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DMSO is an acronym for Dimethyl Sulfoxide. DMSO is colourless and translucent. It came into prominence in the 1960s and remains actively used in hospital-settings due to its ability to penetrate the skin and act as an anti-inflammatory agent. 

Because of the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of DMSO, beginning in the 1960s folks ranging from pro-athletes to the elderly began to use DMSO to relieve discomfort in their joints and muscles. DMSO has continued to stay very popular as an alternative form of finding relief for localized sources of pain and discomfort. For example, a common use case has been using DMSO to alleviate inflammation and "joint bulging" as a result of arthritis of the hands. 

DMSO is non-toxic and when mixed with a base - like aloe gel or distilled water - it is rarely irritating even on sensitize skin. The effect of DMSO is temporary: relief lasts typically between six and twelve hours before your previous discomfort will begin to occur again. 

DMSO became increasingly popular in the 1980s as a result of a 60 Minutes profile of a MLB pitcher who used DMSO to relieve tension and discomfort in his elbow and shoulder. Because of the non-toxic properties of DMSO many other athletes began to experiment with DMSO as a way to lower muscle and joint inflammation. Basketball players used it on their knees, hockey players used it on their shoulders, and quarterbacks and pitchers used it on their elbows. Even today DMSO is still one of the most popular anti-inflammatory options for pro athletes looking for localized relief. 

Because of the increasing prominence of inflammation-related ailments like arthritis in developed countries - like the United States and Canada - many people began looking to DMSO for the same reason as pro-athletes: it dampens down inflammation, relieves discomfort, and provides increased joint and muscle flexibility. 

Peer-reviewed DMSO studies have shown that DMSO has the capacity to down-regulate pain and inflammation sensory areas along with slowing down the conduction along pain fibres surrounding joints and muscles. Because DMSO acs to down-regulate, the relief many feel is not permanent. Continual application (usually twice a day) is needed to keep inflammation down. At present, there are over a thousand peer-reviewed articles on DMSO and its possible applications.  

Applications should be done at least once a day and can be done up to four times a day, if needed. Application can be done at any time of day, however many find it best to use DMSO first thing in the morning and then again just before going to bed. Effects can generally be felt the same day, assuming an appropriate amount is used. Effects are most notable when discomfort or pain is localized. For example, those with arthritis in their hands or those with discomfort in their hips often achieve the best results. 

You can apply DMSO topically to any area where you would like to reduce inflammation or discomfort. You do not need a large amount, but you should ensure you rub in the gel or liquid thoroughly. Further, application should be done broadly around the entire area  of discomfort - not just the narrow area where you feel the most discomfort - as you want to target pain receptors broadly. 

DMSO is non-toxic. With that said, some have reported a feeling of oily skin (due to the oily nature of DMSO) and rarely a slight taste or smell of garlic. Both are normal side effects. Pastoral uses organic aloe gel and distilled water with DMSO to avoid the feeling of having oily skin. Pastoral also uses a hint of essential oil that diminishes any taste or smell. Pastoral's aim is to make our DMSO as effective as possible, while also making our products enjoyable to use.

Studies have shown the most effective way for DMSO to be utilized is with a carrier such as aloe vera gel or distilled water. This does not diminish or dilute the effectiveness of the DMSO, but rather enhances it. The aloe vera gel and distilled water help you broadly apply the DMSO, while at the same time also soothing the skin and reducing any chance of irritation. 

Essential oils are infused with DMSO for several reasons. First, many essential oils have therapeutic effects themselves and enhance the effectiveness of DMSO (this is the same reason we use aloe vera gel and distilled water in our products). Second, essential oils can add a slight, pleasant smell to DMSO which many enjoy. 

Pastoral products expire 16 months after their creation. All orders are shipped at maximum one week after they were created. What you receive will be a freshly created product that will last for well over a year. 

You can store DMSO in any cool, reasonably dark place. Any place on your counter, in your cabinets, or in your fridge is perfectly fine. You should avoid exposing DMSO for too long to the direct sunlight. However, all our products come in thick UV-resistant glass bottles or jars so your products will remain fresh and effective even if they have been exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. 

Below 16°C pure DMSO will become frozen. Unfortunately, especially in cold Canadian months, your product may arrive appearing frozen. No need to worry, however! All you need to do is place the jar/bottle in a container/bag and place that container/bag into a warm bath of water for 10-30 minutes. This will bring the temperature of the DMSO back above 16°C and it will once again return to a liquid or gel-like state. If you have any further questions on this, be sure to just ask us. 

DMSO is only allowed to be sold and labeled as a solvent. To ensure our compliance with all regulations, we err on the side of caution and label our DMSO as a solvent only. This is standard practice for all DMSO sold in North America and Europe. 

Those on any kind of blood thinners or blood-related medication of any kind should not use DMSO. Also those that are pregnant should not utilize DMSO. Be sure to ask your doctor if the use of DMSO is compatible with your medication regiment. 

We would encourage you to only use the glass jars provided. Some plastics can leach toxins into the DMSO gel or liquid. 

We try to ship the same day as your purchase (assuming you order before 7AM Eastern time). If you order after 7AM, then your order is shipped out the next morning. All orders are guaranteed to be shipped the day after you order or sooner. Getting your order to you as quickly as possible is our highest priority. For that reason, if you order over $35 worth of products then you will receive free shipping.

Free Canada Post Expedited Shipping is included on every order. 

Yes, your product is shipped in a thick brown box (just like an Amazon product would be). 

The glass jars and/or bottles are wrapped in bubble wrap, with thick wrapping paper tightly fitted into a size-appropriate thick, brown box. We have never had a bottle break upon delivery. 

We believe in our products. If you aren't happy with the product, we don't want to keep your money. Simply return the bottle/jar to us and we'll give you a 100%, no-questions-asked refund.

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