A circuit and methods describing a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) rectifier for use in radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting with body biasing by the RF input to control the threshold voltage of each transistor. The CMOS rectifier includes an energy harvesting antenna, and multiple rectifier stages. The antenna receives electromagnetic radiation from the environment and generates a DC current. The oscillating input current is an RF+ positive current during a first half cycle and is an RF− negative current during a second half cycle. A first rectifier stage includes a first capacitor connected to the RF+ positive current, a second capacitor connected to the RF− negative current and a cross coupled CMOS circuit connected to the antenna.