9/22/2019 Ozone therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects

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What is ozone therapy? Benefits

and risks
By Tom Seymour | Last reviewed Mon 29 January 2018

Reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

Overview Uses Benefits Safety Side effects

Ozone is a colorless gas made up of three oxygen atoms. It

is used as an alternative therapy to improve the body's
intake and use of oxygen and to activate the immune system.
In medicine, ozone therapy is used to disinfect and treat diseases by limiting the effects of
bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, and protozoa.

In this article, learn about the uses and benefits of ozone therapy, as well as side effects it
may have.

What is ozone therapy?

Ozone therapy uses ozone, a colorless gas made up of three oxygen atoms.

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9/22/2019 Ozone therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects

Some researchers believe that ozone has

therapeutic effects and the therapy has been
studied and used for over 150 years.

A layer of ozone is found in the earth's

stratosphere. Its primary purpose is to protect
the earth from the sun's ultraviolet radiation,
most of which it absorbs.

In medicine, ozone therapy is used to

disinfect and treat conditions by disinfecting Ozone therapy may be applied through injection, and can be used
to treat a range of health problems.
the area around them, improving the body's
intake and use of oxygen, and activating the
immune system.

Using a gas as a medical treatment is unusual, so there are special techniques that are
employed. Ozone can also be toxic when inhaled.

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Uses
Ozone therapy has been found to be useful in several ways in medicine. When it was first
used more than 150 years ago, it was to disinfect and treat diseases.

During the First World War, its application to wounds showed not only its ability to disinfect
but also to aid blood flow and produce anti-inflammatory effects.

Later, it was found to be a useful treatment for people with HIV before pharmaceutical
medication was available.

Today it is used for treating the following:

• infected wounds
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9/22/2019 Ozone therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects

• circulatory disorders

• geriatric disorders

• macular degeneration

• viral diseases

• rheumatism and arthritis

• cancer

• SARS

• AIDS

Although ozone is a gas, developments in technology mean it can be used in several forms
and different ways, including:

• ozonated olive oil applied directly to the body

• insufflation, a risky therapy where ozone is blown into the rectum

• ozonated water, which is drunk

• injections, which are often used in dentistry

• autohemotherapy, where blood is withdrawn, mixed with ozone, and put back into the
bloodstream

• gas bath or sauna

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Benefits
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9/22/2019 Ozone therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects

There have been some promising studies

examining how ozone may be beneficial to
health by:

• inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi,

parasites, yeast, and protozoa

• stimulating the immune system to speed

up healing

• improving circulation by cleaning the

Ozoneated water may improve brain function, fight bacteria, and
arteries and veins
speed up healing.

• purifying blood and the lymph

• normalizing hormone and enzyme

production

• having anti-inflammatory properties

• reducing pain

• stopping bleeding

• preventing shock

• limiting stroke damage

• reducing cardiac arrhythmia or abnormal

heart rhythm

• reducing the risk of complications from

diabetes

• improving brain function and memory

Is it safe?
One review reports that the effects of ozone therapy are consistent and safe. However,
ozone itself does have dangerous effects.

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9/22/2019 Ozone therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects

Exposure to ozone is associated with a significant increase in the risk of death from a
respiratory disease, and it has well-known toxic effects on people's lungs when present with
nitrogen dioxide in smog.

Even small amounts of ozone can irritate the lungs and throat, resulting in coughing,
shortness of breath, and damage to lung tissue that is more susceptible to infections.

There have been cases where ozone therapy has had adverse effects, some of which were
severe. These reported side effects include:

• shortness of breath and other respiratory problems

• enzyme inactivation

• swelling of blood vessels

• poor circulation

• heart problems

• increased risk of stroke

• damage to the eardrum via insufflation of the ear

• bowel rupture because of insufflation of the rectum

• causing pulmonary embolism and death when given intravenously

These adverse effects are rare and, under normal circumstances, ozone therapy is
considered to be safe.

Side effects
Side effects from ozone therapy can vary
depending on what type of treatment Those considering ozone therapy should discuss potential risks and
benefits with a doctor.
someone has undergone.

Ozone should not be inhaled under any circumstance. If it does go into the mouth, nose, or
eyes, it can burn and cause coughing, nausea, vomiting, or headaches. More severe
exposure can lead to respiratory complications.

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9/22/2019 Ozone therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects

However, other treatment methods can have side effects, too, as outlined by the American
Center for Biological Medicine.

One of the main side effects people having treatment or therapy can have is known as the
Herxheimer reaction. This can make the individual have flu-like symptoms and make them
feel worse in the short-term.

If ozone therapy is given, using insufflation via the rectum, the person may experience mild
discomfort, cramping, and feeling as if they need to pass gas. These side effects are
temporary.

Positive side effects include:

• nails and hair grow longer and stronger

• the skin has a more healthy glow

• a person has more energy

• falling asleep is easier

There is new research being done on a regular basis into ozone therapy and new
developments into its use in medicine.

Anyone who has any questions about ozone therapy and the treatment that is right for them
should speak to their doctor.

Additional information

Article last reviewed by Mon 29 January 2018.

Visit our Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine category page for the latest news on this subject,
or sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest updates on Complementary Medicine / Alternative
Medicine.

All references are available in the References tab.

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References

Citations

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