Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Ozone Therapy?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Ozone therapy is a form of complementary medicine reputed to enhance immune system functioning. The theory behind its alleged therapeutic benefits resides in the belief that ozone, a gaseous allotrope of oxygen, may prevent or reverse disease by helping the body to better transport and metabolize oxygen. Ozone therapy is also thought to deter infectious disease by neutralizing invading bacterial enzymes that are responsible for viral infection and replication in white blood cells. While this therapy may sound like a by-product of a growing trend toward a holistic approach to healing, it’s actually been practiced since the mid-19th century. However, the debate regarding its effectiveness is likely to continue for many years to come.

In consideration of the merits of ozone therapy, the medical community has recognized the antiviral and antibacterial properties of this gas for some time. In fact, it has long been used to sterilize surgical instruments. During World War II, a topical formulation containing suspended ozone was often administered to the wounds of soldiers to deter infection. In more recent years, veterinarians use intravenous fluid ozone preparations to treat infection and decrease inflammation in animals. In Germany, ozone generators are standard pieces of equipment in ambulances, which many claim has resulted in a lower occurrence of severe or permanent paralysis in stroke patients.

Ozone therapy can be used to enhance functioning of the immune system.
Ozone therapy can be used to enhance functioning of the immune system.

Skeptics of ozone therapy argue that the evidence supporting its therapeutic benefits is largely anecdotal, and point to the fact that ozone is a toxic gas classified as an environmental pollutant which presents health risks to those with cardiopulmonary and respiratory disorders. The strongest point of view against this therapy is a concern that ozone readily degrades into unstable oxygen atoms that will seek to gain electrons by pairing, or oxidizing, with other molecules. Proponents of this form of therapy, however, maintain that ozone atoms retain their ion characteristics rather than behaving like free radicals. This means they will target and oxidize with molecules that lack glutathione peroxidase and other protective enzymes and destroy them, namely those found in foreign bacterial and viral cells.

Topical ozone therapy often includes salves made from avocado oil.
Topical ozone therapy often includes salves made from avocado oil.

Treatment with ozone involves very specific dosage concentrations and various methods of administration. These include autohemotherapy, or the reintroduction of ozone-infused blood, rectal, vaginal, or auricular insufflations, intramuscular injections, and ozonated water or steam. Topical applications consist of ozonated ointments or salves made from olive, hemp, or avocado oil.

Ozone therapy may include topical ointments.
Ozone therapy may include topical ointments.

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly prohibits claims that ozone therapy can prevent or cure any disease. However, the FDA permits the use of ozone as a germicide in the food processing industry and numerous states have adopted legislation making the medical use of ozone legal. Ozone therapy is widely practiced in most European and Mediterranean countries.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon300345

What I notice in this article is no mention of the fact that there is a vast difference between atmospheric ozone and medical ozone. Once the public and other entities come to terms with that fact, they may understand the true healing nature of ozone therapy.

JavaGhoul

Alternative therapy and medicine such as Eastern techniques and herbal dietary supplements is growing in popularity in the US. As the baby boomer generation ages, there has been a spike in interest regarding diverse forms of therapy and medicine. It will be interesting to see how far we advance in increasing longevity in the next century.

Proxy414

@GigaGold

I think that Americans like to adopt new things, but the fact that they may shun ozone does not mean that ozone is automatically risky. There can be misperceptions and urban legends that spread like wildfire anywhere. This may be the case with ozone. Upon further research, people will recognize that this can be a helpful and healthy way to improve your system.

GigaGold

Ozone seems to be a somewhat risky and controversial subject of investment. Isn't it true that Americans are rarely skeptical about new medicines and techniques? And yet ozone seems to be feared there.

Leonidas226

We used to use ozone machines in my house to clear up a moldy smell after flooding. It worked well, and helped the air a lot, but it was important for us to stay away from the air filters when they were operating at high power, because too much ozone can be bad for you. In the long run, ozone is very good for the air and for the body, when breathed in a consistent and reasonable quantity.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Ozone therapy can be used to enhance functioning of the immune system.
      By: molekuul.be
      Ozone therapy can be used to enhance functioning of the immune system.
    • Topical ozone therapy often includes salves made from avocado oil.
      By: Giuseppe Porzani
      Topical ozone therapy often includes salves made from avocado oil.
    • Ozone therapy may include topical ointments.
      By: agephotography
      Ozone therapy may include topical ointments.
    • Ozone has been used to sterilize surgical instruments.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Ozone has been used to sterilize surgical instruments.
    • Ozone generators have become standard equipment in German ambulances.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Ozone generators have become standard equipment in German ambulances.