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.
Hot Flashes
Posted by Annie (Warkworth, New Zealand) on 03/30/2010
★★★★★
Hi I am looking after a man with Parkinsons and he has had problems with night sweats and also hot flashes during the day. A few years ago a lady told me Blackstrap Molasses helped with hot flashes so he tried it. He was amazed as it really worked and he and his wife are getting better sleeps. I have heard that it helps with alot of other illnesses also.
Gray Hair
Posted by Jm (Keller, Tx) on 03/24/2010
★★★★★
Crazy. I had been taking a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses everyday for a month or so, then started getting a little lax. Today I plucked out a gray hair that was silver on the end but dark brown at the root. Will definitely have to start back up again and be vigilant about it.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/13/2009
I have achieved a degree of remission so far with the black strap molasses, and bromelain. I am taking the 500mg of brmoelain an hour before ANYTHING goes on my stomach. It is also important to follow a low residue diet during this period. I found out yesterday that chopped lettuce is okay (romaine has the best magnesium), specifically baby lettuce is going to be easier on your system. If you are worried about vitamin c, parsley, and potatoes (not instant or boxed) are good for you. If you have had some lactose intolerance during all of this it is sometimes okay to have parmesan, or mozarella cheeses (not a pizza). I love my tomato sauces, so sometimes I go to subway and get a meatball sub, but my case is mild to moderate, and I would not recommend this too much. If you also like tomatoes, skin and seed them and you should be fine. Cooked cherries, and grapes are okay, but if you eat them raw, you may get the runs (the skins are not your friend). My results so far are from personal experience, and again I take 1 500 mg of bromelain in the morning followed an hour later by the black strap molasses, and breakfast (I have been using activia, and 365 degree organic oatmeal, or cream of wheat, but avoid at all costs normal oatmeal until you can introduce fiber again). I have 500 mg of bromelain 1 hour before lunch, and 1 hour before dinner. 2 hours after dinner I have a multivitamin, just in case some facets of my diet are not adequate. After your strength starts returning, I highly recommend physical activity even if it is walking around the block, house cleaning... etc. I have to keep reminding myself no chocolate, no burger king or wendy's, and no coffee for a while after my remission (haha).
Anemia
Posted by Susan (Catskills, New York, USA) on 10/30/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
PLEASE, PLEASE use caution when increasing iron intake from any source (particularly something like molasses that has been SO over processed -- it astounds me that people will turn their nose up at sugar as being a "processed" food, but ladle on tons of molasses, which is the sludge material left over from processing sugar, and is then further processed). Do I eschew molasses? No, it adds a nice touch of flavor to sweet treats and other foods.
Iron is good for the body, but can also lead to serious toxic problems. My mother had always taken iron supplements (she was once tested as low iron even with supplements -- I am the same). Then, she developed cancer and her iron levels became very, very low. The cancer was happily feeding on all the iron she was putting into her system. While one doctor just advised upping her iron more and more to keep iron levels up, a later doctor indicated that the excessive iron contributed to the rapid spread and return of her cancer. Before I knew the dangers of iron overload, I would eat the same iron-rich foods as I made for her, and even popped an iron supplement or two. Bad move. I damaged my heart.
So, please, before engaging in any iron supplement regimen, get another doctor's opinion about YOUR specific needs. And please, don't treat yourself for an iron deficiency without medical advice. Remember, iron is a heavy metal, and many people -- such as I -- have had to have chelation therapy to detox.
May I suggest maple syrup as a alternative choice for iron and nutrients?
I have excerpted the following from two cancer information website.
http://www.cancerproject.org/protective_foods/building_strength/iron.php
"Iron encourages the formation of cancer-causing free radicals. Of course, the body needs a certain amount of iron for healthy blood cells. But beyond this rather small amount, iron becomes a dangerous substance, acting as a catalyst for the formation of free radicals. Because of this, research studies have shown that higher amounts of iron in the blood mean higher cancer risk.,
Once iron is absorbed by the digestive tract, the body stores it. Most of us accumulate much more iron than we need. In spite of the advertising from iron supplement manufacturers, "iron overload" is much more common in America than iron deficiency. The reason is the daily diet of red meats, which contributes much more iron than most people can safely handle over the long run. A diet of grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, and natural sugars such as maple, provides adequate iron, without the risk of overload."
--------
http://www.menweb.org/alexiron.htm
"Iron acts as a cancer-promoting agent by two separate yet synergistic mechanisms: 1) by producing "free radicals," and 2) by feeding cancer cells. Iron increases the production of free radicals, and-in fact-the production of free radicals is largely proportionate to the level of iron.4 This means that the more iron there is in the body, the more free radicals will be produced and thus the greater the risk of disease, in this case, cancer. Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules which damage (oxidize) the DNA of cells. Since DNA controls the activities of the cell, once the DNA is damaged, the cell becomes "out of control." Essentially, all cancer cells are out of control. These cancer cells then replicate and grow rapidly and eventually infiltrate and damage the body's organs.
Additionally, cancer cells consume many nutrients and thereby starve the host. One of the nutrients cancer cells need most is iron. In fact, researchers now think that iron may be a "rate-limiting" nutrient for cancer cell growth.5 This means that the more iron that is available, the more the cancer cells will divide and flourish, and the better chance they have of killing the host. Recent research has shown that people with high levels of iron have an increased risk for cancer."
Skin
Posted by Lulu (Roswell, Ga) on 03/23/2010
Are you using the unsulphured blackstrap? It only has 11 grams of sugar. I would say be mindful of what else you are using in conjuction with BSM. I have no side effects at all. Also remember body chemical is different for everyone. I am sure the benefits differ with individuals
Nose Bleeds
Posted by Norman (Abbotsford, BC) on 02/22/2008
★★★★★
re: black strap molasses. It cured my daily nose bleed. just a tablespoon in cup of hot water daily for a while a few years back. And now I'm wondering for better circulation of blood in feet & up legs.
Fibroids
Posted by Sherry (Longview, Washington) on 07/17/2008
To the author of My Story: Maybe the black strap molasses you were using wasn't unsulphered. Thank you for the tip about sulpher causing heavy bleeding. Unsulphered seems the way to go for women.
Side Effects
Posted by Linda (Mo) on 11/21/2014
In regards to molasses spiking your blood sugar level, try using cinnamon with raw honey or sprinkled on your cereal. Cinnamon is said to help regulate your sugar. I have talked to people who had diabetes, and they said it helped. You can research this.
Fibroids
Posted by Lyn (Saint Clair, Missouri) on 07/17/2007
★★★★★
Just an update for all. I started the Black Strap Molasses for my Fibroids on 6/25/07 today alittle less than 1 month later....I can tell for sure it is working ladies. Don't delay anymore, this really works. Praise GOD all the way!!!! I'm also taking Organic Apple Cider vinegar and can tell a huge difference in my joint stiffiness. Good Luck!!
Anemia
Posted by Misty (Harrisonville, Missouri) on 04/27/2007
★★★★★
Hello, I have written before about the blackstrap molasses offering an idea on how to drink it. I have been fighting a fibroid tumor for a long time now and began several months ago with the molasses. I just had a sono yesterday and there was no change with my tumor. I did however notice some great changes when I began the molasses. It did get rid of my anemic symptoms, it will keep you regular and I think if you include this in your daily diet it may help to prevent fibroid tumors from forming, or help shrink small tumors when caught early enough. I think over all my health has improved greatly since I began eating at home and avoid eating out as much as possible. Coconut oil is great for the skin I can't live without it. I like the A.C.V. it does work great external and can help you loose weight, but I don't think it is the miracle cure for weight loss. I still have to eat healthier and get active or the weight will remain the same or I will gain. Pretty much everything I have tried so far on this site I have had great results with. Be healthy and God Bless.
Constipation
Posted by John (Dover, Nh) on 10/24/2017
Try black seed oil. It seems to help with imflamation and tumours. Maybe it will work on fibroid tumours.
Anemia
Posted by Marsha (Ga) on 12/26/2016
I have have the same issues with anemia. I also had an ablation and thought this would help with losing so much blood every month. I thought this was the answer to my nightmare, however I was wrong. My period is never ending. I myself said I was going to take matters into my own hands.I heard about the molasses and my fiance went and bought some so I hope this works to get my iron up and hopfully stop me from bleeding so much. I'm glad I'm not alone but hate we have these issues. Thanks for sharing :)
Hangovers
Posted by JB (Minneapolis, MN) on 01/03/2007
★★★★★
If you take a tablespoon of Black Strap Molasses after a night of drinks and then one in the morning, the effects don't seem as bad. I'm thinking it's the potassium that is the helper. This molasses has a lot of potassium. My husband tried it and he agreed that he felt much better in the morning. I at first recommended the molasses to my mother who was iron low and had a hard time with iron pills. Her iron was normal a few weeks later at her scheduled doctor apptmt. I read the bottle and noticed the potassium percentage and decided to try it after a cocktail party and was amazed!
Fibroids
Posted by Nuria (Madrid, Spain) on 01/02/2007
★★★★★
About a month ago I was diagnosed with a 6 cm Fibroid tumor in my uterus. At that point I was having very heavy periods that will last over a week with a lot of pain and passing very big blood clots. I also suffered from back pain due to the fibroid and had problems peeing as the fibroid was pressing my bladder. After I was diagnosed, I started to look for natural cures on the internet and I found your website and after reading about all the remedies I started to take molasses three times a day ( 1 tablespoon). The first thing I noticed was that my period lasted only four to five days and I have to say I was a little afraid because my blood flow was abnormally light and I did not have not even a blood clot. Also, when I started to have horrible pain I took 4 tablespoons on one go as another reader suggested and after about 40 minutes the pain totally disappeared!!! Today I went to the doctor and they did a ultrasound scan and said the fibroid is gone!!! I am totally amazed and I am not too sure what to think, I don`t know if it is gone for ever or what but I will keep molasses in my diet just in case.
By the way, I did not use blackstrap molasses but the normal molasses which is sweeter. Also I started to eat algae (japanese Kombu-which is rich in iodine) as part of my diet, about once or twice a week, , so maybe this also played a part in the cure. Thank you very much for your website and I hope you can understand my english. Nuria
Anemia
Posted by Amanda (Hot Springs, Ar, Usa) on 04/22/2010
just because you are from that background doesn't mean that is the type of anemia you have, i was just saying that this type of anemia is found in some people from those areas.
also, anemia can be from different deficiencies; iron, b12, folic acid, copper, etc.
Blood Sugar
Posted by Kathy (Arkansas) on 06/13/2018
If you don't mind me asking, how does black strap molasses cure your blood sugar problems? What is your secret
Gas
Posted by Donna Hyde (Lincoln, NE) on 02/12/2009
i noticed that taking flax seed oil with the black strap turns your hair a lot faster. i have been taking both for a month and i am seeing streaks of my brown hair which i have not seen for years.
Anemia
Posted by Lisa (Gt Cacapon, Wv) on 10/18/2009
To one of the readers that had a miscarraige and rhuematoid arthritus and osteoporosis and severe anemia; and in fact, to all of you on this website that have unexplained anemia. Please look up and research thoroughly Celiac Disease. Celiac is a autoimmune response to gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. Just for pure knowledge (because few drs ever mention it), it is fascinating. I stumbled upon it myself and have 2/3rds of the symptoms. The major symptom is unexplained anemia. The number of diseases it's associated with is astonishing. Also google things like: 'testimonials of people who stopped eating wheat' and versions of testimonials. It's enlightening. Wishing you all good health. Note: This site is great. I'm going to frequent it! -L
Circulation
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/05/2010
Hi John and Maureen, I am trying molasses as well. I am 52, dark hair going grey which I have dyed for years. As I don't want all the chemicals in my hair and scalp I am giving this a try. I will keep you posted...... I hope it works because I look much younger and it is a bit weird to have grey hair.
Gray Hair
Posted by Guilda (New Zealand)
★★★★★
Have just finished reading an old book on molasses and it contains not only most minerals our body needs but also all Vit.B complex properties and it is B2 to stop graying hair. Extremely beneficial for good health.
Safety Concerns
Posted by Leslie Stack (Nashville TN) on 06/17/2023
I've had some success with Blackstrap Molasses but I'm concerned about reading that California considers it unsafe, even cancer causing. Can anyone tell me why?
Contraindications
Posted by David (England) on 03/29/2023
I am a bit concerned about Black Strap Molasses because Arthritis and (AS), I have found, is caused by excess calcium. I could be wrong and would be happy to be corrected.
Fibroids
Posted by Dfed (New York) on 03/09/2023
I tried blackstrap molasses when fibroids were symptomatic but had to stop due to upset stomach. What is a better alternative?
Best Way to Take Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Rita (Virginia) on 04/03/2019
I've read that mixing blackstrap molasses with dairy products can inhibit it's absorption due to the calcium in the dairy products. This is confusing since the molasses itself has calcium. I love mixing blackstrap molasses with plain yogurt, so I am concerned that I may not be getting the most nutrition from this mixture. Does anyone have any knowledge of this? I've also read that Vitamin C helps with the bioavailability of plant-derived iron, so a source of Vitamin C should be taken along with the blackstrap molasses.
Side Effects
Posted by KT (Usa) on 10/07/2017
Dear Pc, Are you eating enough protein? KT
Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 03/30/2017
Allain A. please back off! Try one tablespoon in 2-3 days instead of 2 a day.
Side Effects
Posted by Marcin (Toronto, Canada) on 05/11/2015
Are you using the unsulphured version of it? Everyone on this website is recommending the unsulphured one.
It might be also possible that you are experiencing a healing crisis. Blackstrap molasses is high in minerals.
Going for a lower dosage might be also a good idea. I never use more than 1 teaspoon at a time. Good for you but still high in sugar.
Fibroids
Posted by Ann (Lagos) on 10/23/2014
Register with
mallforafrica.com and you can buy the blackstrap mollasses from walmart or amazon and they will ship to your address. For Apple Cider Vinegar a lot of pharmacies and big super markets sell them.
Fibroids
Posted by Cassandra (Lagos) on 02/04/2015
You can get it from olori.com. Ng its an online store their office is in surelere. They rock
Side Effects
Posted by Rosanne (Toronto) on 08/12/2013
Are you taking the BSM with a meal? I take mine with breakfast, making sure I have adequate protein too, and it doesn't cause any sugar cravings or blood sugar issues.
Side Effects
Posted by Anon (USA) on 05/16/2013
Hi, Sorry to hear of your problem. I believe your situation is an anomaly - black strap molasses is good for us in so many ways pre and post menopause - it contains more calcium than iron and is full of other trace minerals namely potassium which is very good for us. If you only take one supplement then Bsm is the one. As for your high iron level- do you have an natural iron imbalance? Perhaps you should donate some blood to get your iron levels down. It could be that you have a mineral imbalance with copper etc that needs correcting- a hair mineral analysis would be useful.
Side Effects
Posted by Aj (California) on 08/09/2015
I believe BSM contains niacin. Maybe you are sensitive to the niacin, and you get what is called 'a capillary flush.'
General Feedback
Posted by M (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/04/2012
Robert, was it the iron or the sugar in the molasses that spiked your blood sugar??
General Feedback
Posted by Willie (Toronto, On) on 12/05/2012
I'm not diabetic, but I noticed that the sugar in BSM absorbs slowly into the bloodstream. I tested my blood sugar level with a relative's monitor a little bit after taking a couple of teaspoons of BSM and it elevated my sugar level very slightly.
Side Effects
Posted by Tamara (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 07/23/2012
Hi Planky. I, too, got hives from taking molasses everyday. It took me a week to figure it out, but I realized that I had bought a different brand than I usually take. It was organic and unsulphured, but I definitely reacted to it! I took a few weeks off but really the only thing that worked to get rid of the hives faster was eating good ole' apples! I had been listening to Robert Von Sarbacher (of Mini Beet Protocol fame), and he talks a lot about the detoxing power of apples. I had at least 3 apples a day for a week and the hives went away. Without them, I believe it would've taken longer. So switch up the brand, try some apples and good luck!
Low Iron Count
Posted by Concerned2 (Watonga, Oklahoma) on 11/09/2012
Excellent note on low iron. Most people lose iron - I found this out, also when I went to give blood: my iron was low because the nurse said that I shouldn't drink tea when I am eating a meal. Very unusual. Evidently, tea lowers the level of iron. I got my blood level up with BSM AND apple cidar vinegar... Drank alot of it in a glass of grapefruit and honey. Yea for BMS. Feel great, sleep better and less leg cramps.
Gray Hair
Posted by Pbird (Wa, US) on 04/01/2015
Right Cherish, I think those of us who have plenty of iron on board, should take it in coffee or tea to control the iron uptake.
Side Effects
Posted by Immich (Las Vegas, Nv, Usa ) on 10/07/2011
I've taken 1tbsp, once per day, for 3 days and I'm noticing that it's giving me something like heart palpitations just after taking it, I think this is odd because I've seen it mentioned that it prevents this. Not sure that I will stop taking it just yet, I'm very healthy overall and not too alarmed by this... Has anyone else experienced this???
Vertigo
Posted by Angeldivine (Bedford Hts, Oh) on 05/22/2011
★★★★★
I read about the benefits of blackstrap molasses years ago and have been taking it off and on ever since. More recently, I have been using the organic blackstrap molasses consistently. I have a "molasses coffee, " which is BSM mixed w/ vanilla almond milk and and them warmed; a "molasses milkshake, " which is BSM mixed w/ cold vanilla almond milk and ice cubes or in a blender w/ ice cubes; and any kind of fruit smoothie w/ about a tbls of BSM. Every now and then, I'll make gingerbread using the BSM, ginger, and a little agave nectar for a little extra sweetness. You can look up recipes and tweak them if you're vegan. Overall, the greatest benefit so far is curing the dizziness or lightheadedness I would get as a result of taking an herbal diuretic. Diuretics can deplete the body of potassium and BSM rectifies these symptoms.
Gray Hair
Posted by Christina (Houston, Texas) on 08/10/2010
Thanks to both Addy and Lon for your comments. I already use the purple shampoo, this was a standard before deciding to try BSM. I will stop the BSM and look into vitamins as well as other solutions to reverse its effects.
Gray Hair
Posted by Sonny (Athens Ga) on 08/08/2016
Did you check your Hat/Cap team color? If you use it everyday? Just like maybe the blue legs symptoms people have caused by wearing jeans perhaps?
Gray Hair
Posted by Lucy (Silver Spring, Maryland) on 08/13/2016
I read that what makes it work is copper, the plantation brand has 0%, so I went online and found one that does "Wholesome" brand...just received it!!! Fingers crossed.
