Thank you everyone for being so 'Live' and 'Raw' and all your contributions to Live Raw. This being the first post needs to be a lot more profound or prophetic or anything else starting with 'p'? any ideas? Thanks again :)

Hi Nicole!

Thanks so much for your post and your wonderful feedback, and for asking the best questions ever :-)

Yes, you are wise to use it with lemon. I've found it increases the potency of it, and helps with that terrible taste LOL :)

A little disclaimer first. We are not qualified in any forms of health training here. Always seek guidance from a qualified practitioner. We are not liable for the use, non-use or mis-use of this information etc etc.

OK, so now that's out of the way, I'd just like to say that it is my belief that you are on the cutting edge of health using these techniques and it is wise to be your own practitioner and educate yourself as much as possible. The most recommended book comes from "The Godfather" of the MSM phenomena, Dr Stanley Jacob, called - THE MIRACLE OF MSM - THE NATURAL SOLUTION FOR PAIN.

Here is the link to it from Dymmocks online store for $23.95. But it appears to be sold in most book retailers:

http://www.dymocks.com.au/Search/results.aspx?N=0&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&Ntt=miracle+of+msm

So, answering your questions:

> Would love to start using it topically and was wondering how I could do that.

Yes, I've had great results using it topically. I've pasted an MSM topical recipe I've used below. Yes, the results on hair skin and nails both from internal and external use are amazing.

> Could my daughter use it to help her acne and how?
Yes, both internally and externally from the cream recipe below.

> Also wondering if the MSM is suitable for any age?
Yes, especially as you get older. Nanobacteria or calcification forms arthritic and other conditions which accumulate from the nanaobacteria in our food and water with age. By getting this nanobacteria out, maybe we have solved a big part of this ageing riddle?

> My Mum was wanting to try it but I wasn't sure if she should check with her Dr. before trying?
As above, always consult a trained practitioner etc etc .. :)

For topical use, I've been known to just rub MSM and water solution straight onto my skin, however a more elegant DIY skin recipe follows:

Because you are making it yourself, you won't be adding preservatives (like most manufacturers do) so it's best to make 100mls at a time - that way you can keep making it freshly and it won't have a chance to spoil.

1). Put 100mls (or more) of pure Aloe Vera Gel in a container or mixing bowl.

2). Add approx 15 grams of MSM (3 x rounded teaspoons of Crystal Flakes)

If you want to make more, simply add 15g of MSM for every 100mls of Aloe Vera Gel you use.

Don't add more than approx 15grams of MSM for each 100mls of Aloe Vera Gel you use -

Why? Not that it's dangerous or anything, its simply that if you add too much, it will become a saturated solution i.e. the MSM won't dissolve and will re-crystallise and become gritty to use !

3). Mix with a fork or spoon and leave for about 30 mins. The MSM will dissolve naturally in the Aloe Vera Gel. (Note: Use an electric hand blender if you want it to dissolve really quickly)

Both pure MSM and Pure Aloe Vera are non allergenic so are usually suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, however, always rub a small amount on a small area of skin and leave for several hours to make absolutely sure it suits you.

Storage: Store in a sealed container (Use a well washed out old cream tub) and Store in a cupboard at room temperature.

The Miracle of MSM book (the link shown above) gives the whole story of MSM from its beginning and documents many real life cases of people with various ailments and how MSM helped them back to normal pain free lives. Part 1 Chapters: About MSM; How to take MSM; The roots of MSM; MSM and Pain; MSM and Inflammation. Part 2: How MSM helps relieve common pain problems including: Arthritis, Back Pain, Headaches, Fibromyalgia, Muscle Pain and Athletic injuries, Tendinitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, TMJ, Dental Pain, Heartburn and Hyperacidity. Part 3: How MSM helps relieve your Allergies - Sinus; Pollen Allergies; Sinusitis; Food Allergies Part 4: How MSM helps relieve other Pain Problems.