DMSO or Pure Gum Turpentine

[SharonStudent]

Forgive the many questions, but it is a bottomless pit!  So, my skin just won’t absorb oils (especially coconut or olive oil), and since many of the “professional remedies” (particularly for pain) are infused in these oils, I started searching for some way to get my skin to absorb the medicine better and not sit around oily for hours!  Note: all this was before joining this course for what it’s worth.  The search turned up two things (as you can guess from the title) – DMSO and turpentine (not the hardware store kind that is full of terrible chemicals – but the pure gum turpentine that could almost be called “pine tincture” of sorts).  Both, according to my research are safe for internal use, though that is not my intent obviously.  I have experimented with both of these for oily liniments that won’t soak in – and both have worked well for me.  In fact, in my latest experiment I used them both in the liniment with amazing “soaking in” power!  I’m wondering about if/how others have used either of these “tools”.  The only things I’ve used these things in so far are “store bought” liniments for pain, nothing else yet.  Hoping for some input here before including them in anything else.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

For pain, muscle relaxation and other local effects, I’d just use regular tinctures topically.

Topical tinctures work great and don’t involve an industrial solvent (DMSO) or gum turpentine both of which have a lot of complex chemistries of their own, may interact with the herbs you’re mixing them with and can have some negative effects of their own on some people.

 

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Sharon

[SharonStudentTopic Author]

Ok, so just the regular alcohol tinctures dribbled or sprayed on topically then.  Check.  What about the sediment in the tinctures (that are not an issue when used as a tincture internally), but might clog the sprayer?  I’ve never seen anyone mention this potential issue.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’ve been spraying tinctures forever. I’ve never had clogging issues. I guess you could if you shook it up. I’m not a shaker when I spray.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Sharon

[SharonStudentTopic Author]

Ugh – I tend to shake almost everything – seems most things settle or separate to some extent, so it’s a long habit I’ve had.  I will TRY and remember (Memory & Alertness??) with the sprays “do not shake”!  Thanks Doc 🙂

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