stock here: A-Eye was abhored that I was considering “beta testing” DMSO, it has been on my radar for many years, and I own some, somewhere. Important note: any topical application must have the skin washed big time, and with pure water or distilled water.

Garlic has been used for centuries as food and medicine. DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), discovered in the mid-20th century, has been called a ‘miracle solvent’ for its unique ability to carry substances through the skin and cell membranes. What’s fascinating is how these two seemingly unrelated substances overlap in chemistry — both are based on sulfur compounds with carrier-like properties.

The Sulfur Connection

– Garlic contains organosulfur compounds like alliin, allicin, diallyl disulfide, and allyl methyl sulfide.
– DMSO is also a sulfur-based compound, known for its solvent and carrier properties.
– Both garlic and DMSO produce distinct, penetrating odors that can pass through the skin and even show up on the breath.

👉 Fun fact: Crush a clove of garlic, rub it on your foot, and within hours you may smell garlic on your breath.

Figure 1: Simplified comparison of DMSO and Allicin — both sulfur compounds with bioactive properties.

Garlic as Nature’s DMSO?

When garlic is crushed:
– Alliin is converted by the enzyme alliinase into allicin.
– Allicin and its breakdown products are fat- and water-soluble, moving easily in the body.
– Some compounds like allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) are volatile and circulate through blood, lungs, and skin.

This movement mirrors the ‘carrier’ role of DMSO.

Figure 2: Garlic breakdown pathway — alliin converts to allicin, then to multiple sulfur volatiles that circulate in the body.

Anti-inflammatory Action

– DMSO reduces inflammation by scavenging free radicals and improving circulation.
– Garlic’s sulfur compounds lower inflammatory markers and inhibit COX enzymes.
– Both reduce inflammation through sulfur-driven antioxidant actions.

DMSO + Garlic Together?

Some experimental or folk approaches combine DMSO with crushed garlic for topical treatments, based on:
– DMSO carrying garlic’s actives deeper into tissues.
– Garlic’s sulfur compounds enhancing anti-inflammatory effects.

⚠️ Risks: No clinical research supports this combo, and garlic’s allicin can be caustic to skin.

Conclusion

Garlic and DMSO share a biochemical family tree. Both rely on sulfur’s unique ability to cross barriers, bind reactive molecules, and alter inflammation. While garlic is nature’s dietary ally and DMSO remains controversial in human medicine, their overlap offers intriguing insights.