All About Methylene Blue: Benefits, Side Effects, and Safe Usage Guide
- hadleyhenriette
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Although the biohacking world has been using it for some time, methylene blue has recently gained attention thanks to a viral video showing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. using it on a flight. While synthetic dyes are generally considered unsafe for ingestion, methylene blue is an exception — but it’s important to understand how to use it properly.
Methylene blue isn’t a new compound; it was first discovered by a German chemist in 1876. Over the years, it has been used for various purposes, including as a dye for clothing, a treatment for fish tanks, and even as a malaria prevention drug during World War II. Unfortunately, one of its side effects is turning everything in its path blue, including your pee, which was exactly popular and methylene blue was phased out in the armed forces.
That's right, you will often see a blue or green tone in the toilet bowl 12 or more hours after taking it. But they should have sucked it up because that particular drug was probably making those troops much healthier than they might have otherwise been.
At low doses, methylene blue is a powerful antioxidant that boosts ATP (cellular energy) production. It enhances cellular respiration and oxygen utilization, which is great for cognitive function. Additionally, it increases serotonin levels and possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties. It’s been credited with helping to reduce brain fog and improve overall mental clarity.
But one must be very, very careful with it because, it can switch from friend to foe. From antioxidant to pro oxidant.
Dose matters! At low doses, methylene blue acts as an antioxidant, helping to reduce oxidative stress by supporting cellular energy production. However, at higher doses and especially when combined with red or near-infrared light, methylene blue can switch roles and become pro-oxidant. This means it can amplify the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative stress and potentially lead to inflammation or other issues, especially in sensitive individuals.
How much to start with? For mitochondrial and cognitive support, doses in the range of 0.5–2 mg per day are common. Higher doses (over 5 mg) can trigger oxidative stress in sensitive individuals or provoke microbial die-off. If you’re new to MB or sensitive, consider starting at 0.25–0.5 mg.
Know your source. Only pharmaceutical- or USP-grade methylene blue should be used. Industrial or aquarium-grade products may contain toxic contaminants like heavy metals. We like Mitozen or Troscriptions premium troches that pair MB with other nootropics. Just know - it WILL turn your tongue blue for a few hours.
Be cautious pairing it with red light therapy. Methylene blue is a photosensitizer. Combined with red or near-infrared light, it can amplify reactive oxygen species (ROS). While beneficial in moderation, overdoing it may lead to inflammation, headaches, or mast cell flares.
Avoid if on SSRIs or MAO inhibitors. Methylene blue is sometimes used as an antidepressant because it is a reversible MAO-A inhibitor and can elevate serotonin levels. This can be dangerous if combined with other serotonergic drugs. Always check medication interactions first.
Support your detox pathways. Because MB may trigger some serious microbial die-off or increase ROS temporarily, it's wise to use binders, antioxidants (like vitamin C, glutathione, or NAC), and gentle detox strategies such as hydration, infrared saunas, or even coffee enemas, depending on tolerance.
Know your antioxidant status. Some people have genetic mutations, like G6PD, make it hard for them to clear excess oxidative stress and might wind up with direct harms from oxidative therapies (ie ozone, hyperbaric and red light + methylene blue). You can get tested with a blood test if you suspect that you might not handle oxidative stress well.
Timing and frequency. Many people use MB once daily in the morning. Some cycle it (e.g., 5 days on, 2 off), while others use it situationally for brain fog or fatigue.
The first time I came across methylene blue was at a NOA AON event, a transformative meditation/breathwork/dance party event. At the beginning, they handed out little blue lozenges wrapped in brown paper. Methylene Blue. They instructed everyone to look into the sunset to "activate" it and the lovefest began. You can read about it here.
I've been using low doses of methylene blue troches from Mitozen that I buy at Centner Wellness (they should be refrigerated). I started with .05 and eventually, worked up to 1.5 and one day just tried 2.5 along with 20 minutes of red light exposure.
Unfortunately, this led to a case of hives as it was too much oxidative stress for my body. Stay tuned for a complete guide to doing exactly this—safely. But if you want to know what that will entail, see number six on the list ;)
We hope you enjoyed our article and usage guide on methylene blue discussing benefits, safe usage and side effects. If someone you know might benefit, please share!
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