As healthy home and food advocates, we love tracking, analyzing, and breaking down health trends around here! Some are predictable, like certain diet, supplement, and lifestyle trends, while others leave us scratching our heads. The methylene blue trend falls into the latter category.
It all started when new HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who, as you may know, has been an outspoken advocate of various alternative and unconventional health views, was recorded adding a bright blue liquid to his water.
Although this was never confirmed, speculators believed it was methylene blue, a synthetic blue dye originally used to fight malaria, and suddenly, the trend was on fire!
As it turns out, methylene blue has been studied for various health benefits, and some experts are big believers in its merits (even pre-RFK Jr. news cycle). However, it is not a natural substance and can have some pretty serious side effects. So, what are the benefits of methylene blue, and do they outweigh the risks?
Keep reading to learn more as we dive deep into the bizarre yet fascinating world of methylene blue.
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Author: In On Around Founder & CEO, Catherine Power.
- Published On:
- Updated On: May 20, 2025
Summary:
- Given what we know about the dye, it’s best to avoid use unless there’s a specific clinical need with your doctor. Read more below.
Table of Contents
What Is Methylene Blue?
Methylene blue is a synthetic chemical dye developed in the 1800s. Considered an over-the-counter drug, it was originally used as a treatment for malaria and as one of the original chemotherapies.
Methylene blue also has antimicrobial properties and was used as an antibiotic long before the discovery of penicillin. Nowadays, the FDA has approved it for the treatment of methemoglobinemia, a condition in which blood cells are compromised in their ability to carry oxygen.
Methylene blue is also used off-label (non-FDA approved) for various conditions and medical procedures, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Bottom line: Methylene blue is a synthetic drug and dye FDA-approved to treat methemoglobinemia. It is also used off-label for various other health benefits and medical procedures.
The Benefits Of Methylene Blue
Various influencers and integrative health experts are touting methylene blue as an effective, low-tox remedy for cognitive health, traumatic brain injuries, neurological function, mitochondrial function, anti-aging, and preventing Alzheimer’s. [1, 2, 3]
This is supported by limited preliminary animal research and anecdotal evidence, showing methylene blue has antioxidant and brain-protective properties and may boost mitochondrial function, which affects aging, energy, and brain health.
Methylene blue crosses the blood-brain barrier and has also been shown to enhance the activity of an essential enzyme for brain energy called cytochrome oxidase, while reducing nitric oxide, which can increase brain cells’ use of oxygen.
One animal study also showed it may reduce neuron death and blood-brain barrier function post-traumatic brain injury. [4]
There is also limited evidence that it may help with Lyme Disease by killing off antibiotic-resistant bacteria (aka: biofilms), but more research is needed. [5]
While the possibility of using methylene blue for cognitive protection and disease prevention is exciting, much more research is needed to confirm how it may benefit humans, its long-term side effects (it’s been historically used as an acute treatment), and the risk-to-benefit ratio.
Other uses and benefits of methylene blue include:
- To treat methemoglobinemia.
- For malaria.
- For nail fungus.
- To treat a vasoplegic syndrome, a type of shock that can occur during coronary procedures.
- As a diagnostic dye to identify suspicious cells during procedures, such as lumpectomies, mastectomies, and parathyroidectomies.
- As a mouthwash for chemotherapy-induced mouth sores.
- For post-injection pain before the administration of propofol (a type of general anesthetic).
- To treat ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy. Ifosfamide is a type of chemotherapy drug.
The big takeaway is that methylene blue can be life-saving when used to treat serious medical conditions or reactions or during medical procedures. However, its benefits for brain health, mitochondrial function, and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases have yet to be proven in robust, high-quality, long-term human studies.
Plus, it’s still a synthetic dye, a drug, and can have some serious side effects, especially for certain groups of people or those taking specific medications.
How Does Methylene Blue Work?
As mentioned previously, methylene blue has been shown to possess antioxidant properties that may benefit cellular and mitochondrial function, the brain, and the aging process.
It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which make it effective against things like malaria and possibly certain forms of resistant bacteria.
For methemoglobinemia, methylene blue works by restoring the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells to their normal state.
Is Methylene Blue Safe? Side Effects & Contraindications
This is the big controversial question.
So, methylene blue is considered safe when used at recommended dosages for its intended purposes. However, like all drugs, it comes with a risk of some strange and pretty serious side effects. [6, 7]
Firstly, methylene blue will cause your urine and feces to turn blueish green, and there are anecdotal reports of other body parts turning blue.
It carries a boxed warning that it can also cause serotonin syndrome when used with medications designed to raise serotonin levels, such as Zoloft, Wellbutrin, lithium, opioids, and others. Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening condition caused by excess serotonin in the brain.
Methylene blue is contraindicated for those who are pregnant due to intestinal atresia and fetal death following intra-amniotic injection, specifically in the second trimester. It is also not recommended for nursing mothers because it gets into the milk and may harm the baby.
It is also contraindicated for people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a blood disorder that affects red blood cells.
Although rare, methylene blue can cause anaphylaxis.
Less severe side effects relate to central nervous system disturbance and may include dizziness, confusion, and headaches.
Always talk to your doctor or healthcare practitioner before taking methylene blue.
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My Take On Methylene Blue (And Why I Wouldn’t Take It)
We’ve laid out the facts for you as we know them now, so here’s my personal take.
I would not take methylene blue unless I needed it to save my life or for a life-saving medical procedure.
Although preliminary research about its cognitive protective benefits is intriguing, it’s still a lab-made dye, which I avoid in foods, supplements, and medications like the plague.
Its side effects are also worrisome, especially given its impact on serotonin, which so many people struggle with these days.
I would imagine, though this isn’t listed anywhere, that it may also be dicey for people taking supplements that raise serotonin levels. So there’s a lot to unpack there.
We also don’t know the effects of taking methylene blue as a preventative treatment in the long term. But given what we know about other dyes, I’m suspicious, to say the least.
I also don’t love the idea of a substance turning my urine, feces, or potentially other organs or fluids blue (call me crazy, but that’s just not my jam).
Plus, there are so many other incredible, time-tested, researched, and non-toxic herbs, supplements, and lifestyle strategies to support and protect brain health, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant levels, and even help with TBI recovery that I’m not sure why I’d bother with the potential risks of methylene blue.
That’s my personal take based on the evidence and risk-to-benefit ratio.
As always, talk to your healthcare practitioner, do your own research, and make the best decision for you.
Methylene Blue Alternatives
Because I know you’re wondering, here’s a short list of herbs, supplements, and lifestyle therapies that may be safer alternatives to methylene blue.
For Brain Health:
- Exercise has been shown to protect and promote various aspects of cognitive function while preventing neurodegeneration. [8]
- Bacopa is a traditional Ayurvedic herb and nootropic with antioxidant properties shown to have protective and nourishing effects on the brain, including promoting normal neurotransmitter function, memory, focus, and more. [9, 10]
- Sleep is the ultimate brain-health tonic. New research has shown that natural sleep stimulates a deep clean of the brain via the glymphatic system. This cleans out dead cells and waste matter while facilitating the release of essential compounds, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, growth factors, and neuromodulators. [11]
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom has been studied for various cognitive health benefits, including promoting the release of nerve-growth factor and cognitive performance. [12, 13]
- Gotu Kola is a well-known nootropic herb shown to support various aspects of cognitive health, including neuron function and mitochondrial function via the repair of mitochondrial proteins. [14]
Related reading: Open When You Can’t Sleep! 18 Tips To Beat Insomnia
For Antioxidant Protection:
- Berries are naturally rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, gut-friendly fiber which supports the gut-brain axis, and other life-living, brain-healthy nutrients. [15]
- Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal formula of three superfruits: Amla, Bibhitaki
- Haritaki. The ancient Vedics believed this formula could help anyone live past 100, and it’s still popular today. Triphala is naturally rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and vitamin C. [16]
- Resveratrol, found in red grapes, is well-studied for its antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. [17]
- Leafy Greens like lettuce, kale, collards, and mache are loaded with beneficial antioxidants, gut-friendly fiber, and various brain-supportive vitamins and minerals. Even one serving per day has been shown to help slow age-related cognitive decline. [18]
- Grounding, aka: Earthing or walking around barefoot outdoors, is an excellent source of antioxidants known as “vitamin G”. It’s been shown to promote sleep, cognitive function, and better emotional well-being while reducing inflammation. [19]
- Green tea and matcha are excellent sources of catechins, a type of antioxidant known to promote healthy aging, cellular health, mitochondrial function, and more. [20]
Related reading: Grounding To The Earth (Earthing): Techniques & Benefits
For Anti-Aging:
- Reducing stress is central to reducing premature aging and signs of aging. [21]
- Sleeping more will help you look younger, promote brain health and protect against cognitive impairments, prevent countless diseases, and slow various aspects of aging. [22]
- Taking cortisol-reducing supplements is a wonderful and proven way to reduce stress, which will help enhance longevity and prevent illness. Click the link to learn more.
- Eating a healthy, whole foods diet and reducing sugar is another powerful tool to slow the signs of aging. Sugar specifically has been shown in various studies to interfere with collagen production, which is essential for youthful, toned skin. [23]
- Exercising is incredible for preventing unwanted symptoms and illnesses associated with aging, including sleep disturbance, muscle wasting/sarcopenia, bone loss or osteoporosis, blood sugar issues, weight gain, mobility issues, age-associated inflammation, joint pain, risk of falling and injury, mood problems, and so much more. [24, 25]
- Drinking matcha and green tea. As discussed previously, these beverages contain potent antioxidants that help protect cells and may help slow the signs of aging.
Related reading: 80/20 Rule: Healthy Balance With Diet And Exercise
Note, this is not medical advice. Always seek professional care, especially if you have a brain injury or condition, and talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking supplements.
And That’s A Wrap On The Methylene Blue Trend…
… We hope it burns out soon.
But seriously, have you taken, or would you try, methylene blue? Are you suspicious or intrigued?
Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Would you take methylene blue?
Let me know your thoughts and key takeaways in the comments below!
xoxo,
Want to read more? Check out our other articles here!
Other references on Methylene Blue from: Cure US, NIH, MDPI, Frontiers In, Biomed Central, FDA
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Frequently Asked Questions – The Drawbacks & Benefits of Methylene Blue
Click on the below FAQs to learn more about the risks of methylene blue, its off-label uses, why it’s trending, and safer natural alternatives for brain health and anti-aging.
Methylene blue is used to treat methemoglobinemia, malaria, and is sometimes used off-label for cognitive and mitochondrial support.
Natural alternatives like lion’s mane, bacopa, green tea, and regular exercise may offer brain and anti-aging benefits without synthetic dyes.
Dangers include serotonin syndrome, nerve toxicity, and contraindications for pregnant women and people with certain health conditions.
No, methylene blue is a synthetic dye and drug, not a natural supplement, and carries more risk than time-tested herbal alternatives.
