Methylene Blue: What It Is, What It Does, and How to Use It Safely
Methylene blue might sound like something from a chemistry lab—and in fact, it is. But it's also making waves in the wellness and integrative medicine worlds for its powerful effects on cellular health, brain function, and even mood. So what exactly is methylene blue, and should you consider using it?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Methylene Blue?
Methylene blue is a bright blue compound that was first created in the late 1800s—and yes, it was originally used as a fabric dye. But not long after, doctors discovered it had powerful medical properties. It’s actually one of the oldest drugs still in use today¹.
Traditionally, methylene blue has been used to treat:
Methemoglobinemia – a rare blood disorder where the blood cannot carry oxygen properly
Urinary tract infections – thanks to its mild antimicrobial effects
Malaria – historically, before the advent of more modern antimalarials
Today, in integrative and functional medicine, researchers and clinicians are exploring methylene blue for new uses—especially for how it supports brain health, cellular energy production, and mood.
How does it work? Methylene blue helps your cells—especially the mitochondria—produce energy more efficiently by acting as an alternative electron carrier in the mitochondria’s energy production pathway² . Think of mitochondria as the "batteries" inside your cells. When your mitochondria are underperforming (which can happen with aging, illness, or chronic stress), you might experience brain fog, fatigue, and slow recovery. Methylene blue supports mitochondrial function, helping you feel more energized and mentally sharp.
It also crosses the blood-brain barrier, which means it can directly impact brain cells—enhancing focus, memory, and mental clarity²,³.
What Is It Used For Today?
In modern integrative health, methylene blue is being explored for:
Cognitive support: boosting focus, memory, and mental clarity
Mood support: supporting serotonin pathways and mitochondrial function in the brain
Neuroprotection: potentially slowing oxidative damage and age-related cognitive decline³
Energy and fatigue: improving how cells generate energy
Detoxification: supporting the body’s antioxidant and redox systems
Some experimental protocols also explore its use in chronic illness recovery, post-viral fatigue, and neuroinflammatory conditions—although these uses are still being actively studied.
How Is It Taken?
There are a few different ways methylene blue can be administered:
Oral capsules or drops (most common and accessible)
Sublingual lozenges (absorbed under the tongue for faster onset)
Intravenous (IV) administration (less common, typically in clinical settings)
For wellness purposes, oral or sublingual use is typically preferred for safety and convenience.
⚠️ Important: Only use pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue that is specifically labeled for human use. Industrial or “research use only” products may contain impurities such as heavy metals or solvents that are not safe for the body¹.
Safety Considerations
While methylene blue is generally safe at low doses, it’s important to understand when and how to use it:
Color changes: It may temporarily turn your urine blue or green—this is harmless but good to know ahead of time!
Drug interactions: Methylene blue can interact with medications like SSRIs and SNRIs, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome⁴. Always consult a provider before starting it if you take psychiatric medications.
Dosing matters: Low-dose (or “microdosed”) methylene blue is considered safest for wellness use. Higher doses are reserved for medical treatment and should be supervised.
Who should avoid it:
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
People with G6PD deficiency
Anyone taking serotonergic medications without supervision
Our Approach at Verve
At Verve Health, we only offer pharmaceutical-grade supplements that are carefully vetted for safety, purity, and effectiveness. If you’re curious about methylene blue or whether it might support your health goals, we can help you determine if it's appropriate as part of a personalized plan.
Our providers offer guidance on safe sourcing, dosing, and monitoring—because optimizing your health should never come with guesswork.
Interested in exploring cellular health and cognitive vitality with guidance you can trust?
Book a complimentary consultation with our team to learn more about methylene blue and other cutting-edge therapies.
¹ Tucker, D., Lu, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2018). From Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection—an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue. Molecular Neurobiology, 55, 5137-5153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-017-0712-2.
² Yang, S., Li, W., Sumien, N., Forster, M., Simpkins, J., & Liu, R. (2017). Alternative mitochondrial electron transfer for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancers: Methylene blue connects the dots. Progress in Neurobiology, 157, 273-291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.10.005.
³ Gonzalez-Lima F, Auchter AM. Protection against neurodegeneration with low-dose methylene blue and near-infrared light. Front Cell Neurosci. 2015.
⁴ Stanford, S., Stanford, B., & Gillman, P. (2010). Risk of severe serotonin toxicity following co-administration of methylene blue and serotonin reuptake inhibitors: an update on a case report of post-operative delirium. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 24, 1433 - 1438. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881109105450.
