Soothanol X2 happens to be one of the most popular medication for pain relief. While most of its reviews are positive, with its users vouching for its safety and effectiveness, there are some factors worth being cautious of. This HealthHearty article provides you with some possible side effects of Soothanol X2.
NorthStar Nutritionals, the manufacturers of Soothanol X2, reportedly receive 3 major complaints regarding this product: Smell, burning sensation, and inefficiency for joint pain relief.
Soothanol X2 is said to be a huge hit in the market, and people are eager to get their hands on this ‘two-drop-pain-relief’ wonder. With the kind of reviews we’ve seen around, this medication surely seems to be a great relief for those who have been dealing with chronic pain, be it for arthritis, joint pain, sprains, muscle ache, or any other type of pain. However, in the midst of all these extolments, we must not forget the fact that not everything is perfect, and this rule applies to Soothanol X2, as well.
When it comes to products, especially medications, there is no ‘one size fits all’. Upon our research, we came across a few complaints of users who had issues with this medication. While the manufacturers offer a 100% guarantee with complete refund, we have come across clients who have not received any refunds, and had to go through a poor customer-service experience. Leaving that aside, and speaking strictly of the medication’s side effects, the causal factors are its ingredients. It contains DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide), Cayenne Pepper, Menthol, Wintergreen, and Arnica, to name a few. While not all users may experience problems, how these ingredients may pose a potential health issue is explained in the following section.
Possible Side Effects of Soothanol X2
Most of the concern in this regard is due to the compound DMSO, which is a controversial component. In fact, it may be interesting to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved the use of DMSO for symptomatic relief of patients with interstitial cystitis. DMSO is a very strong solvent, and thus, helps in easy penetration of the healing ingredients that are present in the medication. It can carry any solutes directly from the skin into the bloodstream, which can be potentially dangerous. Therefore, the area of skin and surface of hands used for applying DMSO must be clean, because anything on the skin, even contaminants, will also be absorbed and transported into the bloodstream, eyes, or other surfaces touched, along with DMSO. The reported side effects are listed as under.
Chemical-like or Garlicky Smell
According to a NorthStar Nutritionals blog by Becky Jansen, “If the smell is immediate, it’s most likely the menthol or wintergreen.” She also states, “While wintergreen is an inactive ingredient, we’ve still been just as careful to find the perfect amount for the Soothanol X2 formula. A very small handful of people have reported a chemical-like smell.”
She also writes, “If the smell occurs after Soothanol X2 has been absorbed, it’s probably caused by DMSO. This can be less appealing than the menthol smell, and has been described as garlicky, or even like sour milk.”
Burning Sensation
The reason why the application may cause a burning sensation, or perhaps skin irritation is because of cayenne pepper. According to Dr. Allan Spreen, the Chief Research Adviser for NorthStar Nutritionals, cayenne pepper makes pain “burn out”. It helps in burning out a chemical known as substance P, which carries pain messages to your brain. However, it may also lead to this side effect. It is also observed that the skin irritation and burning sensation diminishes after regular application for a few days. Menthol can also be attributed to skin rashes and itchiness, and may make your skin appear flushed out. This medication has to be strictly applied only in those regions where the skin is intact, non-broken, and non-irritated.
Eye and Skin Damage
Soothanol X2 contains St. John’s wort, which may make the skin and eyes highly sensitive to sunlight, causing tanning and other problems. It would be interesting to note that one of the reasons why DMSO was ceased to be used for treating human illnesses was because of its harmful effects to the eye. Another point to be noted is the presence of Arnica, which when used for a long time, may cause eczema, blisters, and other skin conditions. Also, Arnica is contraindicated in pregnancy, as it is said to be a uterus stimulant, which may lead to premature contractions, which in turn could lead to further complications during pregnancy.
The main concern regarding usage of this product more or less revolves around the effects of DMSO. According to tests conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), DMSO exposure to developing mouse brain was found to have a possibility of leading to brain degeneration. In fact, this apoptotic (programmed cell death) degeneration could be detected at doses as low as 0.3 ml/kg, a level that is exceeded in children exposed to DMSO while undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
Although the reviews for Soothanol X2 have mostly been quite favorable, one still needs to be wary of this topical painkiller due to the aforementioned side effects. In rare cases, some people may be allergic to certain compounds, like menthol, Arnica, or cayenne. Before opting for the product, ensure that you are not allergic to any of its components, to avoid any unwanted complications. In case you have any medical condition, or if you are pregnant, or nursing, do not use this medication without a doctor’s supervision.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is meant for informational purposes, and should not be considered as a replacement for expert medical advice. Consult a trusted healthcare professional before opting for this medication to avoid unwanted health hazards.
