[NAY]  02/15/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France: "I had said here a while ago that I wanted to try MSM for my allergies, hoping it would do something for my lower back pain as well but unfortunately, after almost 5 weeks nothing happened. My allergies are the same as before, sometimes itching eyes and throat and sneezing, my back pain has actually got worse. Since yesterday I am really worrying but I don't want to go to the doctor yet. Before I started taking it I read a book and I was convinced, in the meanwhile, because I had a friend coming over from the USA I ordered another book which was a lot less expensive over there to be sent to his home address. I am now starting to read it and really, it feels like a bad joke! Is it as good as they say but it just didn't work with me? It seems to do wonders for so many people.....

Right now I really fear for my back! I am 53, not too old yet but feeling like an old lady! The pain started almost 5 years ago when we got a foam mattrass, equally for me and for my husband so we thought the mattrass was to blame. 18 months ago we decided to go for one twice as expensive. My husband didn't want foam again but I felt comfortable in this one and too bad he didn't insist he didn't want it. He still has problems but I am far worse than he is especially because during the week I tend to read in bed for a bit in the morning. If I sleep on my back it is even worse. The only thing that seems to have got better with the MSM is my digestion, nowadays I eat and I never feel full."

02/15/2011: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada replies: "Hi Francisca - Sorry that MSM didn't help your allergies. It was one of the few things that worked for me.

However, in Dr. J. Wright's newsletter (he operates a clinic in Washington state), he recommends the following for allergies:

There are several vitamins that can help reduce -- and in some cases eliminate – inhalant (i. E. , environmental) allergy symptoms.

Vitamin C is always the first vitamin to try. It's been shown to reduce bronchial, nasal, and sinus allergy symptoms. I recommend the "bowel tolerance" quantity of vitamin C. Basically, this means using as much vitamin C as possible, every three to four hours, without causing gas or loose bowels. For some people, this is 1, 000 milligrams (1 gram) three to four times daily; for others, it can be 4 grams or more three to four times daily.

Some people with inhalant allergies also find that taking 1, 000 milligrams of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) along with vitamin C three to four times a day helps relieve their symptoms even more than vitamin C on its own.

I don't know if that is something you might consider trying. Good luck! "

02/16/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Hi Bess, thanks so much for all the information, I really appreciate! Yes, quite odd the MSM didn't help... I am taking three half teaspoons three times a day so that would make 7, 5g a day but there were no changes at all, not for my back pain either..... I feel rather frustrated! I am now reading "The power of MSM" by Earl Mindell and he advises taking MSM together with Vit. C, quercitin and pantothenic acid for allergies so a bit like what I read in your post but adding MSM and quercitin. In the past I have taken quercitin but not in this combination although, if I am not wrong, it was a complex with pantothenic acid but again it didn't really solve my problem.

Right now, together with the MSM powder (I buy it in the UK because here I only find tablets and even there they don't seem to sell crystals) which is almost finished I take 3 times a day 1g of Vit. C and also Vit. E. For the pain I might try Hyaluronic Acid which I can buy in the UK (we are going there soon and I always visit the same health food shop). But I am also going to the doctor tomorrow, something I dread doing, because I stopped taking the anticonceptive pill and the fact that the pain now is worse might be a consequence of me missing some hormones, that has always given me back pain in the past! The troubles of menopause, I suppose....."

05/02/2011: Lisa from Closter, Nj replies: "Take a full dropper of Bee Propolis in a tablespoon of Manuka Honey (also containing 85% bee pollen). It TOTALLY cured my allergies! Also gastritis.

I used to need antibiotics at least 5-7x pr yr. for chronic rhinitis/sinusitis. Comes from a yeasty gut. Allergic nose sinusitus=chronic sinus infections! .... NO MORE!!!

Clean out yourself also- and eat clean. Get rid of the yeast too- and you'll be better in NO time."

05/03/2011: Jr from Coloma, Mi replies: "Francisca, my husband has had bad allergies all of his life and has been on prescription anti-histimines since he was about 17 (he's 64 now). The homeopathic person that's helping him out put him on Quercitin. He is absolutely astonished that he has no trouble with allergies now. She recommended a particular brand which I guess I can't mention but it has 500mg of Vit C, 1000 mg of Quercetin, 140 mg Bromelain, 100mg Citrus Bioflavonoids, 25 mg Acerola, 25mg Rose hips and 20 mg Rutin. She recommended he take 2 a day. It seems it only took a month or so and he was allergy free. Now he only takes them once in awhile when he feels he needs them. He also takes MSM for his knees but it isn't helping much."

05/04/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Thanks for the tip Jr. I have tried a Quercitin complex but different from the one you talk about. I have no idea whether that one is sold here..... MSM did nothing for me either!"

07/31/2011: Allan from San Fernando, Trinidad And Tobago replies: "Hi Jr from Coloma, Mi. Can you tell me the brand name of the product your husband use for allergic rhinitis. I suffer badly from allergies. Please email me soon."

07/13/2012: Brzegal from Raleigh, Nc Usa replies: "I have had severe seasonal allergies for years. But they are completely gone after eating reishi and cordiceps mushrooms for a 30 day course last year. They worked, and I am convinced this had to do with a number of factors. The vitamins & minerals in them were in a form my body could use. Also, I would leave mushrooms in the sun for 5 to 10 minutes befor eating them. I read a study where this increases the D3 amount substantially.

They brought parts of my body functions back into balance. But I still have trouble absorbing enough of what my body needs. This is how I learned about MSM.

Reading the comments here, it appears many do not understand that MSM is not a drug or supplement. And bodies differ in the levels of depletion, or areas affected by a lack of MSM. While some experience little to no detox effect and swift pain relief, while others experience detox. The difference is instructive about what is going on in the unique environment of the body.

Those who experience heavy detox should reduce their dose, in my opinion. Just as it is not healthy to lose too much weight too fast, detoxing too fast when areas and functions of the body are already stressed is not good. Detox is necessary if you really want to restore your body to health. But MSM alone is not "the answer. " You must gently detox, support your gut with probiotics, support your blood with vit E, supply the building blocks of healthy cell growth with vit C, vit D and A, preferrably from food. MSM resolves the absorbancy issue that has prevented those from working. If you take too much vitamins by supplementing a good diet, you will have even more flushing to do.

This places a big strain on the kidney and liver. What happens is, as the MSM does its job to restore permeability and balance to the cells, toxins and junk enter the bloodstream to be processed out through the kidney and skin. But you only have so many red blood cells and they can't carry it all, so your body decreases progesterone. This signals insulin to be unleashed in the bloodstream. This process happens right before a woman's period. Her body is getting ready to detox dead cells. She experiences headaches, bloating, depression, flu-like symptoms, fatigue. It's called PMS.

This is what happens when MSM is introduced to a body where toxins and unused food that could not be absorbed has collected in storage places, in the blood stream (causing diabetes). The circulatory system is choked up, the kidney is over-worked, and all kinds of havoc is occurring.

If you take MSM without regard for these circumstances, then you will likely suffer.

Instead, choose a lower dose - one your body can tolerate. Don't overdo supplemental vitamins, except E and get enough C, unless you are definitely deficient (such as iron deficient). Even then, be careful not to overwhelm your system with too much to deal with. Give yourself the time to clean out. Take probiotics.

Try food instead of supplementals: mushrooms, kale, spinach, ginger, cabbage, beets, tomatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, beans, fish and chicken and eggs, and cut back on potatoes, grains and rice. Drink Aloe Vera juice once a day. Drink water. If you notice you are going to the bathroom a lot drink more water. And don't MSM after noon, so you can sleep.

MSM deficiency is proven by the symptoms of toxin presence when you react to taking it by detoxing. Rash is toxins coming thru the skin. And headache/body ache/nausea/pms-like symptoms means the dead cells are on their way out! Reduce your MSM dose or switch to every other day, drink some Aloe Vera juice, use the bathroom when you need to & drink water every time you go. Steam in a hot bath with epsom salts to help the toxins sweat out of your skin. Not every rash is an allergy. People, be good to yourselves.

For resolving histamine issues, I recommend reishi & cordiceps. MSM will help them benefit you even better."

08/12/2012: Heidi from Kentfield, Ca replies: "Just found this interesting. All the packaging on MSM products say to only take 1g per day. I have severe allergies to foods and pollen... And psoriasis, with possible psoriatic arthritis. I have been researching this myself so I can find some relief. This website says MSM, for some people, should be taken in much higher doses. 5g-20g per day should be taken for someone with joint and muscle pain. Also states that you should take it in the morning and at night in powder form. Most companies use fillers in their products, so you aren't getting what you think you are. This website has a pure MSM product by the pound, and it's cheap. Please read about it on their site, as I think it will help you too. http://www.evolutionhealth.com/msm-supplement4.htm

And for the pain, you should really try Pilates to help manage it. I am an instructor, and it has helped my pain immensely."

10/05/2012: Dawn from Alberta replies: "Francisca from France, my husband suffered from back pain for years. While researching he came across yoga for back pain. Now he does "Surya namaskar" yoga every morning, he has been pain free for last five years. Good luck!!!"

[YEA]  04/26/2011: Gail from Greater Manchester, United Kingdom: "I have been taking msm for about 6 weeks now and am amazed at the results. I was taking a high dosage of sulfasalazine for the past 3 years. I weaned myself off them in November. I can honestly say the msm has an even better pain relief than the medication. I was taking 2 level teaspoons then increased the dosage to 2 level tablespoons until I got my joint pain under control. I am now taking a level teaspoon twice daily. This site is wonderful and I have tried many of the remedies. Thankyou all for your posts best wishes."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  06/25/2010: Jacqui from Plainville, Massachusetts: "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!"

01/16/2011: Anna from St Louis, Mo replies: "I read that MSM will last in the body for only 12 hours. It sounds correct that most people on this site that are getting good results are taking it twice a day. Someone below said it may cause sleeplessness, so don't take it after 2pm. These are all good things to know to get the best results."

[YEA]  07/24/2012: Liz from Buffalo, Ny replies: "hi, I tried msm about 9 weeks ago for pain and allergies, did nothing for either, but my lungs feels so much better, I have copd and feel much better also great for skin, I use between 4-6grams a day. Yea to msm!"

[YEA]  12/11/2012: Bill from Philly, Pa: "I've been reading all the comments about MSM on here for a couple of years now. Not to mention all the other info on line as well. I also read a book that surprisingly wasn't all that informative. You can also go to the infamous VIDEO site and find lots of useful health information.

When you first start taking MSM you WILL get a headache. That's a given. I don't know about a migraine, I don't know if I've ever had one. I had anywhere from a mild to a pretty severe.. Kind of dizzy like headache. This will pass if you can keep up with it. They say it will usually go away in about three weeks. Mine took about a month before it stopped. If you stop taking it and then start taking it again, It WILL start all over again. You can go a day or two but I would push my luck. I realize it's anoying but if you can stick it out you'll get past it.

Now the other thing is that you NEED to buy a powder. The tablets are useless. (or capsules)You would need to take the entire bottle in one day to get enough. Taking a thousand Mg once, twice, or three times a day is the same as taking nothing.

I am currently taking 20 thousand Mg a day. That's right 20,000. I take 10 thousand mg roughly 12 hours apart. When you really start investigating and reading enough on it you'll find that's the suggested amount. Most people start out really, really low and gradually work their way up. That may be a way to avoid the headaches. My theory was if I'm going to get them anyway I might as well take a useful amount and get them over with at the same time.

MSM is naturally occuring, just not as much as it use to. Like everything else. Some of these stories are a little out there as far as I'm concerned. These scare tactics just because you didn't like it or had some thing happen that you think was because of something you tried on Earthclinic are ridiculus and shouldn't even be posted as far as I'm concerned.

MSM has the same toxity as water. Meaning NONE. You can't take too much. Anything your body doesn't need will just come out in your urine. Just like water. You may find yourself going to the bathroom alot more when you first start taking it.

One more thing. I also used to buy it at a local Farm supply store down the street. 2 Lb's for about $17.00. That's half the price for twice the amount from a health food store or on line. The more I read about it the more I found out that maybe I shouldn't. The theory is that if it comes from China (this did) it is propably loaded with mercury and lead. China doesn't treat its water properly because it doesn't care about its poeple. They have horribly poluted water. Water is a big part of processing MSM and the polutants all get trapped in the MSM. I can't find a Horse/vet brand that isn't made in China. The container never says. When you call them it's like pulling teeth trying to get a strait answer. Eventually they admit it's from China. So until I find a safe Vet version I'll have to keep paying twice as much for half the amount. Or until I find that a china made brand is not neccasarily polluted."

05/19/2013: Koekoe Barnard from South Africa, North West replies: "Just want to say that I get the same results with the MSM pills as with the powder. The pills definitely work as well."

06/16/2012: Citygirl27 from Richardson, Tx, Usa replies: "Re: silica - just make sure there isn't a silica packet in the bottle. Sometimes supplements (epsecially ones that are shipped long distances or to humid climates) have a silica packet inside the bottle. Silica is also known as horsetail and is known to be good for increasing the rate of hair growth. I take it."

02/01/2012: Nickie from Ruislip, Middlesex England replies: "Hi

I started using this for a painful arthritic hip and noticed the difference within a couple of days. Don't know how it reacts with pharmaceuticals as I don't use them. By the way, as reassurance, they give MSM to horses so it must be OK since folks take good care and invest a lot of money in their animals. Matter of fact I'm getting my next supply from the local stables; mch more economical. Go for it."

04/14/2012: Dana from Larose, La replies: "I bought my dmso at a feed store and saw MSM next to it on the shelf. It's for animals of course but I wondered if it was okay for human consumption. Did you buy your MSM at the stable and use it? how did it do?"

11/15/2012: Lucy from Carletonville, South Africa replies: "MSM for arthritis- MSM purchased from the veterinary shop or stables is cheap and it works like a charm. I have been taking the powder (very bitter!!! ) for 6 months and my arthritis is cured, although it is an ongoing remedy but the dosage is less per day."

07/02/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Hi Lisa, actually I have read The Miracle of MSM and also The Power of MSM. I would swear that I posted the review on the book review page.... No idea what happened! They are both very good. Too bad that MSM didn't quite work for me, not alone and not with Condroitin and Glucosamin. The thing is also that here in Europe it is very expensive to take MSM so maybe I should have been on a higher dose, I don't know! In the USA MSM seems to be quite cheap. I think that it is great to get advice here but by reading a book you get a lot more in depth information which is not possible to give here. Yes, I am very much a book person and I have to say that I have learnt so much because of them...."

01/31/2013: Bibs from Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria replies: "Hi, try to order it from iherb.com. I take the dr Best MSM. It is not very cheap for me, but the ordering is like a child's game and the delivery is very fast. Hope that hepled :)"

12/06/2011: Noimplant4me from Anchorage, Alaska, United States replies: "I'll tell you what what worked for me... First and foremost I prayed to Jesus Christ for mercy and healing. The I got the idea of mixing a teaspoon of sea salt with a few ounces of warm

water and putting that in the nebulizer. I figured if it could eat the tar of roads, and go through paint, then it can certainly clean my lungs, plus salt is a great killer of infection etc.

So...I did. It will make you cough a little at first, and maybe even feel a little restricted in the lungs, but it passes rather quickly, and when it does... you are breathing much much easier...at least I was. Also high doses of omega 3's are exceedingly helpful to aid in easier breathing and possibly heal copd... My opinion. I buy Twinlab Cod Liver Oil in a 12oz bottle and take 1or 2 fat tablespoons full a day.... not so much now as I do not much need it that often anymore. I also have begun supplementing with Hemp Oil, which is also fantastic and full of Omegas. Yet it does not have the high doses of vitamin a and d like cod liver. Get the plain..not the flavored as the plain is much more potent. Magnesium citrate and b-50 multi is helpful also.

Now for something I will tell you works and works well and fast to open up and clean the lungs is NAC... N, Acetyl Cysteine. That stuff is fantastic. I recommend you order from Swanson Vitamins... Highest quality, best prices anywhere. Plus use the coupon code SWAN199 to get shipping for $1.99. Prayed for you and will again. Daniel"

11/05/2010: Lisa from Lafayette, La replies: "Gina, I corresponded with a doctor a few months back via email about things like calcification (he brought it up, it wasn't part of MY vocabulary! ) of the body, particularly the heart valve, as in mitral valve prolapse, which drs. diagnosed my husband with. He recommended IP-6, I think the technical name is inositol hexaphosphate. He said it will decalcify the heart valve, which is what causes mitral valve prolapse. I am sure it will do the same for whatever body part you are concerned with. Hubby also takes 600mg. Mag, 2000 mg. Ip-6,200 mg. K2, 2000 mg. D-3, quercetin, milk thistle, co-q-10, and l-carnitine. He is now palpitation FREE, and symptom free, as long as he stays clear of caffeine, and doesn't overdo the sugar. Hope this helps! "

06/12/2010: Alfred from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Jackie.. those migraines a pain.. Just take Apple Cider Vinegar.. migraines gone forever. your country Great..my pet place Waterford.

I Care
Alfred"

[YEA]  10/03/2010: Karen from Sydney, Nsw replies: "Hi Jackie.. 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... All the best on you getting well."

[YEA]  12/12/2010: Elyn from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Usa replies: "I started on powdered MSM 6 weeks ago for my arthritic knees. Although they still twinge on occasion, they're MUCH better. One additional delight was that the nasty heel spur that I've been suffering with since about Christmas last year-- the pain is GONE!!! I don't understand! My chiropractor said the MSM didn't cure it -- it just is masking the pain and that I need to be taking calcium in addition. The MSM tastes funky at first-- my husband won't touch it. It's an acquired taste but I don't notice it anymore. I highly recommend it."

12/06/2011: Noimplant4me from Anchorage, Alaska, United States replies: "Try a high dosage multi B vitamin, like B Maxi or B-50. Combine this with Magnesium Citrate or Taurate or Glycinate. This should help reduce anxiety and stess. Your whole body needs magnesium to function properly... Especially your heart and brain. Taking Cod Liver Oil is also greatly beneficial. I recommend Twinlab in a bottle.. Unflavored. Available at Swanson, Vitacost and Amazon. Best bet.. Get them all from Swanson and use coupon code SWAN199 for $1.99 shipping. High doses of b-6 and b-12 are the crucial ones as far a b vitamins are concerned.

Daniel"

[YEA]  06/15/2011: Babs from Washington Dc: "I've been taking MSM for 6 weeks and I am very pleased with the results. My bones were squeaking like an old machine :) Not any more."

[NAY]  01/25/2012: Ashley from Los Angeles, California Usa replies: "Regarding MSM, I just wanted to warn people that I have had adverse affects with it. I started taking it for joint pain (2 to 4 thousand milligrams a day) and it seemed like it was healing, until about 30 days in one of my knees started to hurt. I thought I may have just injured it slightly and didn't think anything of it. Then maybe another week and a half in my other knee (that never had any pain prior) and both my shoulders started hurting. MSM was the only thing that I had never done before that I was doing differently. I quit taking it and about a week later all of the pain was gone. I also just injured my right knee and have to question whether or not this actually made my joints worse."

06/08/2012: Anne from Vancouver, Bc replies: "I had been suffering with horrible muscle pains for a few years. So I started to read on what would help this pain. I started to take MSM and the pain I endured was worse but then.. read on to find out what happened.

MSM can and will reawaken your previous injuries. When I first started taking MSM I was in horrible pain.. So I stopped taking it and the pain went a way. Then I read that MSM detoxifies the body and will reawaken old injuries.. That you need to keep taking the MSM until the pain is gone (usually 2-3 weeks) So I started to take MSM again and the same pain returned. I had a horrible two weeks. After that the pain was less and less. That moment when I woke up and there was no pain at all I was in disbelief, as I was told by my Doctor's I would always suffered pain.. So I say.. If this causes pain, it means its cleaning out your system so drink lots of water while you are taking it and know that it's getting rid of that pain for good. :) A usual dose to start is one three times a day.. Work up to two three times a day. Of 1000mg each. Best of Luck all"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  06/09/2012: Jean from Atlanta, Ga replies: "Ann, Can you or anyone else offer a little more reassurance about the side effects of MSM? I started using it in the powdered form about a week ago. The label suggested 1/2 tsp. In 8 oz. of water. After about 2 days I noticed a mild rash on my arms and stomach. By day 4 the mild rash became severe and also spread to my thighs and backs.

It's late spring and I first suspected flea bites, but our pets have been treated and my husband had none of these little red marks. After racking my brains I realized the only new thing I'd introduced into my diet or environment was the MSM. On day 5, I stopped the MSM and the marks on my back largely went away. Those on my thighs and stomach persisted; perhaps they shrank slightly.

To test MSM as the culprit, on day 6 I took the merest pinch of it -- an 1/8 of a tsp, if that. Within an hour, the rash on my legs and stomach intensified. It spread to my chest area for the first time. Additionally, on two spots of my stomach, the redness resembled hives more than a rash. Whether as rash or hives, btw, it itches!

I'm 49 years old, was diagnosed as hyperthyroid three years ago, and have been slowly healing myself through diet and vitamins, acupuncture and meditation. I've been off the methimazole for months and returned to my customary weight (about 10 lbs over the normal range) about a year ago. I'm perimenopausal, so my hormone levels are undoubtedly fluctuating, and what bugs me the most, health-wise, is my on-going fatigue and hand/wrist numbness (I call it carpal tunnel, which is commonly associated with thyroid problems, but I've never seen a neurologist to have it formally diagnosed. You know--money issues.)

In short, I'd love to reap the benefits that MSM seems to promise most people here on Earth Clinic, but the intensity of the rash has me worried. I've never had a skin condition before, so to be wearing a rash for a week, so to speak, is a little creepy. Others have talked about cutting back on the dosage, but to cut back on the miniscule amount of a pinch is to eliminate it entirely.

I bought what seems to be a good quality form of the powder. The brand label asserts no wheat, dairy, gluten, sugar, yeast, etc. , I. E. , it claims to be hypoallergenic and suitable for vegetarians. I bought it from a reputable grocery chain.

So...suggestions, reassurances, tales of similar experiences from braver pioneers than me, anyone?

Thanks in advance for any help provided!"

06/09/2012: Miserable_in_bama from Oneonta, Alabama, United States replies: "I take it 2x a day and never experienced any problems. Sounds like you are allergic to it. If you want to try it again, buy another brand, and maybe lower your dosage. It's one of those things our bodies need but can't store, just like vitamin C, so doubtful you are allergic, you get it from a lot of foods you eat. It's a real basic form of sulphur that comes from the ocean if I remember right."

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  06/19/2012: Bschuttp from Livermore, Ca replies: "I have been taking MSM for over a year now and had some symptoms of rash(not as bad as what you describe) and hardening of my lymph glands and ducts when I started taking it. It is a side effect of MSM but is probably due to your system releasing toxins. I lowered dosage and continued taking until symptoms went away and then began increasing dosage. I currently take 24 grams/day split between morning and afternoon(215 lb bodyweight). It has worked well for my asthma, joint swelling, and pain. I was worried I would need another knee surgery but don't think it will be necessary for the time being. Make sure you are buying very pure crystals so you don't have other fillers that could cause problems."

[YEA]  06/28/2012: Oxygenman from Jackson, Mi replies: "There are no known side effects from msm!!!!!!!!! Whoever is saying this is lying. Karl loren of vibrantlife.com as a patent on msm from the only company that makes msm, which is made or derived from dmso, these are ways of getting oxygen in the body. I have been taking it for 3yrs now and if you do get a reaction this is a good thing people!!! When you put active oxygen (dmso, msm, 35%hp or ozone) in your body and you have a disease or cancer or any ailment IT WILL STIR UP THE BAD BUGS(ANAEROBIC MICROBES) BECAUSE THESE BUGS CANNOT LIVE IN ACTIVE OXYGEN!!! So dont stop doing what your doing- these are toxins coming out of your body."

12/13/2012: Janell from Spirit Lake, Ia replies: "I've been diagnosed with bursitis in my hips. The MD that came up with that, stuck his thumb roughly into my hip and when I yelped, said: yup you have bursitis.

I knew he was unable to help me, So I started researching. I've found in my reading that you MUST take a pharmacutical grade MSM. I would never take something for animals, I doubt it would be pure enough."

08/31/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "For Dp from NY, NY and others wondering about MSM question:

Hello Dp,

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."

09/12/2009: Mark from Richardson, Tx replies: "Joyce where do you purchase your MSM from?"

09/13/2009: Dp from New York, New York replies: "Need to update my previous post - obviously the MSM did not relieve my elbow pain in one day because it's back. Anyway, still willing to give it a try (I already have the bottle) so I am taking a heaping teaspoon dissolved in a bit of water every morning. No great improvement yet but it's only been a week or so, will update later."

09/14/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hi Dp,

Larger doses of MSM (1 tablespoon) 3 times a day won't hurt you. Two other things you might want to try also is a tablespoon or more of ACV in water 2 or 3 times per day. You might also soak a cloth (diaper or dishcloth,etc) wrap it around the painful elbow, cover with Saran or clear plastic wrap to contain drips, then wrap with an ace bandage to hold it in place overnight. When you remove it the next morning, you can also try massaging that painful area with some cold pressed castor oil (regular castor oil will do if you can't find the coldpressed). Just remember to wrap that ace bandage loose enough that your circulation isn't altered. If your fingers start numbness or tingling, just undo and rewrap looser. You can also check the circulation by compressing a fingernail, which makes it turn pale quickly, but it should pink back up immediately when the pressure on the nail is removed."

[YEA]  01/10/2011: Lee from Franklin, Tn replies: "Hi /Dp. I live in Tn. Have you thought of a combo of salmon oil two tabs dailly with the combo msm 3 tabs daily / vitamin C/ vit. E 400un/B complex / folic acid for your coctail. Coq10 also works in combo as well for joint pain. One without the others do little to help but as a team approach it may work wonders. Good luck dp Lee from Tn."

01/11/2011: Zsaqwe from Brownsville, Texas, Usa replies: "Hello, my mother had already had surgery in both knees. And was in constant pain. I had pain in my shoulder and got DMSO for it. One day my mother came and I decided to applied DMSO for her knee pain. She was thrilled and amazed that the pain was gone the next day. I did put it in my armpit elbow area with not too much success yet. I still feel something, not pain but something and it goes and comes. I can not tell you DMSO worked for me. But I have applied it two times, still too soon to tell.

My mother cure was more impressive. Oh, well , I am not telling you more about DMSO because you have to google it and educate yourself very well before any attempt to use it. It is great but delicate. Not for incompetent adults. Please educate yourself if you think it may help you."

06/16/2012: Citygirl27 from Richardson, Tx, Usa replies: "Mark from Richardson - I got mine from the W*ole F*ods here in Richardson, at Coit and Belt Line. They had it in both 500's and 1000's. I've also seen it online at different vitamin companies' websites."

07/23/2012: Shesgg from Sandusky, Oh replies: "Hi, I just wanted to add to be sure and take 1000 mg vitamin C along with the 2 teaspoons of MSM for arthritis pain or blood sugar/blood pressure. I have had good success with this amount each day. I slowly drink the MSM in about 2 liters of water throughout the day and take the Vitamin C in between there sometime.

Love this stuff, hope it doesn't cause problems down the road with surprising side effects but so far so good."