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.
Side Effects
Posted by Elisa (Spain) on 04/20/2015
I've been taking BSM for acne since one week ago. It seems to help since first dose (1tbsp/day) to reduce redness and blemishes from everywhere (back, face ...), I have some new pimples but now my face is a lot better. What I'm noticing is that my scalp is very sensitive and I am not sure if my hair is falling more than before but sure my scalp is more sensitive and I am a little concerned. I've read two/three people saying BSM caused them hairloss.
No one noticed anything on scalp? I do not want to stop ...
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.
Gray Hair
Posted by Mechayla (Usa) on 03/28/2015
Iron needs an acidic environment to be broken down into absorbable elemental iron. Ferrous sulfate is best taken on an empty stomach with a glass of orange juice for the best absorption.
Fibroids
Posted by Just Someone (Colorado, US) on 03/25/2015
★★★★★
I just wanted to let people know that adding one tbs of BSM to warm milk makes a surprisingly yummy drink, you may just acquire a craving for. I am not a person that usually drinks milk, but this recipe is rather pleasant and it helps get the BSM down. My experience has shown this drink to do wonders for cramps associated with PMS. At the moment I am using this for a terrible inertia that I have been in for months. Hopefully this will raise my energy . Good luck to you all.
Gray Hair
Posted by KT (Usa) on 03/24/2015
★★★★★
Blackstrap Molasses eliminated my gray hair. I don't remember how long it took but I know hidden sources of MSG contribute to hair turning gray so you have to eliminate those sources also.
The body stores iron. I remember reading about the toxic levels so I'm going to look for that info in my latest nutrition book and get back to you. In the meantime I think one TBSP in 8-10 oz. of warm water or milk a day would be safe. (I use 2% milk and dilute that with water in winter because dairy cows are fed more corn or fodder to produce more milk then)
Please note our entire food supply has been engineered to last longer and has been tainted with GMO's. GMO grasses and grains are being fed to the animals we eat and get milk or eggs from. "Organic" is no longer safe because it is grown in soil that contains a genetically modified fungus. I posted this information elsewhere on EC but I just don't know where.
I'm going to copy excerpts from my 2007 Nutrition Almanac...
"The iron in the body is normally used efficiently. It is neither used up nor destroyed but is conserved to be used repeatedly; Excess iron, rather than being excreted, is stored; Too much iron, accumulating over the years, occurs often in older men. Iron overload can result in a condition called hemosiderosis, a term for excess iron storage in the body. Iron toxicity is the result of the inability of the digestive tract to eliminate excess iron. Symptoms of iron toxicity include fatigue, headaches, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a grayish color to the skin."
Gray Hair
Posted by Amy (Charlotte, Nc) on 03/07/2015
wholesome sweeteners, unsulphured black strap molasses brand
BSM has many wonderful benefits. Loaded in minerals and high in potassium. Everything in moderation .... one Tablespoon in the am plus I sprinkle a little baking soda (1/2) tsp or so
Benefits I have noticed is skin, hair and nails are vibrant, increased energy and bone, joint aches are a thing of the past. As far as grey hair reverting back to its original color, it takes time people, about three good months to expect to see grey hairs lessening .... have a little patience :) and remove all processed sugars and google an alkaline/acid food chart, you be in good shape in no time
Gray Hair
Posted by Ana Maria (Mi., US) on 03/07/2015
Henna and indigo herbs will make hair dark and cover gray. You may add amla for less red undertone. They work and they are all safe. I get mine from Mehandi.com
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cherish (Tucson, Az.) on 02/26/2015
Ana: Organic Blackstrap Molasses doesn't have " few" minerals/ nutrients, but a lot. It is VERY high in Potassium in the organic BSM, to the tune of 730 mg per Tbsp. , compared to 110-210 in its non-organic competitors. See their back labels, it's right there. It is also rich in Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Selenium, Manganese, and other nutrients. Your "fav dude" you referenced is wrong on other things as well. It is a wealth. Folic Acid, another B vitamin, is great at growing new, more hair if taken for at least a few months in higher quantities.
Gray Hair
Posted by Cherish (Tucson, Az.) on 02/26/2015
To Hubert: According to Iron Disorders Institute, tea and coffee and many other foods block or impair the uptake of Iron- and it is widely stated that BSM is rich in Potassium ( on the back label of the organic- 730 mg. Per Tbsp. , as opposed to 110-210 in Grandma's and Brer's, meaning non-organic), Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Selenium and more. Another website shows the whole long list of foods that block or impair uptake of Iron as well, stating that especially Green Tea is completely contrary to Iron. But as it's not necessarily the Iron that effects gray hair, perhaps the other nutrients in it is what you're inquiring about. I wouldn't mix it with any tea, coffee, dairy, or calcium product, or anything else on the long list, UNLESS you want to lessen your iron uptake, or potentially chelate/ lessen the Iron you already have.
Gray Hair
Posted by Cherish (Tucson, Az.) on 02/26/2015
If you're going for the Iron, learn about the long list of foods and other nutrients that either block or impair our uptake of Iron. Even though some foods, like Spinach, are known to be high in it, it is said to not be bioavailable. Learn how there are nutrients that we can take with Iron sources to enable and even triple our uptake. Intake doesn't equal uptake. You could be ingesting iron in vain if you're putting the wrong foods in the same digestive time period, thus blocking your uptake. More study.
Gray Hair
Posted by Jen (Usa) on 02/21/2015
I will try today with green tea!!!
Acne
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 02/10/2015
Dear Sandy,
Often herbs and foods have a normalizing effect. So, Blackstrap helped someone with oily skin, but it doesn't necessarily mean it will make dry skin worse. For examle Cayenne pepper is good to help bleeding stop, but it also can help to increase circulation.
I have had only good results myself when using Blackstrap for a variety of things in my family.
Have you tried Castor Oil for your dry skin? I use it at night on my face and love it. One of my sons has very dry hands and it works for him, too. Drinking plenty of water will help to keep cells hydrated, also.
~Mama to Many~
Acne
Posted by Sandy (Il, US) on 02/09/2015
For Kristen the oily skin has improved, does that mean BSM is not good for dry skin? Can somebody please tell me? I have issues like digestive problems, (specially in winters because it is so cold here that I can not go for walk during winter and it really effects me both mentally and physically), keep burping all the time if I eat something with skin like soy beans or kidney beans. Need help.
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
General Feedback
Posted by Ben (California, US) on 01/25/2015
I've read all the posts here. All are interesting. My experience has been different... As a kid I was raised by my grandparents. They were very health-conscious. When we ate meat it was always the most lean, usually skinless chicken white meat. My grandmother grew many of her own greens and vegatables to ensure we had the best, vitamin rich meals possible. Ours was the only house in the neighborhood using Braggs products in the 1960s. My grandfather already used BSM everyday on his grits. At the age of 7, I was introduced to it via my morning breakfast. I've had it nearly every morning since. I'm 53 now. I've had three different cancers, a heart attack, quadruple bypass surgery and five stints in my heart arteries. I've never smoked and always eat well rounded, healthy meals. I have always been nearly 100% vegetarian. I exercise rigorously for at least three hours every day. I realize I am an exception. I like BSM (I've enjoyed the flavor since day one) and it is obviously, health-wise, a far better sweetener than processed sugar or chemical sugar substitute but to say it's a cure-all? I cannot.
Gray Hair
Posted by Jerome (Wi, US) on 01/22/2015
Plants are nutrient rich, when they are organically grown or wild crafted. Always use organically grown, non GMO molasses.
Gray Hair
Posted by Lowiron (Manitoba, Canada) on 01/12/2015
★☆☆☆☆
I have been taking Blackstrap Molasses for more than 6 months and still have very low iron. The dr has now put me on iron pills and my hair is still amazingly grey. I had a hysterectomy 6 years ago.
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.
Gray Hair
Posted by Stormie (Australia) on 01/03/2015
What I know of BSM is you should have it in the morning as it takes all day to process. I like to have it between breakfast and lunch and mix it in half a glass of warm rose-hip tea as it is high in vitamin c. Dosage moderation balance slow and steady wins the race. Is this a good way any other hints. Thanks
Fingernails
Posted by Nadine (Brisbane, Australia) on 12/28/2014
Magnesium chloride would help a lot too.
Side Effects
Posted by Dallas (Amesbury, Ma) on 11/28/2014
To those who experience heart palpitations when using bsm, you could have the same problem as me. I had heart palpitations, and my blood pressure, which is normally low normal, shot up so that I could feel a pounding in my head. My cheeks got very red (I thought it was the iron making me healthy). Turns out, I am allergic to cane sugar. When I quit the bsm, everything normalized withing a few weeks.
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.
Skin
Posted by Linda (Long Beach, Ca) on 10/31/2014
★★★★★
After 4 tries with Western Medicine for my chronic skin issues, no one could even give it a name. It was debilitating. I then went to see a holistic Dr. One of her prescriptions was to drink a cup of tea a day with a tablespoon of Black Strap Molasses, a tablespoon of Bragg unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the mother) and a float of cinnamon on top. Unprocessed honey can also be added. Drink through the honey.
In desperation I committed to this. It has been a year and a half now and much has changed. Clear skin...not an itch or lesion etc. My face is rosy and clear. My hair on my head (no other place) has become thick and silky...and I'm 63. (HaHa) Energy, yes. Sense of well being, yes. Most of all MOST everyone of whom I'm in contact make comments and ask me question.
Soooo, that's my testimony. I will drink this concoction until I go to Heaven!
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 Elly (Lagos) on 06/18/2014
how can I get it BSM in Lagos?
Circulation
Posted by Simon (Cape Town/pretoria) on 06/15/2014
Been taking BSM for 5 days and my cold feet and hands disappeared.The following happens each time after taking it:
1.Chest pains.
2.Pains around waste, kidneys.
3.Sneezing a lot.
4.Metabolism seems to be accelerated.
5.Feels like sharp needles under my soles and feet.
6.Feels a little bit energetic (used to be difficult waking up).
7.It seems to have shaken my whole body.
I don't know what it does to my head, eyes and ears. But theres something good going on there.
NB: I want to try Green added molasses tablespoon. I Hope to post the results once I have tried it.
1. Green tea + Ginger=Good circulation.
Gray Hair
Posted by Ajf (Austin, TX) on 05/26/2014
The iron didn't cause your blood glucose to go through the roof - the molasses itself did. It is sugar.
Side Effects
Posted by Tvp (California) on 01/20/2014
★☆☆☆☆
Just know that whenever you take Epsom salts orally it liquifies everything in your gut and relaxes all of the muscles. Since it liquifies everything in your gut, this is most likely why you had diarrhea.
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.
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 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.
Gray Hair
Posted by Rho (Rho - Fl) on 08/08/2013
If your body is anemic/low in iron this stresses the body to work harder to overcompensate for the lack of iron and the additional stress causes gray hair and other symptoms. When you take the molasses and restore the iron levels in the blood the body is less inflamed and thus, less like to grow gray hair. The molasses probably doesn't do anything for gray hair except restore an anemic body back to normal so normal healthy hair can grow anew.
Gray Hair
Posted by Sue Steele (Las Vegas, Nv) on 06/27/2013
I take brer rabbit molasses. Where are you buying blackstrap? After taking the molasses for two and a half months my joints stopped hurting.
Side Effects
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 05/17/2013
Hi all, Mostly here on earth clinic we recommend using Bsm to women who have very heavy periods. Some of these women will be iron deficient due to the extreme blood loss but this is only an added extra of black strap molasses the reason we recommend it is because it slows and stops the flow really quickly if you take atleast 3 large tablespoons with a glass of water each time spread over a day- more if you are heavier than normal. The reason it works is because of the vitamin k in it, the vitamin k helps our blood to clot. Bsm is good because whilst helping people with low iron levels it also helps those with higher levels balance out their values because it contains a balance of minerals and vitamins. It has a lot of potassium in it which helps balance our sodium levels. In Cyril Scott's book on the subject he recounts a huge list of illnesses that have been cured by Bsm - most notably cancerous growths. I appreciate this does not necessarily answer your question but hopefully I have shared some important information on Bsm.
Side Effects
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 05/16/2013
Our bodies don't seem to have a mechanism for getting rid of excess iron. Leaches, fleas, ticks and parasites in and on our bodies was probably the way our ancesters got rid of excess iron. Health scientists have postulated that excess iron may be a contributer to heart problems. A health practitioner once told me that iron stays balanced when a young women has periods because iron is lost on a monthly basis; when she gets older and post-menapausal, too much iron is retained. He recommended giving blood monthly as a way to alleviate high iron retention. As a younger woman, I was once told I retained too much iron in my blood, I never delved further into this, so if anyone has, please enlighten us all. The Protein Power book also addresses this problem.
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 Lori (Delta, Co) on 05/15/2013
I have been taking a tablespoon of Blackstrap Molasses for over a year every morning and just got my blood drawn because of my fatigue and blah feeling. Come to find out my ferritin level was high. I am post menopausal so I have stopped taking the molasses due to high iron levels. Beware of taking iron supplements. I really miss taking my molasses because of the potassium and the magnesium. It helps keep me regular. I am afraid to continue with it.
Fibroids
Posted by Deb (New Jersey) on 05/14/2013
★★★★☆
I have been in severe pain with a pedunculated fibroid for 2 months. I got this post menopause. I found out if you lose alot of weight quickly this can happen. I was exhausted and having restless leg problem also. I took the molasses for one day and actually slept restfully. Woke up and first time no pain. My stomach also softened up and went down quite a bit. The taste is a bit heavy for me but I decided its worth it. I'm going to use my mini ice cube tray and see if I can freeze it and drink it in my water. Thanks to all who posted their stories. God Bless!!
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?
Gray Hair
Posted by Lola (Dc) on 04/25/2013
What Asian herb gets rid of gray?
Sleep Issues
Posted by Broadbelle (Raleigh, Nc) on 02/22/2013
★★★★★
I started taking Blackstrap molasses about two months ago to alleviate some issues I have had having now for years around restless legs and other sleep problems. Since taking it at bedtime (about two teaspoons) I have slept like a baby every single night. I do not toss and turn. I do not wake up and not be able to go back to sleep. I sleep soundly and peacefully through the night. I have no more restless legs or other sleep problems. Regardless of what is keeping you from sleeping - I highly recommend this non-medical approach to getting good sleep! And good sleep in turn results in better health all the way around!
Acne
Posted by Moogs (La, Usa) on 02/03/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I tried BSM for the first time last week. Had a terrible experience, thought it tasted awful anyway I tried it; coffee, milk, oatmeal, made it into a fudge with cocoa powder, coconut oil, coconut macca, cinnamon, and agave. Although the fudge was actually decent tasting. Anways, my face completely broke out and my eczema was out of control all last week. Suddenly today, one full week after starting on one tblspn per day, my skin is clear and no more itching. So I'm glad I've stuck with it. I am now forcing myself to drink it straight from the spoon with some warm water right after to take away the taste. I'm slowly getting used to the taste but can't imagine I'll ever like it.
Anemia
Posted by Arn (Kenmore, Wa.) on 01/29/2013 20 posts
★★★★★
We need to understand the difference between elemental iron and organic iron. The reduced iron in your breakfast cereal and enriched flour is nothing more than iron filings. An anemic friend got a prescription from her doc that was nothing more than powdered rust in glycerine. Elemental iron actually causes pernicious anemia, according to the PDR. It's the inorganic iron that builds up in your system and acts as a free radical.
In contrast, the iron compounds in molasses are in an organic form compounded by the plant to be useful to living things, and safe. I wouldn't worry about overdosing on molasses.
By the way, molasses is a superfood indeed. They start with a field of plants, remove the water, fiber, sugar, and what's left is concentrated organic minerals! If such a thing were formulated in a lab it would be ridiculously expensive. But here it is, dirt cheap and delicious.
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.
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 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===
