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.
Pekmezi
Posted by Demina (Athens, Greece) on 12/08/2010
★★★★★
It is very weird that no one here has never or so I think- mentioned the traditional grape molasses named pekmezi in Turkish or petimezi in Greek Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petimezi I guess that it is a local product and not widespread in other places in the world otherwise the page blackstrap molasses would have been a tiny sub page of this grapes molasses pages product.
Pekmezi is made by boiling down slowly for hours the first juice you get after crushing the grapes (the very first step for producing wine before any kind of fermentation) until this juice becomes a mild-thick black-brown sweet syrup. Actually in Greece we can do it in our own kitchen provided we find tons of fresh crushed grape juice. It is a difficult home procedure as we need "gallons" of this fresh juice to produce a bottle of pekmezi. There are a lot of wine producing countries in the world but I don't know if any others than the two above have also this product -well, lazy housewives ? :-)
Even wikipedia doesn't mention pekmezi in its "grapes" page as a grapes product (although there is a petimezi page, mentioned above)
If you just consider the raw material grapes- the grape molasses is far better than any other molasses. There are a lot of "grape" diets but non "sugar cane" ones, and there are a lot of health claims for grapes.
Anyway the grape molasses is so rich in iron too, that you can taste it. One spoon per day is the best home remedy for iron deficiency anemia. In Greece this was a must have remedy for young girls with heavy menstruation, actually not a remedy in a sense of healing the heavy menstruation, but in a sense of rebuilding the body the blood and the stamina. Pregnant women used to take it also. It was a material difficult to produce and every home had bottle as a medicine in its kitchen. I said was because the big pharma came and now the population has been brainwashed to take iron pills for anemia and millions of synthetic vitamins. Also as it is a have it all super food- when a small child was very ill and refused to eat we gave him a spoon of petimezi and we were sure that its body had all the necessary nutrients to combat illness and we didn't mind that the child refused to eat. I remember when I was 7 with chicken pox and 40Celsius for a week and I was saying "I'm dying" my mother gave me pekmezi and water as my sole food. I do not know in other countries what kind of food they feed (before the mass products appear) the very ill children when they refuse to eat but I suppose those exact foods would be the richest in nutrients foods available locally. Check on them in your country!
Vitamin C, Raisins
Posted by Victor (Hartford, Wi) on 02/12/2010
★★★★★
Just a note to anyone who is experiencing difficulty with anemia, my wife was also having this problem anytime she tried to donate blood. Being an avid reader on the internet I found a article that vitamin C will assist in the absorption of iron, my suggestion to her was to eat a handful of raisins, and take vitamin C before giving blood. Results were no more iron deficiency when giving blood.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Nataly (London, UK) on 09/03/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been taking black strap molasses 2-3 tsps a day now for the past four weeks, for low iron level anaemia, within a few days I noticed a marked improement, feeling stronger, emotionally and physially, eyelashes looked longer, hair much softer, eyes large and healthy! I had already been taking two tsps of ferrous sulphate twice a day under medical supervision.
I took the black strap molasses for pain in the ankle and leg due to the low iron, I do not think this helped with this but also take some tumeric power which undoubtably has helped and the symptoms are gone.
But I have noticed an increased in fine body hair on the arms and legs... what is this caused from? I also take a bit of cumin each day.
Look forward to your comments. Also should I lower the dose of the iron supplement or the molasses?
Beetroot
Posted by Christy (Alabama) on 06/29/2023
You should increase your vitamin c intake as this increases iron absorption.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Nicole (Los Angeles, CA) on 09/28/2007
★★★★★
I am a huge fan of BSM. I have used it to help alleviate symptoms from anemia and it really works. Recently, I had a weird thing happen where I was feeling slightly nauseated after consuming even small amounts of sugar. I switched from drinking my customary one cup of coffee to a cup of English tea sweetened with BSM and some half & half. The nausea disappeared and on top of that I feel like I am burning 'cleaner' energy- if you will. Maybe it's the minerals. Give it a try- it's great!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Peachey (Philadelphia) on 11/21/2017
I have been anemic all my life. I remember my mom craved dirt for many of her adult years. From nose bleeds, through black outs, three blood transfusion, and last year I had a stroke at 56yrs old. I always believed to be anemic yet was never property treated. I am looking forward to experiencing the benefits of its us. Thanks for the encouragement.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Jan (Falmouth, Ma, Usa) on 02/11/2010
In reply to Marti in Olathe, KS, I too have low iron and have been taking BSM. I had to go through a bone biopsy and they did a stain on the bone, thus finding out that I was low in iron. And yes, I have been reading that milk and dairy products do interfere with the absorbtion of iron, so I drink 1 tbs. of BSM w/soy milk daily, put it in a blender and it tastes really good. I also keep oranges on hand, as well as juice. I eat an orange a day. As he stated, I have read that vit. c helps to absorb the iron. I have yet to find out how this goes, but I will post on this as soon as I get results from my hemotologist.
Pomegranate Juice
Posted by Nothy (Ontario) on 08/24/2022
★★★★★
I did nearly the same with prune juice. I just bought the bottled cheap stuff from Walmart. I took a half glass twice a day and within a week I was feeling noticeably better. In a month, my ferritin levels went from 10 to 14!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Nita (New Zealand) on 10/19/2019
★☆☆☆☆
When I was diagnosed anemic back in January, my doctor recommended a natural iron supplement and said come back in 3 months. 3 months later bloods dropped one point from 7 to 6 and it was thought there is a problem with iron absorption. I thought I'll beat this. I took 2 T molasses a day, natural iron tabs, beets nearly every day and every other high iron food I could find.. 4 months later books have dropped to 4 and I'm dragging myself around or in bed. Doctor has suggested a parasite cleanse as I travel to developing countries every year, a colonoscopy to rule out internal bleeding and an iron infusion. Has anyone else had this experience of inability to absorb iron?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mich (Alberta) on 03/24/2024
Don't know if you ever resolved it, but inability to absorb iron can be a common problem and is usually related to low stomach acid. The trick is to have something acidic such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in water prior to taking the iron supplements or high iron foods. Alternatively you could try hydrochloric acid pills (hcl) but they can be hard on the stomach and you may not need to increase the acidity by that much.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/12/2017
Myra, BSM is the only thing that got my iron and ferritin up to normal.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Dante (Canada) on 07/16/2022
This excellent account gave me an idea for a delicious blood-building recipe using the mentioned ingredients: blackstrap molasses and peanut butter sandwich on lightly toasted gluten-free bread. Thank you!
General Feedback
Posted by Kit (Kamloops, Bc Canada) on 07/18/2011
My doctor told me to check the color of the inside of your bottom eye lid. If it is very pale, you could be anemic.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Artemis (Nyc) on 06/26/2016
Yes, being hypothyroid can be a problem for weakness, etc. But, don't know if it also relates to iron defficiency as I've had for a long time. Will definitely start on the BSM.. And also add beet root juice. EarthClinic - we love youuuu so much - thank god for those who invented the internet and thus after all these years allowing everyone to have the ability to educate themselves on healing...staing away from doctors who are a horrible JOKE...and not so funny when they couldn't diagnose a runny nose if their lives depended on it. Sorry....I have reason to despise the medical profession in this country. Be well and stay with Mother Nature.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Shelley (Sun Valley, Nevada) on 08/08/2024 11 posts
I was hospitalized in Jan. 2018. I had HG at 2.06. The transfusions didn't help because I have a very rare antibody that is in only 10% of the pop. worldwide. The only facility was USF Hospitals Blood bank in SF was willing to make make my rare blood. I was in the Hospital 12 days and released when my HG was at 7%. I recovered and had no reoccurring problems until April of 2023. I was admitted to Shasta Hospital whom had previously agreed to accept my transfer from the Hospital in Trinity County. Prior to going to the ER I had thought I was suffering Vomiting of all ingested liquids, and foods, had diarrhea, incontinence, headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and I had lost 43#.
After treatment and going home, I did slot of research on my B12 anemia. I had suffered such at birth and received B12 shots daily for two weeks.
I never suffered anemia during any of my five pregnancies, nor a t any other time in my life. At age 57 my hubby and I were run over by a van going 45 mph while in a crosswalk. I suffered 18 fractures, 3 in my skull and was in a med coma for a week. Upon returning home, I became dizzy while laying bed. I had the spins like I was completely intoxicated. No one did squat concerning my complaints. I began drinking Match a beetroot, fresh fruit, organic juices, and MSM smoothies daily. I also put a tablespoon of BSM in my coffee every cup. I became symptomless. This was in 2016. In 2018 we lost our mobile home and lived in our Ford Ranger in our home County. This is when I became almost bloodless the first time.
We now live in a Fifth Wheel in far N CA. I did much research of the diagnoses of B12 Anemia. I also have a Hiatal Hernia which the iffy medical care in our area refused to treat and stop the Chronic heart burn caused by such. I wads placed on antacid pills. Which cause your body to not have the ability to use B12 to convert to red blood cells. I keep having issues, so I will definitely start BSM again with my green super food, beet root powder B12 3 times a day 4,000 Mcg,, D-3, Brewers yeast powder, and MSM and will let you you all know how my body is recovering. I also do mineral Sups., C-Ester, Lots of Plain fat organic yogurt. Thanks for reminding me of the BSM I forgot all about this time.
Blood Building Recipe
Posted by Elodie (Melbourne) on 10/11/2015
You can make bone broth- even better for absorbing iron, from the marrow. I would suggest boiling bones in a slow cooker for up to 16 hours (add a little salt and ACV). Roast the bones a little first before you slow cook them, this along with the ACV helps to draw out the marrow.
Blood Building Recipe
Posted by KT (Usa) on 03/20/2016
It is just my opinion, after being anemic about twenty years ago, that taking the BSM is all that is necessary. The animals we eat or get milk and eggs from are being fed GMO grasses and grains. This is affecting all of us by over stimulating nerve cells. I used to be a big red meat eater but because of what beef cattle/steers are being fed I can only safely tolerate two ounce servings at a meal and I cannot reheat leftover beef. Everyone will be affected differently because we come from different backgrounds and eating habits.
Beetroot
Posted by Renee (USA) on 06/28/2023
YES! I am critical low iron anemic and read all about beets beets beets. I bought a bunch as well as beet juice powder. Then found out about oxalates! And phytic acid and polyphenols all iron inhibitors in many foods...omg....it's enough to make you just starve yourself to death..so in essence is eating beets totally counteracting low iron because of the oxalates?
Beetroot
Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe bh) on 06/29/2023
Renee, I dunno about beets, but when I was critically low in iron, Blackstrap Molasses worked. Read up on it.
Pumpkin Seeds
Posted by Fiona (Arizona, USA) on 09/22/2008
★★★★★
I can't thank you enough, this has worked well for me.When i felt Dizzy spells coming i would know my iron level has dropped, so i would eat seeds and i would feel better.
Cream of Wheat Cereal, Molasses, Raisins and Flax Seeds
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 01/25/2016
Dear Blondski,
Do you know why you are so anemic? I am sorry you have dealt with it for so long. It is exhausting!
I suspect that Tanya is talking about her hemoglobin level and you are talking about your hematocrit level. I think both numbers are low if you are anemic, but the scale is different. I don't think you can still be alive with a hemoglobin level of 3 or 5.
Do try her remedy! I think it sounds like a good one.
~Mama to Many~
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Jabe (Liverpool, Uk) on 01/13/2011
Its good I agree to get your blood tested for iron levels, but remember, what is happening at cellular level ie, how much iron reaches its correct destination is not necessarily reflected in the blood test reading!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Jan (TX) on 01/30/2006
★★★★★
One teaspoon daily dipped and dripping with Blackstrap Molasses (House of Herbs 70% iron content) totally eliminated my anemia, dizziness and fatigue. I drink it in hot water or eat it straight off the spoon. If I forget to take it or run out, all symptoms return within days.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Ian Noelle (United States) on 10/19/2019
I have problems absorbing iron. It is important to note which part of your blood iron is showing to be low - serum ferritin or iron. Serum ferritin is like cash in your wallet whereas iron is cash in your bank. Both are important and knowing the numbers will point you in the right direction to fix it. To increase my ferritin (low) and to maintain iron (normal), I've had to take iron in the middle of the night away from food and beverages. In addition, perhaps consider checking to see if you have a methylation problem. If so, you will not be able to use the unmethylated B vitamins (folate, B12) which is a big contributor to certain types of anemia. Google specifically what your bloodwork shows - meaning the iron (Is it low, normal, or high?) plus the ferritin (Is it low, normal, or high?). You will get better info by being specific regarding both types of bloodwork for iron and ferritin.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Artemis (New York City) on 06/26/2016
Dear Herb: I am trying to find the best beet root powder - can you recommend any? If you buy the juice they are pretty expensive..around $5 a bottle. Thanks
Iron
Posted by Cheryl (Regina, Sask, Canada) on 07/01/2014
Re: iron tests: I just bought iron on the recommendation of my reflexologist. I came on line to read up on it and saw all of the e-mails. I just wanted to let everyone know that if they are worried about too much iron, a good way to find out, is to give blood. It is needed and they test your iron, blood pressure and temperature. It's a win, win, win, situation!!!!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Laura (Santa Cruz, Ca) on 05/19/2012
I had severe anemia, fainting, I could not at times lift my arms to shower. One thing that I strongly recommend is Floridex, iron an herbs. it is a liquid and bought at health food stores, and online.
Beetroot
Posted by Angela D. D. (Washington USA) on 03/29/2024
Try heme iron or Seeking Health's chewable iron.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 11/03/2011
I took it during pregnancy with no problem. On the contrary, I had much more energy.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Richard (Hawaii) on 11/20/2022
I spent 20 years in Sweden, and the Swedish solution is definitely not ferrous sulphate, etc. for anemia. Thanks for this insight from far away New Zealand. Instead, the Swedish method is to substitute various iron salts for what they call "blood pudding." Blood pudding is a common Swedish dish from centuries past. You can buy it ready made in any supermarket in Sweden. It is made by dipping bread in cow blood and lightly frying it. Add lingon berries to it and serve. It tastes like liver with berries on top. Cheers from the other end of the Pacific Ocean.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Louise (Show Low, Az) on 12/27/2013
I have been dealing with anemia for 5 years now and each time I have my blood tested the levels drop. I am down to a 4 (norm being 15-35) I am tired and cold all the time and not sure what to do. I also bruise very easily. I tried the pills the doctor gave me but just ended up having to take three other pills/liquid to counter act the side effects of the iron pills. My boyfriend talked to our local health store owner and she suggested Floradix. Has anyone else used this supplement? She did tell him that I should not eat Dairy close to taking the supplement as it could inhibit the iron binding. Any help would be appreciated... Feeling very low.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Shellie (South Carolina, Usa) on 09/13/2016
Caroleco1 - I have heard people say that BSM should not be taken with milk because milk contains calcium which blocks iron absorbtion, this being so, because you also need magnesium to absorb the iron.
Two tablespoons of blackstrap contains 11.7 percent of our RDI of calcium and 7.3 percent of our RDI of magnesium. This calcium-magnesium ratio is ideal, since our bodies need large quantities of magnesium to help absorb similarly large quantities of calcium.
My g-grandmother used to give BSM to me when I was just a child. I didn't know how good it was for me until many years later.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Zen (Cairns, Australia) on 11/19/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I was diagnosed with anemia a few months back, I started out taking BSM for 1 month, when I had my iron rechecked I was really optimistic that it would have improved my iron stores but it hadn't. The iron in my blood had gone up from 11 to 19 (normal ranges are 5-30) but my ferritin had dropped even lower from 21 to 18 (normal range 30-150). I swapped to Spatone and my ferratin improved to 26 within 2 weeks.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Marla (Nashville) on 04/11/2018
Increase in hair may mean you have better circulation.
Carao Fruit
Posted by Neesy917 (Milwaukee, Wi, Usa) on 04/30/2010
★★★★★
My son took the carao syrup as directed 2x a day and after a couple of months his anemia resolved. This was after iron supplements were not helping.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Kim (Philadelphia, PA) on 11/25/2007
★☆☆☆☆
About 6 months ago I found out I had very low iron levels (they were at a 7 and I think normal is a 12) The DR. put me on iron pills twice daily which did help. Than I read about the BSM and started taking it about a week or so ago instead of the iron pills. At first I thought it made me feel better and energized but now I am starting to notice some of my old symtoms coming back again like dizzy spells at night and just an overall strange feeling. I'm kind of concerned too because I read on another site that BSM really has no benefits at all and that was on rawfoodexplained.com I was just wondering if anyone knows if there is any truth to the article or not. I will be getting my iron levels checked soon and will find out if it is actually working or not.
Cream of Wheat Cereal, Molasses, Raisins and Flax Seeds
Posted by Tanya (Olympia, WA) on 11/08/2007
★★★★★
I have had anemia for over a year and was treating it with iron pills that were not working. My iron went from 31 to 35 and back to 31. I had a ultrasound done and found out I had fibroids. I chose not to have any procedure done and am treating everything naturally. I tried the black strap molasses in coffee and couldn't get it down so I've been eating 1 tablespoon in a bowl of Cream of Wheat every morning with raisins and a tablespoon of flaxseed every morning. All of those foods together provide 78% of your daily iron! I just got my blood checked and I am normal! My iron is 36! That was only after one month of eating the Cream of wheat every day.
Now for my fibroids, I will get those checked in 4 more months, but I feel so much better than i did two months ago. For those I have not drank any alchohol, and stop taking birth control pills. Since Fibroids grow with Estrogen I decided after being on them 20 years it was time to give my body a break anyhow (even though I don't smoke etc) I have also been taking 1250 mg primrose oil, B-100 vitamins and turmeric. I have also been drinking a glass of Apple Cider with a tablespoon of ACV in it every night. I have been following a candida diet which if someone would like to know what it is I can post. So, thank you so much for the advice! I will definately post the results of my future ultrasound and I'm sure the news will be great!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Wikid Willow (Naples, USA) on 03/28/2007
★★★★★
I had SEVERE anemia after the birth of my son 29 years ago... Was already on prenatal vitamins with lots of iron. The Dr. suggested Black Strap molasses, and after the intial tast encounter, learned to LOVE it. My anemia went away and I felt better than I had in years. Great news, yes? Well, where do I find Black Strap molasses now... there is dark, etc., but I never see Black Strap! I really need to locate a source of it because my father is having some serious troubles... I think that since modern medicine cannot find or do anything for him, and based on what is happening (he is slipping away) that Black Strap cannot hurt... PLEASE HELP! Thanks.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Ellenise May (South Africa) on 01/24/2018
Try the Indian spice shops they normally stock molasses.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Julia (Melbourne) on 07/25/2016
This was already replied to earlier:
Replied by Anonymous
USA
07/22/2014
Heme iron, and non heme are not the same. Meat is heme, and can eventually result in iron toxicity which is difficult to do. Also certain iron supplements usually chelated, or a heme version can result in the same way. Non heme ( plant sources ) is only used by your body when needed. Your body reduces it, and absorbs what is needed. Just like ALA is converted only when you need it. The body can regulated non heme. Lastly, the main reason not to worry is the body is only capable of absorbing 4 mg per day of iron as stated by the red cross. " iron toxicity " is usually inflammation somewhere in the body falsey raising ferritin. This will show up on a blood test as iron toxicity when it is not. True iron toxicity is very rare. It's usually just inflammation.
Cautionary Note
Posted by Ratunda (Hawaii) on 04/30/2016
Carao heals anemia without the use of iron.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Moni (Arlington ) on 05/06/2017
If you're having any female problems like fibroids, heavy bleeding, having trouble getting pregnant because of female issues, check out chasteberry.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Loreeli (Brodhead, WI) on 07/10/2006
★★★★★
I have been extremely anemic most of my life. When I was pregnant they gave me the iron pills and they will constipate you and are not even a good source of iron. I got on the House of herbs black strap molasses and it made such a difference. It has 70% iron and I haven't found any other with such high content. I lost a baby and they wanted me to have a blood transfusion, but I didn't want to so instead to build my blood back up fast, I used the black strap molasses. I was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and rheumatoid arthritis and am more anemic with the disease and recently I have been so fatigued and in reading about my disease and realizing I was just extremely anemic, I got the molasses out and instantly, I felt better in my head and had more energy. I have now ran out of it and have not been able to find the House of Herbs kind anywhere. This is why I got on here and if anybody can tell me where to order it, I would sure appreciate it. It is a life saver and the difference between feeling good and not. Thank you
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Wanda (Memphis, TN)
★★★★★
I have tried the blackstrap molasses and it's wonderful. I'm anemic and have to take iron pills once a day. I haven't taken them in almost 3 weeks since I been using the blackstrap molasses. I'm full of energy and my fingernails are growing strong. I don't suffer with constipation anymore or irregular bowel movements.
Vitamin E Deficiency
Posted by Olga (MD) on 04/02/2021
Heavy alcohol drinkers have a lot of nutrient deficiencies but in alcoholics, it is low B12 that is causing the anemia (megaloblastic anemia).
