The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Cream of Wheat Cereal, Molasses, Raisins and Flax Seeds
Posted by Tanya (Olympia, Wa) on 01/21/2008
★★★★★
I wrote back in November about my anemia and would like to report that I just got a blood test and my iron is 38 percent, way into the normal range. I have eaten cream of wheat with 2 tbls of unsulphered black strap molasses and raisins with flax seed every morning since September when I was diagnosed with fibroids. I have also been drinking 1 tbls of Mothers Apple Cider Vinegar with Apple Juice every day. During my cycle I drink it first thing in the morning because I read it helps to clot blood. My cycles have been very light and I just saw my Natropath Friday and she was amazed at how high I got my iron and how well I was doing. She also has me taking some liquid herbs to shrink the fibroid. My cycles have been great only thing is the last two were only 15 days apart. When I told my Dr. about this she said perhaps it is my body getting back on track? She wants me to go back in May to get an follow-up ultrasound. I will report back when I have that done.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Debbi (Greenwich, CT) on 02/01/2007
★★★★★
I became very anemic last year almost to the point of having an endometrial ablation and blood transfusions! I took my health into my own hands and did lots of research. Blackstrap molasses (unsulfured) restored my iron levels and my energy! I still take it everyday!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Laurie (Los Angeles, CA) on 12/03/2006
★★★★★
I use Plantation Unsulphered blackstrap molasses. It cured anemia and increased my iron levels. Prior to taking molasses again, I used otc iron pills with minimal visible results. I now take two TBS daily of the molasses, and my iron levels rose. Although the molasses tastes different, it's better to take molasses now then chemo later in life.
Cautionary Note
Posted by Carol (Pocatello, Idaho) on 11/07/2006
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I work as a Nurse Practitioner in a hematology clinic. Please remember that not all patients with anemia have it because of low iron stores. Too much iron can have significant medical side effects. Therefore, I would have your iron blood levels checked prior to starting any replacement iron, molasses, or other herbal products.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lynde (Pretoria, Sa) on 12/18/2017
I was wondering why no one has mentioned Spirulina and vit B12 for anaemia? Has anyone had experience using these?
Iron
Posted by Beverly (Riverside, California United States) on 06/01/2013
★★★★★
Does anyone know if taking over the counter IRON Tablets 65 mil. is safe?
3 days ago I was so weak that I could hardly get out of bed. A friend told me to try IRON Tablets so my husband went out and bought me a bottle. Within the first day I felt better! 3 days later I am outside doing decent yard work! I had not been able to work in my yard due to weakness.
I am wondering if taking a pill a day is safe? Anyone know? I wonder if I should cut the tablet in half to be safe? How long can I take Iron?
(I am the Beverly that wrote about having a cold head. Even my head is not bothering me as much now.)
Chlorophyll
Posted by Mary (Illinose, Chicago) on 03/04/2013
★★★★★
Try taking liquid chlorophyll
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Tessa (Okanagan) on 07/31/2020
Hi Susannah -
Dr. Josh Axe mentioned blackstrap molasses (1 teaspoon per day) among other things in his article about anemia - "5 Natural Treatments for Anemia Symptoms":
https://draxe.com/health/anemia-symptoms/
He does mention the various types of anemia that affects people (including aplastic anemia). His recommendations are based on diet, B12, Vitamin C, folate [not folic acid], ginseng, probiotics, etc.
He also added how important a healthy spleen is when dealing with anemia.
I hope you and your husband find something that helps soon.
Take care.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 12/27/2013
Dear Louise,
I am so sorry about the anemia. That is exhausting!
I have taken Floradix. My home birth midwives would recommend it in pregnancy. It is very effective, but it is expensive. However, it was much more gentle on the system than iron supplements. I think it works better, too.
In subsequent pregnancies, I have kept pregnancy induced anemia at bay with just Blackstrap Molasses. It is much cheaper than Floradix and may even be better. You can take 1 Tablespoon twice a day. The drawback is that many don't like the taste. You can look on Earth Clinic's Blackstrap Molasses page for ideas on how to take it. My children take it off the spoon. It must be Blackstrap, though.
Alfalfa is also good for anemia. You can buy tablets to take. 6 per day.
Cayenne pepper is also very good for your blood and may help with the bleeding/bruising. Some have concern that it thins the blood, but I think it has a normalizing effect. If it seems to be affecting you adversely, discontinue. I have just had a lot of success with cayenne helping with bleeding issues. It is also excellent to help you feel warmer and give a little extra energy. Start with 1/8t. in a couple ounces of grape juice, 3 x a day. In a week, try 1/4t. in 3-4 ounces of grape juice 3 times a day.
Do you know the root of this problem? Do you have heavy periods? Internal bleeding? Do you know what your platelet count is?
Please keep us posted.
~Mama to Many~
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Krystal (Rochester, Ny) on 10/08/2010
★★★★★
I use to be a die hard blood donor for years. The ARC turned me down a lot now due to low iron from my Pica/period. I took 1 tbs of blackstrap molasses (non sulfured kind) with water a day, drank beetjuice with apple once a week and my hemoglobin levels shot up fast! I have more energy, I am happier, hair grew back, I gave blood to those who need it now (how ironic huh? @_@), and my pica is cured!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Marti (Olathe, Ks) on 02/09/2010
Just an FYI - milk (and also tannins from regular tea) interfere with the absorption of iron. I've read that vitamin C assists with iron absorption so taking BSM with Orange Juice could be more effective.
Beets, Dietary Changes
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 03/01/2017
LLH, for me Blackstrap Molasses got the iron and ferritin up to par.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Had (White River Jct, Vermont) on 03/12/2013
You can buy or make your own 'pills' of Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne pepper slows down bleeding( has a blancing effect in the body and can stop a heart attack), put it in a search engine, it's truly an amazing spice. I use it for heavy bleeding, to bring it down to a more 'normal' amount. It truly works.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Elsaeasterly (Elsewhere, Ca, Usa) on 05/19/2011
★★★★★
In January I was diagnosed as being severely anemic. My ferritin level was 2. My blood volume was down by 10%. The doctor said I had virtually no iron in my body. I had been taking blackstrap molasses (1 or 2 tablespoons a day) for about a year and unfortunately it did not help me. I knew I needed iron because I was anemic 5 years ago, but it wasn't nearly as bad then as this time.
I did not want to take the prescription after reading all the negative experiences about it. I checked here on Earth Clinic and Dr. Weil's web site and decided to try the remedies that I listed in the title. I hope these brand names are printed because I am not endorsing one in particular, and I did read about at least 2 of them here.
After 2 months, huge success! All my numbers had come up so much that my doctor looked at me with big eyes and asked, "What did you do?" She actually wrote down the names of these products so that she could recommend them to other patients.
Interestingly, in Dr. Weil's article, he recommended Floradix, but said that it probably wouldn't be enough for those with severe anemia. Well, I took it anyway and proved him wrong!
By the way, prior to my first round of bloodwork, I had been taking rather large doses of zinc. I didn't find out until I was reading up on anemia that it blocks iron absorption. I also read that you should avoid milk, eggs, tea, and chocolate. I couldn't give up these items completely, but I reduced the milk and eggs, and I didn't take my iron within a couple of hours of consuming tea or chocolate. I had great results anyway
Chlorophyll
Posted by Basilia (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 05/11/2023
★★★★★
The chlorophyll, which is really called, chlorophyllin, that is produced is altered by adding a copper molecule that replaces the natural magnesium molecule. In return, copper helps the iron to recycle itself which is then utilized by the body. Copper and vitamin A are very important for the iron recycling process within the body, with the results being iron absorption.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Maria (Houston, Texas) on 05/05/2007
★★★★★
I was suffering for years with anemia and I had even been let go from my job due to the fact that I could not keep my strength up. I had been told by several doctors that my multiple fibroids required a hysterectomy. I had no tolerance for ANY type of iron supplement. I was steadily getting worse. One doctor even gave up treating me. When that happened I was greatly distressed. I began to recall an island friend telling me that I needed to take blackstrap molasses. So I began using it and lo and behold I improved immediately. My blood count went up from 6 to 7.8 in one month. I now am going through menopause and have found that it helps even with that. I love it and tell everyone about it. My husband takes it daily. I also have no more symptoms of anemia and fibroid issues. I take it now for the calcium and other minerals that are great for menopause troubles.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Averell (Fort Washington, Maryland) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★
Being extremely weak and anemic from my monthly cycle. I decided to try black strap molasses. I put a Tbs. in my green tea several times a day. I feel so much better, not weak,faint or light headed.My husband even got into it and he said it gave him energy. The doctor who lives next door recommended Floridine from the Natural Health Food Store, it smells and tastes just like molasses only more expensive. I wish I would have found the benefits of molasses a long time ago. I remember my mom used to have some in her kitchen cabinet and put it in baked beans.
Vitamin E Deficiency
Posted by Susan (USA)
★★★★★
Vitamin E deficiency may cause anemia, as a result of red blood cell destruction and neurological dysfunction, myopathies, and diminished erythrocyte life span. New clinical evidence from heavy drinkers suggests that alcohol may increase oxidation of Alpha-Tocopherol. Increased demand has also been observed in premature infants and patients with malabsorption.
Sarsaparilla and Beetroot
Posted by Easterly (Elsewhere) on 12/12/2023
★★★★★
It works! Thank you, Shooting Star! I have been "severely anemic" at certain points in my life. I haven't taken iron supplements in several months now, but tried the sarsaparilla instead. The lab tests confirmed that I am no longer anemic! My doctor took a notation about sarsaparilla and looked up information on it. I took it for only a few weeks, usually just one capsule a day. Now I'm going to look into the beetroot. Thanks again!
Vitamin B-12
Posted by Robert V. (EC's Facebook) on 06/03/2020
★★★★★
People's body chemistries are different, & some have allergies to things others thrive on. I was forced to drink milk & eat tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers & eggplants, as I was raised on a small family farm. After nearly dying at the age of 30 (from a liver disease) I was carried by my husband into a gentleman's healthfood store, where I waited to be seen (at no charge) sitting on the floor in an aisle, as I was unable to stand. He had studied to be a veterinarian up until the middle of his last semester, then quit & began applying his observational diagnostic skills to humans. I was too weak to walk having lost 6 months of my life (more or less unconscious) & about 35 lbs. I already knew much of what was wrong with me, having been to the same local large clinic that had diagnosed my mother's cancer. He looked at my eyes, tongue, toes, fingers, etc. & wrote down everything (& more) that the clinic doctors had found out using their their X-rays, blood & other invasive tests. He then made a list of supplements & vitamins I should take & a list of things I should avoid. Three days after following his protocol, I got up & fixed my family breakfast. A week later, I was able to walk to the top of a small rise in the road a quarter mile from our house. By the end of the summer, my 5 yr. old son (I insisted my whole family be examined by this wonderful man & follow his recommendations) & I entered a local "1 1/2 mile Fun Run". I finished in 8 minutes. After having asthma my entire life up to that time, I came in 2nd (behind a younger regularly training runner). Anyone having health issues needs to allow a naturopath with an excellent reputation to determine what would work best for them.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mauri (Covington, Louisiana) on 01/13/2016
I have recently discovered that I have severe anemia. I have extreme bouts of fatigue and exhaustion as well as brittle fingernails that will not grow. How much blackstrap molasses should I be taking each day?
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/14/2016
Mauri, start small - about a teaspoon, twice a day. You will probably see immense improvements when you build up to a tablespoon twice a day. Later, you can back down to a tablespoon once a day and later yet, a tablespoon once in a few days.
The first thing you might notice, is more energy!!
Coffee Enemas, Amino Acids, Supplements
Posted by Karen ( Calgary, Alberta) on 01/22/2014
★★★★★
I believe I now have the solution, the secret for treating iron deficiency anemia. I suffered from anemia for a few decades from heavy bleeding due to fibroids. I had severe crippling fatigue and the confused or foggy mind state that accompanies it. Tests showed no other underlying sickness besides fibroids. Here's what to do.
1. To prevent hemorraghe at period time you MUST get into a habit of doing regular coffee enemas days and weeks beforehand (does not have to be everyday). It is simple and easy to do, A child can do it, don't let the words bother you. It's also very very relaxing. Go to the website drlwilson.com to see the method. I get the best results with Naya brand spring water (from my dollar store) and 2 tablesoons of columbian coffee (dollar store).
2. The last time I hemorrhaged, I took iron pills for 3 weeks but still felt terrible. Extreme exhaustion, fogginess. Then I went to a fitness store. They gave me a sample of liquid branch chain amino acids (BCAA). I was out of bed that evening, cooking, dancing in my house, happy. It was incredible! The next day I went to a fitness store and bought a liquid amino acid supplement with the full spectrum of essential amino acids. I only took some for maybe two days. Since then life has been great. No exhaustion whatsoever , my mind is crystal clear. I am fit and healthy. It may be hard to find a liquid supplement so I believe the soft chews they have is fine too. Don't use protein powder, not work effectively.
3. Continue taking your iron pills till you feel you don't need it anymore. I use floradix iron tablets once per day with vitamin c ( but I wish I never had to take any iron supplement)
4. Other supplements I take? I take a little powdered gelatin each day , from health food store or Knox. Great for health. Put tsp or so in tea or warm water or in foods or drinks. Very good on an empty stomach if you can.
- I take other vitamin and mineral supplements when I feel I need it
- chlorella gives me great energy
- Blackstrap Molasses, apple cider vinegar
- some days have instant oatmeal that is 70% iron fortified from walmart
- recently started taking some yellow dock
- eat nutritious healthy food, take milk products at different times than iron supplements and foods
The main things are the coffee enema, amino acid supplement ( short term when needed) and iron pills when needed
Enjoy your health
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Candice (Parkville, Mo) on 03/16/2016
Nurse Jon, Your review on BSM Was so informative. As a person who suffers from long term anemia I would love to know of a brand of BSM THAT YOU WOULD SUGGEST. Thank you for your words. It left me feeling like there is hope.
Supplements
Posted by Diana (China Grove, Nc) on 12/16/2011
★★★★★
Hello, My name is Diana. I have an ongoing problem with heavy periods and fibroids but at my age I did not want a hysterectomy. I am going to try the apple cider vinegar. I have already started using the kind with the mother in it. They say it is the best. I have to use iron supplements as well and I just wanted to let you know that I use an iron supplement that works really well for me and it is called "Blood Builder" from a place called Wellness. Iron supplements make me really sick but this one usually does really good for me. I still have to take food though before I take any kind of supplements. I always have. When I first started using the "Blood Builder" iron supplement my blood was really low and when I went back to the doctor to have it rechecked they could not get over how great my blood was. They were thrilled. They told me they had never seen it that good before. I really like them and just wanted to let all of you know in case you may want to try something different.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Catherine (Wellington, New Zealand) on 08/11/2011
Reply to Lee, BSM is a much better solution for anemia. Iron compounds to correct anemia need to be under stringent medical control. As early as 1928 they were found to destroy Vitamin E. Later studies showed that taking ferrous sulfate and other iron compounds tremendously increase the need for oxygen, pantothenic acid and several nutrients, that they harm the unsaturated fatty acids, and destroy carotene and vitamins A, C and E. When protein intake is low, iron compounds can cause liver damage.
Where iron deficiency occurs one must look first to the diet, heavy reliance on processed foods can be a cause, lack of B6, B12 & E also, if no problems there then some other things need to be considered. Loss of blood through internal bleeding (as per stomach ulcer) heavy menstrual flow for women and young girls. Increased ferritin levels indicating that the body is storing iron to make it unavailable for pathogens or parasites (also cancer). Blood tests for anemia should in my opinion also include the test for ferritin. I understand the current upper ferritin level in U. S. is 20 though lately some experts claim 0-10 is preferred.
It is hard to have a normal diet low in iron, so anemia should always be investigated and not simply "treated" with iron pills.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Richelle (Los Angeles, California, Usa) on 06/15/2011
★☆☆☆☆
I suffer from anemia and heavy peiods with bad cramps. I tried BSM but didnt get results fast enough. Maybe I should have given it more time. I have decided to try it again but I am juicing now on a regular basis. Can I use the BSM in the juicing?
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Caroleco1 (Buffalo, New York, USA) on 02/16/2011
★★★★★
I have suffered from anemia for a number of years. I find that the Blackstrap Molasses help to build the iron. I drink 1 tablespoon in the morning with 1/2 glass of milk. I drink one tablespoon in the evening before bedtime with 1/2 glass of milk. I suffer from AVM of the small intestines, it cannot be treated with surgery. Ever so often I bleed internally so it is important to keep my iron levels up. I cannot eat too many dark leafly vegetables because I am on Warfarin for artificial heart valves. Vitamin K. I prefer the Blackstrap Molasses over a blood transfusion anyday. I am 54 years old and 95 pounds. After 5 kids all grown except one. Does anyone out there have any recipes for smoothies. Thanks!
