Chlorine dioxide (CD) has been used for decades as a purifier, disinfectant, and oxygen-based cleaner. In recent years, people have explored its possible benefits for supporting the body’s natural ability to restore balance. While not a drug or a cure, CD acts as a selective oxidizer, meaning it targets and breaks down unwanted pathogens and waste while leaving healthy tissues unharmed when used correctly and at proper dilution.
Understanding how the body uses chlorine dioxide helps people apply it more effectively, whether taken alone or combined with DMSO.
1. How Chlorine Dioxide Works in the Body
When properly diluted, chlorine dioxide produces two main benefits:
1. Selective Oxidation
CD targets low-pH, acidic, or electrically weak compounds, typically:
✓ Pathogens
✓ Toxins
✓ Fermentation by-products
✓ Biofilm structures
Healthy cells have a higher electrical potential and stronger antioxidant defenses, so CD passes by them without harm.
2. Oxygen Donation
CD breaks apart and releases small amounts of usable oxygen. Many people report increased clarity, improved energy, and better overall function, often explained by:
✓ Reduced microbial load
✓ Cleaner internal terrain
✓ More efficient mitochondria
The body uses CD like an internal “cleaning gas” that searches for what doesn’t belong, reacts with it, neutralizes it, and leaves the system as chloride (a harmless salt) or oxygen.
2. How the Body Uses Chlorine Dioxide
Most protocols rely on CD alone, activated and diluted, because the body can easily absorb it through:
✓ The stomach
✓ The small intestine
✓ Mucous membranes
✓ Skin (with topical use)
When used alone, CD is best for:
✓ General detox support
✓ Light to moderate microbial issues
✓ Environmental exposures
✓ Daily cleansing protocols
✓ Gut-related concerns
✓ Surface-level infections on the skin
Benefits of CD without DMSO
✓ Gentle absorption
✓ Slower release into deeper tissues
✓ Excellent for long-term, steady use (Protocol 1000, 1000+, etc.)
✓ Easy to control dosage
✓ Good for sensitive individuals
CD works for about 35 to 40 minutes in the bloodstream and digestive tract. This is often enough for many situations.
3. How the Body Uses Chlorine Dioxide With DMSO
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a powerful carrier solvent. When combined with CD, it pulls CD deeper into the body through:
✓ Skin barriers
✓ Cell membranes
✓ Scar tissue
✓ Biofilm layers
✓ Areas with poor blood flow
Jim Humble referred to DMSO as the “gateway” that allows CD to reach deeper trouble spots.
What DMSO does when combined with CD:
1. Transdermal Transport
Delivers CD directly into tissues, bypassing digestion.
2. Deep Penetration
Reaches areas where pathogens often hide—joints, gums, nerves, muscles.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Support
DMSO reduces swelling and pain on its own.
4. Enhanced Oxidation Effect
The CD+DMSO combination breaks through thick biofilms more efficiently.
When CD + DMSO is typically used
✓ Long-standing chronic problems
✓ Localized injuries
✓ Joint infections
✓ Tough biofilm conditions
✓ Skin abscesses or cysts
✓ Dental problems
✓ Nerve-associated issues
Why the Body Responds Differently to CD+DMSO
The skin and deeper tissues receive CD directly, allowing:
✓ Faster action
✓ Higher tissue concentration
✓ Better penetration
✓ More complete cleanup of stubborn areas
Think of CD-alone protocols as thorough “house cleaning” and CD+DMSO as getting into the locked rooms nobody can usually reach.
4. Internal Use of CD With DMSO
When taken orally together (as in some advanced protocols), DMSO:
✓ Protects CD from the stomach
✓ Guides CD into the bloodstream more completely
✓ Helps the mixture reach deep systemic tissues
This is sometimes used for issues that are:
✓ Deep-seated
✓ Long-term
✓ Resistant
✓ Embedded in tissue rather than just circulating in the blood
DMSO can carry CD through cell membranes but does not harm healthy cells. Instead, it helps CD reach imbalanced or infected tissue more quickly.
5. Topical Use of CD With and Without DMSO
CD alone (topical)
Great for:
✓ Acne
✓ Cuts
✓ Rashes
✓ Infected wounds
✓ Athlete’s foot
✓ General skin cleansing
CD + DMSO (topical)
Better for:
✓ Deep joint pain
✓ Muscle knots
✓ Nerve pain
✓ Dental or gum issues
✓ Ingrown nails
✓ Stubborn lesions
✓ Cysts or internal abscesses
DMSO pulls the CD into the exact tissue where the problem exists.
6. How the Body Eliminates and Neutralizes Chlorine Dioxide
After CD does its job, it converts into:
✓ Oxygen
✓ Sodium chloride (simple salt)
✓ Water
✓ Harmless oxidized debris from pathogens
The body expels this waste through:
✓ Kidneys
✓ Skin
✓ Breath
✓ Bowels
This is why people often report:
✓ Clearer skin
✓ More energy
✓ Better digestion
✓ Fewer infections
✓ Faster wound healing
The body is doing less fighting and more repairing.
7. When to Use One or the Other
CD ALONE is best if:
✓ You are beginning CD use
✓ You have gut issues
✓ You prefer internal cleansing
✓ You are sensitive or cautious
✓ You want all-day, gentle support
CD + DMSO is best if:
✓ You have a localized problem
✓ You need deeper penetration
✓ You’re dealing with chronic issues
✓ You’ve been using CD successfully and want to advance
✓ You want faster or more targeted results
Many people use a combination depending on their goals.
8. A Gentle Note of Wisdom
CD and DMSO are both powerful tools. The body responds best when:
✓ You start low and go slow
✓ You listen to your body
✓ You stay hydrated
✓ You follow safe dilution practices
✓ You respect the protocols
As Jim Humble often said, “The dose that works is the dose your body accepts.”
