How I Use Methylene Blue for Energy, Focus, and Mitochondrial Support
Brian RichardsWhen it comes to keeping my brain sharp, my energy levels high, and my mitochondria firing on all cylinders, methylene blue is a go-to in my routine. Over the years, I’ve dialed in exactly how I use it—when, how much, and what works best for me. Since a lot of people have been asking, here’s a breakdown of my personal approach to using methylene blue.
How I Personally Dose Methylene Blue
I use pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue, like Lumetol Blue, because purity matters. A lot of what’s floating around online is chemical-grade or industrial methylene blue, which is NOT something you want in your body. Heavy metal contamination? No thanks. Lumetol Blue is designed for bioavailability, making it clean, effective, and easy to incorporate into my routine.
Daily Routine & Cycling
I don’t take methylene blue every single day—I cycle it to keep my mitochondria responsive. My typical routine looks like this:
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How much? I personally take 20-45 mg per day, which works out to 1/8 to 1/4 of a square of Lumetol Blue.
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How often? I follow a 4-7 day on, 3-day off cycle. This gives my body time to respond without developing a tolerance.
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When? I take it 30-45 minutes before my SuperSauna session to maximize absorption and mitochondrial activation.
Some people like to cycle methylene blue seasonally—more in the winter when natural light exposure is lower and less in the summer when they’re getting more sun. Others use it strategically during periods of high cognitive or physical demand. I pay attention to how I feel and adjust accordingly.
How I Take Methylene Blue (Without Turning Everything Blue)
Let’s be real—methylene blue stains. And if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with blue fingers, blue teeth, and a blue-streaked countertop. Here’s how I keep things clean:
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Step 1: Take Lumetol Blue out of the fridge and place it on a glass or ceramic plate (avoid wood or anything porous).
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Step 2: Use a sharp knife to cut off my daily dose.
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Step 3: With clean, dry hands, place the piece toward the back of my tongue and swallow immediately with water (I prefer filtered or lemon water).
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Step 4: Wash the plate and knife right away to prevent staining. If any flakes drop, wipe them up immediately with a wet paper towel.
And here’s something I get asked all the time: Will it stain my toilet? Nope—as long as you flush promptly. Your urine may turn blue or green depending on how much your body absorbs, but your porcelain throne is safe. Alert for men: you know how you’re supposed to wipe down the rim after peeing standing up? It’s even more important now.
Why I Take Methylene Blue Before My Sauna
Methylene blue is photodynamic, meaning it interacts with red and near-infrared light to enhance mitochondrial function. That’s why I always take it before my SaunaSpace sauna session. The combination of heat + light + methylene blue creates a powerful synergy, optimizing ATP production and making my sauna sessions even more effective.
If I’m traveling or don’t have access to my sauna, I’ll sometimes use Blue Eyes, a methylene blue formula designed for ocular absorption. A single drop in each eye before a sauna session or sunlight exposure can deliver a noticeable cognitive and visual clarity boost.
Final Thoughts
Methylene blue has been a game-changer in my routine, but like anything, it’s important to use high-quality sources and pay attention to how your body responds. If you’re new to it, start low, see how you feel, and adjust from there. And of course, if you’re on SSRIs or certain medications, talk to a healthcare provider first.
For me, the combination of cycling, strategic timing, and pairing it with photobiomodulation has made all the difference. If you’re curious, check out Lumetol Blue—it’s the cleanest, most effective form out there, and the one I trust in my own regimen.
Curious about what’s real and what’s just internet folklore when it comes to methylene blue? In our next post, we’ll walk you through some of the most common misconceptions and clarify what the science actually says—so you can make smart, informed decisions without getting lost in the noise. Stay tuned.
WARNING
WARNING: Do not use methylene blue if you are pregnant or nursing. Avoid use if you have a known G6PD gene mutation.
Serotonin Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, has been reported in surgical settings where very high doses of methylene blue were administered alongside SSRIs and other serotonin-increasing drugs, leading to severe effects. While the FDA advises against combining methylene blue with SSRIs, the Mayo Clinic and Health Canada have since retracted their warning. However, do not use methylene blue in combination with SSRIs or substances such as MDMA, MDA, or Ayahuasca, as they also increase serotonin or have MAO-I properties.
Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the packaging is open or damaged. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical concerns, consult a healthcare professional before use.