Podcast Summary

The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Episode: Top 12 Most Misunderstood Supplements & Therapies (That Actually Work)

Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Dr. Josh Axe

Episode Overview

Dr. Josh Axe explores the "gray area" of functional medicine, sharing his in-depth analysis of 12 of the most controversial, misunderstood, yet potentially transformative supplements and therapies. He breaks down their mechanisms, benefits, notable risks, and gives practical recommendations—always emphasizing that "the dose determines the poison or the medicine." Throughout, he references real-world examples, including figures like Joe Rogan and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and integrates insights from clinical research and traditional medicine.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Controversial Compounds

• Definition of the "Gray Area" ([02:28])
  • Supplements and compounds that straddle the line between medicine, biohacking, and controversy (peptides, THC, psilocybin, colloidal silver, creatine, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, nicotine, etc.).
  • All are either underestimated, misunderstood, or misused, but can offer "surprising potential healing, cognitive, and longevity benefits" when applied correctly.
• Dose Matters: "The dose determines the poison or the medicine." (Dr. Axe, [03:26])

2. THC, CBD, & Psilocybin—Cannabis & Psychedelics

• Mechanisms & Differences ([04:29–06:14])

  • THC: Psychoactive; binds to brain receptors; helps pain, appetite, mood, memory.
  • CBD: Non-intoxicating; interacts with CB2 receptors; aids mood, inflammation, sleep.
  • Psilocybin: Hallucinogen (magic mushrooms); binds serotonin receptors; alters perception and mood.

• Who Benefits: Chronic pain, epilepsy, seizure disorders (CBD), treatment-resistant depression/addiction (psilocybin under clinical guidance), biohackers.

• CBD: Safe for most, can help almost everyone for sleep, inflammation, anxiety ([08:01]); may cause "dampness" (Chinese medicine)—less ideal for those with candida/bad bacteria.

• THC: Useful in low dose with CBD for chronic pain or insomnia; risks anxiety, dependency, motivation loss if overused ([12:12]).

• Psilocybin: Promising for PTSD and trauma recovery under strict supervision; not for unsupervised use.

  “The dose determines the poison or the medicine.” – Dr. Axe ([03:26])
  “CBD is a great option. Almost everyone can benefit from CBD. [...] Kids can benefit from CBD.” – Dr. Axe ([09:58])
  “With psilocybin, studies show a single high dose session significantly reduced depression, with results lasting for at least one year.” – Dr. Axe ([10:46])

Notable Caution

• THC & Motivation: Long-term THC "sucks all motivation out of you" and "burns out your adrenal energy" ([14:54]).

3. Nicotine (Patches/Gum as Nootropic)

• Mechanism: Nicotine acts on brain’s acetylcholine receptors, boosting attention, memory, alertness ([16:20]).

• Who Benefits: Biohackers, people with ADHD, cognitive decline, smokers in cessation, occasional productivity boost.

• Risks: Potential dependency (though less than cigarettes), cardiovascular stress, worsened insomnia, burns up "lung Yin" (Chinese medicine), not for youth or long-term use.

• Safe Use: “Here or there, on occasion, once a week, something like that, most people are going to get away with. But daily it will dry up your fluids…” ([20:31])

  “It’s a better alternative to ADHD drugs like Ritalin and Adderall, which over time do real damage.” – Dr. Axe ([17:24])

4. Creatine

• Overview: Naturally-occurring tripeptide (arginine, glycine, methionine); major in muscle and heart ([22:31–25:20]).

• Benefits: Muscle strength, short-term energy, brain health, may aid depression, recovery for vegans/older adults.

• Cautions: Water retention, possible GI upset, not for those with kidney issues, excessive dosing blunts body’s production.

• Safe Dose: Typically 1–5 grams/day; more isn’t better.

• Dr. Axe’s Protocol: “I do about one to two grams, about five days a week.” ([26:55])

  “Of all the things I’m covering, it’s probably the safest and most effective for the general population.” – Dr. Axe ([28:26])

5. Methylene Blue

• Description: Originally a textile dye, now recognized for mitochondrial and brain health ([28:55]).

• Mechanism: Supports mitochondrial ATP production, antioxidant effects, neuroprotection.

• Benefits: Chronic fatigue, brain optimization, recovery (often combined with red light therapy).

• Risks: High doses can be toxic; can interact dangerously with SSRI drugs (“serotonin syndrome” risk).

• Other: Temporarily tints urine blue/green.

• Safe Dose: 0.5–2 mg/kg body weight, only intermittently; avoid with SSRIs, enzyme deficiency disorders, pregnancy.

  “If you’re going to take methylene blue, just do low doses. You don’t need to do high doses.” – Dr. Axe ([30:42])

6. Ivermectin

• Background: Antiparasitic medicine for humans and animals ("horse dewormer" media controversy) ([33:18]).

• Uses: Killing parasites (nematodes), potential off-label uses (rosacea, viral infections, cancer support, anti-inflammation).

• Case Study: Dr. Axe’s cousin with glioblastoma took ivermectin during recovery ([03:26, 34:11]).

• Risks: Only for specific use; can harm liver, gut microbiome in long-term or casual use; contraindicated with blood thinners.

• Safe Protocol: 150–200 mcg/kg (per physician), usually for 2 weeks–1 month only if actual infection.

  “Ivermectin is not a vitamin, okay? It’s a medication...shouldn’t be used as a supplement.” – Dr. Axe ([37:22])

7. NAD/NMN/NR (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide+ Precursors)

• Role: Cell energy coenzyme, declines with age ([39:00]).

• Therapeutic Use: Fatigue, mitochondrial dysfunction, cognitive decline, metabolic issues.

• Best Absorption: IV or subcutaneous for NAD; orally use NR or NMN (prefer NR if possible).

• Risk/Cautions: High doses can cause nausea, fatigue; not more is better; those sensitive to B vitamins or with MTHFR should use lower doses (150 mg NR).

• Dr. Axe’s Application: 150 mg NR for maintenance; IV post-illness to rebuild mitochondria.

  “For mitochondrial health… an NAD+ IV, or NR supplement, has major, major benefits.” – Dr. Axe ([43:13])

8. Peptides & Bioregulators

• Definition: Short proteins, often derived from organs/glands or synthesized ([44:30]).

• Notable Examples:

  • BPC-157: Gut and tissue healing; best for IBD or injury.
  • Thymulin/Thymosin: Immune-boosting; autoimmune disease.
  • Epitalon: Longevity, anti-aging.

• Ancient Medicine Parallel: “Like supports like.” (Eat the organ that matches the need.)

• Cautions: Not all peptides are for everyone (contraindicated in cancer, pregnancy for some types).

  “Pharmaceutical companies today…want to mark these up…so there’s a battle raging right now on peptides.” – Dr. Axe ([46:26])

9. Hydroxychloroquine

• Origins: Anti-malarial, now autoimmune/anti-viral ([52:35]).

• Best Uses: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, post-viral inflammation (e.g., long COVID).

• Risks: Not for general use; long-term risk of retinal damage, heart rhythm issues, immune suppression.

  “Not a vitamin…should be used for very specific conditions but not taken long term for really anybody.” – Dr. Axe ([55:08])

10. Hydrogen Tablets / Hydrogen Water

• What It Is: Molecular hydrogen gas in water; acts as a selective antioxidant ([56:59]).
• Benefits: Reduces oxidative stress, supports athletes, aging, mitochondrial health, builds up subtly over time.
• Dosage: 1 tablet in water, 2x/day, or drink from a filter.
• Not a Miracle Cure: “The benefits are subtle…build up gradually over time.” ([59:10])
• Safe for: Most, at low-moderate doses.

11. Activated Charcoal

• Mechanism: Binds toxins in the gut; not absorbed systemically ([57:00]).

• Uses: Gas, food poisoning, gut detox, after mold/heavy metal exposure; original use in ER for overdoses.

• Risks: Binds to healthy minerals/nutrients/medications; can cause constipation.

• Safe Use: Only during cleanses/emergencies; not daily; at least 4–8 hours apart from nutrients/meds.

  “This is not something you should take every day.” – Dr. Axe ([60:58])

12. Dasatinib

• What It Is: Cancer drug (tyrosine kinase inhibitor), now explored as a senolytic (removes ‘zombie’ cells) ([62:07]).
• Potential Use: Fibrosis, some autoimmune/liver/kidney disease; as anti-aging therapy with quercetin.
• Risks: It’s a chemo drug, not a casual supplement; legal/prescription issues, notable side effects.
• Alternatives: Quercetin, fasting, proteolytic enzymes preferable for most people.

13. Colloidal Silver (Final “Censored” Compound)

• Description: Silver suspended in water ([64:49]); old natural antibiotic, now highly controversial and censored online.

• Uses: Topically for wound healing (combine with Manuka honey), short-term oral use for infections/colds/flu, nasal spray, or as recommended.

• Benefits: Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal.

• Risks: Argyria (skin turns blue/gray if massively overdosed for years), no FDA approval for internal use, unsafe in pregnancy/breastfeeding/children, not for long-term use.

  “Colloidal silver—completely healthy, safe, and effective in microdoses, short term…” – Dr. Axe ([67:07])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “The dose determines the poison or the medicine.” ([03:26])
• “There are so many influencers online saying, ‘Take ivermectin every day…methylene blue in high doses…activated charcoal every day.’ You should not take those every day.” ([67:30])
• “Just because something sounds fringe doesn’t mean it’s ineffective or unsafe. Sometimes it’s safe and effective—it just needs to be used with wisdom and in the right situation.” ([68:00])

Key Timestamps

• [02:28] — Introduction to controversial supplements
• [04:29] — Cannabis/psychedelics science & uses
• [16:20] — Nicotine as a “nootropic” alternative
• [22:31] — Creatine: peptide, muscle, brain benefits
• [28:55] — Methylene blue and red-light combo
• [33:18] — Ivermectin: use, misconceptions, real risks
• [39:00] — NAD/NR/NMN: for cellular energy & healthy aging
• [44:30] — Peptides: cutting-edge repair, immune modulation
• [52:35] — Hydroxychloroquine: autoimmune & antiviral
• [56:59] — Hydrogen water: subtle antioxidant effect
• [57:00] — Activated charcoal: when and how to use
• [62:07] — Dasatinib: real anti-aging or transhumanist hype?
• [64:49] — Colloidal silver: old natural remedy, present-day controversy

Core Takeaways

• Evidence-Driven, Targeted Use: Most controversial compounds are neither panaceas nor poisons; their effectiveness and safety are context-dependent.
• Right Dose, Right Time: Avoid daily use of prescription-style supplements unless addressing a very specific, diagnosed condition.
• Consult Providers: Supervision is crucial—especially with compounds like psilocybin, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, peptides, and any prescription medications.
• Don’t Fear “Fringe”: Innovative therapies often precede mainstream acceptance but should always be approached wisely, skeptically, and with research-backed dosing protocols.
• Everyday “Biohacking” is Overrated: Save interventions for real need, and remember that conventional health fundamentals (nutrition, sleep, purpose, movement) form the foundation of well-being.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In

This episode provides a wide-ranging, cautionary, and nuanced look at the compounds often generating buzz in both mainstream and alternative health circles. Dr. Axe is clear: proceed with wisdom, skepticism, and an individualized approach—and always align with true need, not hype. Each compound’s profile is broken down so you can make your own informed decision, ideally with professional input.

End.