Sulfur is a chemical substance present in all living tissues. After calcium and phosphorus, it is the third most abundant mineral in the human body. Sulfur is also found in garlic, onions, and broccoli.
People take oral sulfur for shortness of breath, allergic reactions, inflammation of the back of the throat (pharyngitis), high cholesterol, blocked arteries, menopause, and more respiratory infections such as the common cold.
Sulfur is used on the skin for acne, hayfever, red skin (rosacea), dandruff, skin and red spots (seborrheic dermatitis), itchy skin infections caused by worms (scabies), lice, cold sores, warts, and oak, ivy, and sumac diseases.
Sulfur Side Effects
Hay fever
Preliminary studies show that using a nasal spray containing a homeopathic (diluted) amount of sulfur, luffa, Galphimia glauca, and histamine for 42 days is effective as common cromolyn spray nasal spray.
Common cold
Preliminary studies suggest that taking a homeopathic (refined) product containing German sulfur and ipecac (Engystol, Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany) orally for up to two weeks during the flu season helps relieve symptoms.
High cholesterol
Preliminary studies show that drinking water from spring sulfur three times daily for 4 weeks lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. However, it is not clear in this study only if sulfur can lower cholesterol.
Redness of the face (rosacea)
Preliminary studies suggest that applying a sulfur-containing cream to the face once daily for up to 8 weeks reduces fluid-filled bumps on the face and other symptoms caused by rosacea. Some earlier studies suggest that sulfur cream can act as an antibiotic tetracycline.
Very Common Side Effects
- Shortness of breath
- Allergies
- Swelling of the back of the throat (pharyngitis)
- Clogged arteries
- Menopausal symptoms
- Lice
- Cold sores
- Warts
- Scaly and red skin patches (seborrheic dermatitis)
- Poison oak, ivy, and sumac infections
How does it work?
Sulfur is present in all living tissues. It is the third most abundant mineral in the human body. Sulfur seems to have antibacterial effects against acne-causing bacteria. It can help promote skinning and wrinkles. It is thought to help treat skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or acne.
FAQ
What does too much sulfur do to the body?
Sulfur in excess can cause brain cell death, resulting in brain damage. Signs associated with brain damage can include blindness, incoordination, seizures, death, and others.
Is Sulfur good or bad?
Sulfur is found in many foods and is considered a vital part of a healthy diet, but too much sulfur in your drinking water can lead to diarrhea and dehydration. Sulfur not only stinks and makes your water taste bad, but it can also stain your sinks, toilets, and clothing and even damage plumbing.
What are the side effects of organic sulfur?
In some people, MSM might cause nausea, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, headache, insomnia, itching, or worsening of allergy symptoms.
