Flavors/Temps: Sour, Hot, Toxic

Caution: Sulfur itself is toxic. Recommended dosage for internal use is 1.5 – 3 grams in pills or powder form. Unprocessed sulfur can contain arsenic. MSM (methylsulfonymethane) is an organic sulfur compound that is present in many foods and is safe for consumption.

History/Folklore: Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in the human body. It has antibacterial properties helping it fight acne causing bacteria. Sulfur soap is often used to treat acne, kill parasites, fungi, mites and germs. The soap is also used to treat athlete’s foot, eczema, scabies, psoriasis, and tinea versicolor.

Sulfur has a pungent odor that smells like rotten eggs. It is soluble in carbon sulfide, turpentine and kerosene and insoluble in water or sulfuric acid.

Volcanic sulfur contains trace amounts of arsenic, selenium, zinc and thallium. Good quality sulfur is yellow, shiny, crisp and soft. MSM (methylsulfonymethane) is an organic sulfur compound that is present in many foods. It is considered a biologically active sulfur and is a critical nutrient for your health.

MSM (methylsulfonymethane) is believed to inhibit a protein complex that is involved with inflammatory responses in the body. It also reduces the production of cytokines (including interleukin 6) which are signally proteins linked to systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation is a leading cause of heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and premature signs of aging. MSM also increase levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant produced naturally in your body.

Traditionally it has been used to keep snakes away, help hair growth, kill bed bugs, chiggers, and dog mange.

Medicinally, sulfur has proven to be highly effective as a powder used to treat psoriasis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sulfur is considered as hot and psoriasis is considered to be an icy condition that the fire of sulfur helps neutralize and heal.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sulfur is recognized as having a short-term ability to heat up the body and give immediate strength. When sulfur is ingested it combines with substances in the stomach forming sulfides, including hydrogen sulfide. These substances can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestinal tract. If the gut is full of a lot of fatty substances this process is increased and can cause diarrhea.

Sulfur is known to help kill mites, bacteria and fungi. Sulfur may help reduce the physical symptoms of arthritis.

Sulfur is a major component of the hormone insulin, required to regulate blood sugar levels. It is essential in the body for bone, teeth, and the connective tissue collagen. The most common sources of dietary sulfur is eggs, fish, meat, garlic, milk. Cruciferous vegetables (i.e. kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and radishes) and wheat germ are also good sources of sulfer.

The Chinese knew about sulfur as early as the sixth century BCE. The tips of wooden sticks were wrapped in ropes that were dipped in sulfur. Once the sulfur dried the sticks could be rubbed together to easily start fires. The government had a monopoly on the manufacturing and selling of Chinese matches.

In China, the use of sulfur to create fire lead in the 11th century to the creation of gunpowder. The common name, “brimstone,” derives from the notion of sulfur being a burning stone.