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.
Anemia
Posted by Kim (Philadelphia, PA) on 11/24/2007
★★★★☆
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.
Lupus
Posted by Rhonda Nelson (Tallahassee, FL, USA) on 07/31/2007
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I was just browsing through some of the information posted and wanted to add my "5 cents".
I should mention, if you do use blackstrap molasses to "blacken your hair" be careful that you do not develop a vitamin B3 deficiency, WHICH IS known as pellagra, which apparently is important for the diet for those with Lupus.
For the man who treated Lupus on a gluten free diet...take head, that this goes right back to a probable involvement of strep as this is the main bacteria that feeds on B-vitamins, as it is essential for them to live. This is especially true if you eat corn products because corn alone can induce pellagra if the corn has not been fortified (i.e.canned corn or corn on the cob, corn chips, or unfortunately for all its good intentions..organic corn producers that do not fortify their processed foods. If you have Lupus and you're going luten free and eating unfortified corn, you're inching closer to pellagra.This one instance where eating a wholesome food (corn) will give you disease (pellagra) if eaten in large quantities and it is not fortified.
Lupus
Posted by Katerina (Athens, Greece) on 02/24/2009
You mean that Molasses induce a B3 deficiency? Is this true EC?
EC: Blackstrap Molasses is said to be a good source of B Vitamins, so we're not sure. Conflicting reports on the net re: molasses and lupus. We could not find anything about it causing a B3 deficiency.
Lupus
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 02/28/2009 490 posts
Haven't found anything on this yet, but if sorghum and corn are closely related it is possible, I guess. At least heavy corn consumption is listed is one of the causes of B3 deficiency. It seems that alcoholism is one of the major causes. Wonder if that is because a lot of booze is made from corn or because the alcoholic usually drinks too many of his calories instead of eating nutritious foods
Anemia
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 01/15/2014
If you can't find what you need locally, Amazon has most of the supplements mentioned on E.C.
Gray Hair
Posted by Robin (Hobart, Tasmania, Australia) on 05/26/2008
★★★★★
I think the idea of black strap molasses to avoid graying hair is a great idea. As I think of it, my father used to eat some molasses every day on his biscuits and he was into his sixties before the gray began to show a bit. When he developed diabetes, he was ordered to stop the molasses, and his hair really became quite white within a year. I have heard that a B vitamin deficiency can cause gray hair. You are right, it cost a packet to color your hair and I don't think the toxic chemicals in most commercial hair dyes are good for your health- quite the contrary. I will buy some molasses soon and see what happens. I only have a small amount of gray, but if molasses will help, then why not. Maybe it will help with other complaints as well.
Thanks Earth Clinic angels!
Anemia
Posted by Red7587 (Brooklyn, Ny) on 08/05/2009
the address for the house of herbs is Passaic, NJ 07055
Anemia
Posted by Ricoh (Manila, Philippines) on 05/07/2015
Can I put blackstrap molasses to a cup of chanca piedra tea/decoction??? Recently I always have a low blood pressure, 90/60, but I don't know if it's because I have iron deficiency anemia or what. Is it safe to take BSM even if I'm not sure if my blood pressure is due to lack of iron in my system. Please answer my questions.
Mono
Posted by Jonna (Pittsburgh, PA) on 09/05/2008
As kids we had a chiropractor "prescribe" black strap to us. We were maybe 10 and 7 and we each took a Tablespoon 2x per day so I'm sure the 2 Tablespoon dosage per day for your puppy would work also. Good Luck!
Side Effects
Posted by Sunny (Up North) on 01/17/2025
Why would molasses cause chest pain? It feels like a pinch or muscle cramp in the right collarbone/breastbone area. The area of pain moves gradually to the lower right and fades away. It does not go into the abdomen. It temporarily feels better with massage of the point of pain. The severity and duration seems related to the amount of molasses taken - 1 or 2 tablespoons taken one or more times per day, for one or more days. Even one tablespoon taken once after having none for several weeks caused mild pain. Briar Rabbit and Wholesome are the brands used, both causing pain. Have not contacted the companies yet.
Side Effects
Posted by Cat (Athens) on 01/29/2020
I had started taking 2 tablespoons of mollases today. I wanted to raise my iron blood levels. I took it with warm water and apple cider vingegar in the morning with an empty stomach. Now it's night and I'm having a terrible headache and feeling sleepy and dizzy. After that and reading all the side effects in other comments too, I'm not sure if I will continue consuming it. Probably not.
Insomnia
Posted by Shana (Edison, Nj) on 04/16/2018
I got awful insomnia from blackstrap molasses. I think maybe I was taking too much. I put two tablespoons in my dandelion root tea (tastes like coffee! ) and I would sometimes do this twice s day. I am a vegetarian and my body is not used to that much iron. I want a way to incorporate it back into my diet, but I can't function without sleep.
Side Effects
Posted by CBM (South Africa ) on 01/13/2018
After drinking a crude black molasses I'm feeling drowsy and I'm sleeping a lot. Any idea why?
Side Effects
Posted by Allain A. (Kissimmee, Fl) on 03/29/2017
I've been taking 2 tablespoons of molasses daily for the last 3 days and I've been noticing, hives/rashes on my forehead, legs and thighs, do people sometimes get this bad side effect? Thank you
Side Effects
Posted by Sukhdeep (Brampton Ontario Canada) on 04/18/2016
I start taking blackstrap molasses yesterday evening - one tablespoon in one cup boiled water I took it last night and today first thing in the morning and some how I been feeling light headed all day today.
Side Effects
Posted by Ellen (Penrith, Uk) on 09/17/2015
I have started to take a tablespoon of organic molasses neat each morning, I'm guessing this is ok- I don't mind the taste.
My monthly's haven't improved yet but I've only taken it for a month.
My face broke out in spots for a fortnight (when I have never had many before) but now my skin looks better.
I do get a funny feeling in my teeth and sometimes lightheaded. Is there a big difference in regular Blackstrap and organic Blackstrap? :)
Side Effects
Posted by C Taylor (Ga) on 05/11/2015
I just started taking 1 tbsp of blackstrap molasses two days ago and I noticed I woke up with a mild headache. I didn't take it the the other day to see if that was causing the headaches and I did not wake up with a headache this morning. Am I taking too much?
Skin
Posted by Glo (Fl) on 10/13/2017
Is all this still true? I have skin issues and really need a sense of well being.
How are you feeling?
Skin
Posted by LJ (London) on 10/14/2020
Hi
Are you still taking this every day?
Skin
Posted by Peter (USA) on 06/02/2023
Hello,
thank you for sharing this. Two questions:
(1) what does "float of cinnamon on top" refer to? just a little bit
(2) what does "Drink through the honey" mean?
Thanks!
Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Saskatchewan, Canada) on 08/10/2013
Regarding BSM: when I take it it causes sugar cravings and I sometimes am compelled to binge on things I don't normally consider food. For example, white bread and jam (junk my hubby insists in bringing into our house sigh) Even stevia seems to make me want sugar so molasses really does. I am anemic and could really use these absorbable minerals but don't want to gain weight. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
Side Effects
Posted by Jefeflounder (Carmel, Ca) on 05/04/2013
HIVES! Blackstrap Molasses is giving me hives... I've been taking 1tbsp a day for about six weeks and I just started getting hives on my arm. Same thing happend once when I started taking Niacin. Does anyone know what the two substances have in common that would cause an allergic reaction?
General Feedback
Posted by Barbara A (Los Angeles, Ca) on 12/03/2012
I want to use bm for my hbp and diabetes. The problem is that my iron is more than adequate and it occured to me that I might get too much iron from this product (I'm a diabetic). I want to take it very much, but don't want to get into trouble. Thank you for your time! Barbara
General Feedback
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn Usa) on 12/04/2012
HI U BARBARA, I am diabetic and took blackstrap molasses a few years ago. The iron sent my glucose numbers out the roof. Scared my mule and would urge caution. Iron is a two edged sword. =======ROBERT HENRY===
Side Effects
Posted by Planky (Ronkonkoma, New York, United States) on 07/23/2012 7 posts
I didn't get acne from molasses but have rash like hives on my arm since I started molasses. I don't know whether to continue or stop taking it. I am taking it for fibroids.
Gray Hair
Posted by Jen (Usa) on 02/21/2015
I will try today with green tea!!!
Side Effects
Posted by Shelly (Springdale, Arkansas) on 11/02/2011
That strange feeling in your chest (and back) could be acid reflux.
Gray Hair
Posted by Khem (Fort Worth, Tx) on 01/05/2015
A Chinese herb that is supposed to work on gray hair is He Shou Wu, also known as Fo Ti root. Read more here:
http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=21716 One should always be careful when taking herbs, especially Chinese herbs, as they may be adulterated or contain additional toxins. Also, consult a Doctor or Medical professional before starting an herbal regimen.
A natural alternative to dying gray hair is to use black teas with sage and/or rosemary. This offers a gradual coloring of the gray hairs as the rinse may have to be used for two or three weeks, once each week until desired darkening occurs.
Henna is also another natural alternative, yet it turns gray hairs reddish. If left on too long, the gray hairs may turn orange.
Side Effects
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/07/2010
Hi Jesse, I did the same for the past two days and I had bad diarrhea. Before I went on holidays I would take a teaspoon of molasses every morning, sometimes one in the evening and it wasn't this bad. Now I will stop for a few days and start with a lower dose. I had no idea that molasses was used for constipation...... A pity because now instead of getting all the good stuff in molasses I am loosing all the nutrients of anything else I eat.
Fibroids
Posted by Healed (Miami) on 05/21/2017
Could be too much sugar for you.
Side Effects
Posted by K. S. (Houston, TX, USA) on 06/19/2009
Adverse side effects: I've been taking 1 T BSM every morning for one week and, unfortunately, have suffered bad headaches and stomachaches since. It also happens that I was on my period and the clots were heavier than ever! I suppose BSM just doesn't work for everyone. Such a shame.
Fibroids
Posted by Christina (Ann Arbor, Mi) on 10/29/2010
Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed with fibroids several years ago. I had a robotic myomectomy, which took care of the large one (about 7cm). I had a very small one, but was told that it was slow-growing, so I didn't worry. Well, fast-foward to 2010. In March, I discovered that my fibroid was about 9cm. This month, I began having so much trouble w/ urination frequency, pain and bloating that I went for an MRI, and it was discovered that I had three fibroids, the largest of which was 10cm. Two weeks later, it had grown to 12.5cm. I signed up for a study of mri-guided ultrasound ablation because I just couldn't take the symptoms anymore. It was 30-40% successful, meaning that it killed that much of the fibroid. Unfortunately, I won't see if it's taken care of my symptoms for 3-6 months, and the fibroid will decrease in volume, but not much in size, so I'm stuck with a pot-belly, and that's pretty unsightly for me, as I weigh normally 125 lbs / 5'6". I was told that my only option was either embolization (which isn't guaranteed to take care of all the fibroids and which doesn't mean that more won't grow) or hysterectomy. I don't like those options. I'm trying to find anything that will keep me from going through these procedures.
Here's my question: Has anyone on this site found that Blackstrap molasses has contributed in any way to shrinkage of their fibroids? I'm going to try it b/c it can't hurt (in small dosages), but I'd like to know if there's been any experience out there where the fibroids have shrunk. Thank you for your help.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/11/2009
Well, I was introduced to ulcerative colitis at the top of may. I am 40, and noticed after having things with milk, milk products would make me jump up and go to the bathroom after about 10-15 minutes. At first it wasn't so bad, as I realize people my age may develop lactose intolerance, and I was very stressed on other issues, so I figured I would cool it a while on the milk. I am a coffee fanatic (another issue)... Someone messes with my coffee, watch out! Towards the middle of may, I was still having some issues, so decided to give the ER a shot, and came out with a dx of gastroenteritis which as you may well know is very vague and general. I walked out with a rx for flagyl, and amoxicillan, and told to drink plenty of liquids, and get lots of rest. Well this did not cut it. I went back about a week later, and was dx with food poisoning, no tests were run. I walked out with a schedule 4 containing atropine, and told to take it once a day. I did this about a week, and still had the runs, and was having the classic abdominal cramping. I then went a week later to another hospital via ambulance so I would get right in, and was admitted that night at about 3 am. I smoke, but funny, I didn't really feel the urge the entire time I was there from June 5, 2009 to June 18, 2009, and I had detoxed my coffee addiction with motrin ib, and time it so that I would sleep through the caffeine headaches. Later I found out Ibuprofin is not good, nor is aspirin. The hospital had me on a clear liquid diet for a few days until my colonoscopy, when the next day I could start eating "normal foods" again. They had me taking flagyl, and told me I had to take Levaquin, which I am not fond of, and has been proven to weaken muscles. I will not go into what I went through with the nurses there or for that matter the not so loving doctor. After I was released, they had 6 prescriptions. Levaquin, flagyl, metoprolol, pentasa, prednnisone, and protonix. There were more that I disregarded, and never filled. The pentasa, I had to disregard, as this was nonformulary as per their pharmacy, and they wanted about 200 to fill it. I am currently using the last portion of the prednisone until it's gone, and don't use any of the other ones. I started activia, and it definitely will make you regular(definitely avoid the peach one if you had any milk sensitivities, as you will feel the burning runs). I did extensive searches on line since I have been out of the hospital with many options to chose from including urine therapy which I have only seen one testament to and nothing else. Frankly drinking my pee just does not appeal to me. The fecal transplant option (well who knows, and makes me a little squeamish). I decided that I am going to try this black strap molasses treatment (1 tbsp) a day in the morning on an empty stomach (even though there is only one testament I can find for it on line at all, there is potassium and magnesium abound in it, and magnesium prevents headaches, and cancer). I combined this also with bromelain 500 mg 3 per day (1 hour before eating). I just started this today, and am hoping for the best. I am a little concerned also about the burn at first, but who knows? I did not get the Gramma Moses at the local publix, as this is not true black strap. I went to whole foods, and spent about 7 for the 24 oz bottle. I went to GNC and got the bromelain, which is about 10. It may be cheaper if you get the powder meat tenderizer version, or try another store. I will be running out of the prednisone soon, and am hoping the bromelain will kick in in time to help heal the lining if that indeed is what it is. I was diagnosed with mild to moderate ulceritis, the only thing that contradicts this is the irritation they picked up at the first hospital in the ileum. There were no other hot spots that they could see.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Vandu (Silver Spring, MD) on 07/17/2009
Kstannard, I got a bout of UC several weeks back and working to heal my lining. I sea buckthorn oil in the morning, 500 mg L-glutamine before every meal, ashwagandha and cod liver oil after lunch, and turmeric with my molassas-banana treat.
I do love the way the molassas makes me feel. I always have it with banana as i find this fruit to be very soothing (dont' eat any other fruit).
I'm still getting mucous and small amt of blood in stool..not always even getting a stool..lot's of gas. And i do castor oil packs..esp on nights where i messed up on the food part.
I've never heard of Bromelain though.. So it repairs your gut lining? That's why i take the L-Glutamine. where did you learn about bromelain..i didn't see much on it on EC in regards to repairing gut lining. Does it work better with molassas? I wonder which one is hleping you more, the molassas, or the bromelain.
I'm wondering if i should try it. I'm going to try urine enema..i've read it is often even more effective than drinking.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/19/2009
Well Vandu,
Actually bananas are very therapeutic, and may be used as a part of remedy. Fish oil although good for you in other aspects does not always do the job. I found out about bromelain by another problem that I had that has gone away in conjunction with gotu kola. I also had a side effect of bromelain at the time clean up a case of diverticulitis whereby all of the pockets cleared themselves up, and things were normal after a month I was able to eat corn and nuts again. Bromelain actually has almost the same effect as prednisone, but will actually promote healing quicker and without the same side effects. It will heal hot spots in your colon, clean up mucous associated with the problem, and things usually take about a month to get back on track again. Always have 1 500mg tablet before a meal ie. breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do not take the molasses before the bromelain. I have another couple of good helpers as well. Start integrating cinnamon (about 2 grams (.25 tsp)) into your diet, I just simply put the molasses and cinnamon in my oatmeal or cream of wheat, and it has very helpful properties that assist bromelain in working quicker. Another thing that I have been implementing is lots of oregano in my diet along with the tumeric, and chicken fried rice (no soy sauce). I did the other day have a subway sub (chicken teriyaki) where the teriyaki sauce in the sub although did not give me runs, it made it look like a strawberry exploded somewhere. So there are still irritants, but I am looking to avoid them. The oregano is a very powerful cleaner and anti oxidant that will rid you of any unknown parasites in case you may have them. Flagyl is supposed to do this, but does not work as well even though it is typically prescribed as an antibiotic. Always get a multivitamin as your system is recovering because even though you may be healing, you may still get dehydrated and may not realize it. Another thing I have been able to tolerate lately is ___ vegetable juice (I have been drinking the low sodium), if it irritates you too much try watering down. It has 820 mg potassium in it, and 120 percent vitamin c which is very difficult to get on a low residue diet. Your case is a little more severe, so I would maybe try 4 oz of it to start and make sure it does not irritate you badly. It does have citric acid in it, and I found problems with citric acid before when I tried Italian ice, but there was quite a bit more citric acid in that than the vegetable juice. So far my mucous has been clearing up, and there is a lot less blood in my morning deal. I have also found as of recent that I can have coffee every 3 or 4 days or so, to which I am delighted. I also keep my dairy intake to less than 3/4 cup every day, and when I want cheese, I use provolone, parmesan, mozzarella, and very aged cheddar. If I want milk in my coffee, I use a tbsp of 1 percent milk, and it works. I have stayed away from desserts even though I have a real sweet tooth for chocolate, and I will snack on half a square of semisweet baking chocolate if I really feel I need it with little or no consequence.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/19/2009
Another fact of note, if you have UC you should not be taking aspirin, ibuprofin or other NSAIDS or if you have anemia. If you start the bromelain treatment, do not use coumaden ( warfarin), or other blood thinners, as bromelain does thin your blood to an extent, and your blood pressure will improve as well with use, and has been noted to inhibit cholesterol from forming as well. I am not a doctor, but simply going along with my personal experience, and that of others.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by KStannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/20/2009
Well, at least they didn't have to amputate his colon, or he'd be wearing what ulcerative colitis sufferers affectionately refer to as a j-pouch. Your buddy could use some neosporin, and some oil of oregano, and by the sounds of things after all said and done, maybe stitches?
Today I am back to normal, and will be taking 500mg of Bromelain a day, and continuing molasses, add cinnamon, oregano, and tumeric to the dishes that I prepare for consumption. I will also try to keep going on the low sodium __vegetable juice (as it has a ton of potassium in it). In approximately 2 weeks I will up the fiber content of my diet, and gradually add more milk products. I found that kosher salt actually can be detrimental to your digestive system, and if you are under a lot of stress, this may worsen the situation, (maybe why Jewish people are more prone to the affliction?) if you need a larger granule of salt, and less sodium the better way to go is sea salt. Cabbage juice is also another very good healer, but has to be separate from the cabbage itself (man does that stuff taste like crap), I have not incorporated this into my regimen but suppose if it were worse that I might. During all of this it is a good idea not to react to stress or pretend for at least 3 hours or more a day that it does not exist. Once you heal, cool it for a while so that you do not talk your body back into it again.
I have also managed to bring back 16 oz of black coffee with sugar a day back into the picture without (knock on wood) problems.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/22/2009
Today I am still in remission, have taken my bromelain down to 500mg per day (break it in half, 250mg before breakfast, and 250mg before supper). Still doing the black strap molasses, cooking things with oregano, cinnamon, and tumeric. I have been passing normal functions so far, and will hopefully only have to keep a few things in my diet just to reinforce intestinal health. I am still erring on the side of caution, and going with the low residue diet for the entire month, and then after that... I will gradually get my old foods back in there.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) on 07/28/2009
I have found the only thing that really irritates the ulcerative colitis now is MSG when I went out for dinner at Chili's. It was in the mashed potatoes, the grill seasoning on the chicken, and in the garlic butter vegetable butter sauce. It is actually okay to go out and have a couple bourbon and cokes now, just not overdoing things too much. I can also have wine again as long as there are not an incredible amount of sulphites in it. The bromelain is acting much like prednisone would, but without the harmful side effects such as bone density deterioration. It also takes care of the mild arthritis in my elbow that only acts up once in a great while. I can finally do a full set of push ups without the joints cracking, and it is good. I still take the tablespoon of Black Strap Molasses in the morning, and of course the bromelain, and make sure cinnamon gets in my food somehow.
