A chemical first synthesized in the 1800s as a textiles dye is making the rounds on social media as an easy way to boost mood and enhance cognition. However, experts say it’s only really useful in treating very specific medical conditions, most notably a rare blood disorder called methemoglobinemia.
Methylene blue received significant social media attention after a video began circulating in February showing U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. using a dropper to add a blue liquid to a glass of water.
“To anyone who knows anything about chemistry, you look at that video and it’s very clear that he’s squirting methylene blue into the glass,” said Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, speaking with Dr. Brian Goldman, host of The Dose podcast.
Health and wellness influencers, including podcasters like Joe Rogan, quickly began suggesting that, taken orally, methylene blue could be used to improve cognition, minimize the signs of aging and even — …