DMSO is generally used as a solvent. It can be used as a topical application to reduce acute swelling due to trauma. It is a natural product from trees that relieves muscle and joint pain, treats bladder inflammation and protects healthy cells from cancer and chemotherapy drugs. 

DMSO is a potent antioxidant, scavenging the highly reactive molecules that contribute to disease and aging, known as free radicals. It  is used as a topical analgesic to block pain signals.