep posting !!!!!
Skin Pigmentation
Posted by Jodie (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 03/10/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have used msm for 8 months for pigmentation. At first I had many symptoms of an adverse reaction such as lethargy, headaches, diarrhea and felt dizzy constantly. I also had gradually increased the dose over a couple of weeks. After a couple of months I could no longer stand it and stopped taking it. I eventually started taking it again after I stopped drinking Alcohol and coffee for a couple of months and began eating a lot of fresh veges and fruit. I also changed the brand of msm to a pure crystal form (100% crown msm). To my surprise I have had absolutely no reaction this time and am taking up to 12 mgs daily. My pigmentation is slowly breaking up and fading slightly. It has reduced my pigmentation by approximately 30% (It covered most of my face).
Where to Buy
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 02/23/2009 392 posts
MSM helps melasma if sufficient quantity is taken. However, MSM is not sold in Thailand. Although a common acne medication such as azelaic acid and retinoic acid may reduce some of those issues. It is said that excessive production of estrogen and progesterone brings about melasma, although I believe that vitamin E 400 i.u. also tends to normalize some of these hormone imbalances as this is one of remedies used to alleviate menopause, which is a hormonal imbalance.
Where to Buy
Posted by Melody (Bangkok, Thailand) on 02/19/2009
Hi to Ted! I wanted to know where I can buy msm supplements here in Bangkok? I have problems with melasma. I heard msm is good and effective for melasma problem. thanks.
MSM for Pets
Posted by Kim (Boise, Idaho) on 12/12/2008
★★★★★
I just found this site and love it. I read all on MSM. I have been using it for over 10 yrs. I first heard of it when my Bullmastiff ripped a musle in his back leg completely in half. He could not use his back leg at all. After about 7-10 days on 1TBS of MSN a day he started using his leg a little at a time. When he began using his leg regularly I then just added a sprinkle to his water eveyday. In about 6months I noticed his eyes had cleared up. He was almost blind when I adopted him.
During this time I read everything I could about MSM and found that it does detox you among other things. If you read anything on detox you will find that it is important to go slow, after years of use of perscription drugs, and loads of other toxins we breath and eat every day it is not suprising to me that so many people had bad reactions. I also noticed that almost every one was still taking perscription drugs as well as MSM. Some of the side effects if not all of them sounded like basic detox results. You must slow down your detox. Your body was telling you it needed more water. Was it tap water? You should have several BM aday your body is purdging things out. If I were havig these side effects I would do more research on detox side effects and how to slow down and treat natually. For instance look at what happens to drug addicts. It can be life threatening! Remember more is not always better and education is the answer. I hope you all find the answers you are looking for.
Another thing to try- If you have a sick dog put MSM in a bowl about a tablespoon. Right next to his food. I use loose not caps. I have done this with healthy animals as well. But every single time the ill dog has lapped it up. I give it to all my animals birds, turtles, snakes, hedgehog, lizard, cat, dog,and tortis. Animals instinctivly know what they need. They have always taken it when offered. Good luck to all of you.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Posted by Lynn (Tn) on 10/14/2008
Yesterday was the appt with the Neurosurgeon. He said Ronnie's neck is healing good, but that alot of bone still needs to grow at the graft site. That usually takes 4-5 months to complete. He also said that the "electric buzz" feeling that Ronnie has when he hits a bump in the sidewalk, is in fact, the nerve pathways healing, trying to make connections. That is good news, for sure...
EC: The above email was sent to Joyce by her nephew's wife.
Reprinted on Earth Clinic with permission.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 10/14/2008 490 posts
★★★★★
At the end of August my 59 year old active male relative fractured, I believe it was 3 cervical (neck) vertabrae in an accident. He remembers floating face down in the water and thought he was going to drown before someone turned him over. He said he remembers telling them that he couldn't feel anything at that time. He was airflighted home on the ventilator and went through surgical repair after extensive studies of his injuries. Because of heavy sedation, still on ventilator, and complications of pneumonia communication was very limited, but about the only progress noted during the next two weeks was in trying to wean him off the ventilator, to find that he could do some breathing on his own, but he was still on the ventilator much of the time, however the respiratory rate was set much slower which means that he was doing a lot of breathing on his own (vent doesn't kick in as long as the patient is breathing adequately without it). When moved to rehabilitation, he had some sensory function of upper and lower extremities, very slight motor function of the upper extremities. When asked for prognosis, about the only thing his doctors would tell the family was that the longer he went without regaining use of arms & legs, the less likely that he would ever regain it.
About 2 or 3 weeks after entering rehab, he and his wife decided to restart him on MSM since it had helped his arthritis so much before the accident. Approximately 1 week after restarting MSM, when she carried carried him for walks in his wheelchair, he suddenly started talking about getting what he described as a "total body electrical buzz" everytime the wheelchair hit a bump, which was a new experience for him. He has regained more use of hands and fingers also. We are hoping that continuation of the MSM will awaken the motor function pathways in his spinal cord as it apparently has in the sensory pathways. His need for pain medication decreased after the "total body electrical buzz" began also.
Of course he has also had a lot of prayers sent out by many people which we are sure have made a difference also.
P.S. I googled MSM and found that DMSO is converted into MSM by our bodies and is composed of a methyl group (chemistry lingo) and two other methyl groups they mentioned were folic acid and Bl2. It also said that it is active in regenerating connective tissue. I think I told you about my brother starting what I called CNS twitching, my sister-in-law motioning me into another room and telling me that the oncology doctors at VUH saying it meant metastases to the brain and he didn't have as much chance as a snowball, you know where. After saying bull, I'll be back in a few, I went to the drug store and purchased that methyl group called folic acid to add to his macro vitamin/minerals we already had him on, and got rid of the CNS twitches in a few days. So just maybe old methyl group MSM can also regenerate neuron pathways in the spinal cord too.
Back Pain
Posted by Kim (Sussex, England) on 08/24/2008
★★★★★
I have taken MSM for years which has helped me with the pain of arthritis. Last year I recommended MSM to an elderly man who drives a tractor who was hunched over when he stood up and seemed to be in pain (though loathe to admit it). I saw him again recently and noticed that he had changed from being bent over to standing fairly straight. I remarked upon this and he said that he was taking MSM every day and that he felt much better.
Dosage and Tips
Posted by Maxine (Havana, Arkansas, USA) on 08/17/2008
★★★★★
For all you people who have had a bad reaction to msm. You must start out taking very small amounts and work up to a larger dose. You will have herxhimer syndrome (body getting rid of bad stuff) if you dont. I get mine from vet supply, 5 lbs at a time, msm for horses, it has no fillers 99.9 % pure. Start out with 1/8 tsp, put on back of tongue, because of taste. I have been taking it many years, but had some bad symptoms at first.
EC: Thanks, Maxine. Very good to know...
