MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane) is one of the most underrated supplements in natural health - a naturally occurring organic sulphur compound that supports everything from joint flexibility and energy to radiant skin, hair and nails. Simple yet powerful, it deserves a place in every home apothecary.
What is MSM?
MSM is simply organic Sulphur: widely overlooked, it's the third largest ingredient in our bodies. It's in rainwater and plants, but our soils are depleted and our cooking destroys it. Its many benefits depend on the quality, it must be organic, not synthetic. There are two methods used for purifying MSM, crystallisation and distillation.
Crystallisation is cheaper and risks impurities. Our Raw Living MSM is purified by distillation, and is 100% pure. MSM helps all biological processes work more effectively, dramatically improving the permeability of the cell. MSM is a carrier - it helps draw oxygen and nutrients into the cell, and escorts toxins out.
MSM is known to increase energy, accelerate healing, aid detoxification, improve flexibility and is known as the 'beauty mineral', because of its benefit to skin, teeth, nails and hair.
In a nutshell: MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane) is a naturally occurring organic sulphur compound - the third most abundant mineral in the human body. It improves how cells absorb nutrients and release toxins, and supports everything from joint health and energy to skin, hair and nails. Quality matters: always choose pure, distilled MSM for the best results.
✨ Why is MSM Known as "The Beauty Mineral"?
MSM holds this title because sulphur is a key building block in both collagen and keratin. As MSM is one of the most bioavailable forms of dietary sulphur, it makes it a popular way of boosting these proteins.
Collagen is the most commonly-used protein in the human body, and acts as a structural scaffold - in this sense that it's a literal building block in the body. It's what gives the skin its firmness. When collagen is abundant, it gives the skin a fuller, more elastic look.
Keratin is a robust structural protein - the essential raw material behind healthy hair and nails. Interestingly, it's the very same protein found in animals' hooves and horns, which gives a sense of just how strong and fibrous it really is.
MSM isn't only effective when taken internally - it can also be applied topically. Look out for MSM serums and liquid drops applied directly to the skin, eye drops for eye health and clarity, and Living Libations toothpaste, which harnesses sulphur's natural cleansing properties for teeth and gums.
💊 How Much Should I Take?
We recommend around 30g–40g a week, especially for sports professionals, yogis, manual labourers, those recovering from an accident or injury, and anyone with inflammatory joint issues.
If you're doing extreme amounts of exercise, or you're looking to heal quickly, you can take up to double that. But be warned, if you take too much it can become detoxifying, and you might find yourself feeling enervated and restless, as if you've drunk too much coffee. This is just excess energy being released in the body, and nothing to worry about, simply slow down your dosage to a level that feels more comfortable.
🥤 What's the Best Way to Get Your Daily Dose of MSM?
Unfortunately, unlike a lot of other superfoods, you can't just put it in a smoothie! MSM has a strong, bitter, and well, sulphurous flavour, which is hard to disguise. Add it to a fruit smoothie or some date and nut energy balls, and you're going to ruin them, sadly.
So here are our suggestions on how to get it down:
- Just put it in a glass of water, stir well, and knock it back. Quick and easy! 1tsp in your water makes a great first thing in the morning drink, especially for those of us who are getting older, and feel a little creaky in the mornings.
- Add it to orange juice. The sweetness of the orange juice will mask the flavour a little. It still won't taste great though!
- 🍋 Make MSM lemonade with coconut water and lemon juice. This is a very refreshing, cleansing drink, perfect after exercise. The tartness of the lemon disguises the bitterness of the MSM a little. Add some honey, stevia or maple syrup if you wish.
- If you are familiar with naturopathic techniques, you may also want to consider MSM enemas. Putting MSM in your enema water is a very effective way to get it absorbed into the body. Add 1T MSM to 1 litre water and blend to dissolve, before using it in your enema bag.
🩹 I'm Looking To Heal Fast, Help!
For those who are recovering from an injury, a daily dose of MSM can potentially speed up the process of healing, especially when taken in conjunction with Chlorella powder. Chlorella powder contains a unique substance called CGF, which means it supports the body in repairing and rebuilding cells.
We can also recommend high-strength Curcumin, for reducing inflammation and lessening the pain. Take three capsules, as many times a day as you feel the need (not more than once an hour).
Sleeping grounded is also a great practice for those with painful inflammatory conditions. And we have some great topical MSM creams that you can apply externally.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About MSM
Q: Is MSM safe to take every day? A: MSM is a naturally occurring compound found in the human body and in many whole foods, and is widely considered safe for daily use. As with any supplement, it's worth building up gradually if you're new to it.
Q: How long before I notice the benefits of MSM? A: Most people begin to notice improvements in joint flexibility, energy, or skin within two to four weeks of consistent daily use. Those taking higher doses for injury recovery may notice results sooner.
Q: What does it mean that MSM improves cell permeability? A: Cell permeability refers to how easily substances can pass through the cell membrane. MSM improves this, making it easier for oxygen and nutrients to enter cells, and for toxins to be carried out.
Q: Can I take MSM alongside other supplements? A: Yes - MSM works particularly well alongside Chlorella powder for cellular repair, and Curcumin for reducing inflammation. Many people also combine it with topical MSM creams for targeted external support.
Q: Is there a tastier way to take MSM? A: The easiest disguise is MSM lemonade - coconut water, lemon juice, and a little sweetener of your choosing. The tartness of the lemon balances the bitterness well, and it makes a great post-workout drink. 🍋
