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.
Sarsaparilla and Beetroot
Posted by Shooting Star (Atlanta, Ga) on 01/24/2023
★★★★★
Sarsaparilla has been a game changer for managing my anemia. Taking the supplement alone, boosted my iron numbers back to the normal range. I randomly chanced upon the treatment from a YouTuber casually mentioning it… now I feel secure in no longer needing iron pills.
I also came across beetroot this year. It's really improved my cognition and energy levels with this condition. I did not even know that my brain could function this well because I've been chronically anemic pretty much all my life. Anemia symptoms were my “normal, ” so I perceived my lethargy as laziness, difficulty with memory as a fault in my effort to memorize, and awkward speech and stutters as a speech impediment. Truly, I was just unwell.
When I have used these modalities to treat my anemia, all the symptoms are significantly minimized.
I am so blessed to feel empowered against this beast of a condition that oppressed me physically and emotionally for so long. My body, brain especially, has not been oxygenated like this in such a long time. —it feels so good to have more control over this condition. It literally felt like my life was enslaved by it and perpetually overcast with its symptoms.
Cheers to our journeys to better health. Wishing wellness to all.
Beets, Dietary Changes
Posted by Libraloveshealth (Los Angeles, California) on 02/27/2017
★★★★★
I have dealt with anemia over the years due to heavy periods and I also was doing dieting and wasn't taking any supplements. I recently had an anemia crisis, almost fainted one day, ice cravings, severe chest pain! I had to get myself back up together and finally got my iron levels right. I am taking a supplement 18mg iron gluconate a day. I also loaded up on beet juice which always helps and is a great remedy, I love to juice beets with carrots, orange and lemon. I didn't like doing this, but I had to go back to eating meat more often.
Beets, clams, liver and steak are the best for anemia. I tried the liver the first time the beef liver wasn't bad and it quickly helped me. Good vegetable sources are fennel(amazing for anemia, leeks, artichoke, mangoes(very good), pears and apricots. Oatmeal is a good source too. I hear spinach is good, but then I hear some things about it reducing iron.
I now am finally better, no more headaches, no more scary chest and leg pains, and I can now workout without feeling like I'm going to pass out after a few minutes. It will take time to get the levels back up but it is worth it. I started to feel better within a week. I usually know when my iron is low cause I start to crave these foods the clams, steak, liver, etc. so listen to your body it will let you know. Rubbing lemongrass oil on the soles of the feet and wrists is also helpful for anemia it is energizing. The tea is good for anemia too. Be careful with too much garlic it can cause anemia to worsen.
Cautionary Note
Posted by Michael (Virginia) on 01/21/2018
Why give it just one star? BSM obviously works, judging by the great number of five stars. Anemia can have other causes, although iron deficiency is the main cause. It is highly unlikely that taking a tablespoon of BSM is going to do anyone harm, even if a deficiency of iron isn't the problem, unless they have a rare disease that causes them to absorb too much iron.
Pomegranate Juice
Posted by txmommy (TX) on 09/06/2021
★★★★★
When I was pregnant, my midwife said my iron was really low and wanted to put me on an iron supplement. I said give me a chance to research. So, I researched and found pomegranate juice would raise iron levels. I began drinking 4 oz fresh raw pomegranate juice once a day for the next 3 weeks and that is all I changed in my diet. When the midwife checked my iron levels, they were so high, she asked me what supplement I had taken! It works! I do not know if pasteurized works or not. You could always try.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 01/14/2016
Liquid Chlorophyll is also a help in building up the blood. Midwives often have mothers take it if they bleed too much after birth. Even a Tablespoon several times a day. (It will turn the stool dark, though.)
~Mama to Many~
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lee (Belleville, Arkansas) on 07/11/2011
★★★★★
I love BSM. I had 5 tumors and had to have a hysterectomy. My blood count was down to 8. (The normal being 12-15) my doctor told me I almost had to have a blood transfusion after surgery, but she decided to put me on Ferrus sulfate iron pills. I hated that, so at my 2 week check up we quit the iron and went to BSM. I can tell a real difference!!! I also take folic acid b/c that builds your blood too. I went back to work 4 weeks after my surgery. I would advise anyone to take BSM.
Foods High in Nitrilosides for Sickle Cell Anemia
Posted by G. Michael (Reading, PA) on 12/05/2007
★★★★★
About 3 years ago I was at work when I noticed that a co-worker was very upset, so I asked her why she was so distressed. She responded that a co-worker's son was in the hospital in terrible condition with sickle-cell anemia. I told her that the Lord had given me a ministry in helping people overcome their illnesses(this was before I realized that He wanted me to write a book about the matter.) The next day I went to Albright College where I ususally did my health research. While driving to the college I started to say to the Lord "Why I am going to research a disease for which there is no cure?" Of course, the Lord ignored my ridiculous objection and I continued to the college. I went to the library, got on the computer and googled "Sickle-cell Anemia, Natural Cures" Within a couple of minutes the "de-facto" cure was on the screen. Praise The Lord! The treatment is eating foods that are high in nitrilosides. These nitrilosides are transformed in your body to thiocyanate which prevents your blood from sickling. Some are these foods are millet, african yams, sorghum, and apricot seeds. Of course, it is always important when you're adding to your diet what is going to help you, to stop unhealthy food, especially fast food. The combination is devastating to illnesses. By the way, the National Institute of Health knew about what I just told you and said that thiocyanate is a wonderful anti-sickler. Unfortunately, they did nothing with this wonderful information. After the Lord revealed to me this wonderful treatment for sickle-cell anemia I drove to work, talking to myself all the way. When I got to work I saw the father of the child whose son had the sickle-cell anemia and I told him what the Lord had just revealed to me. Within a short time his son was doing wonderfully and has been in great health ever since. And for a long time whenever I would have contact with the son's father there was such gratitude on his face. Praise The Lord
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Carol (Pocatello, Idaho) on 11/07/2006
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I work as a Nurse Practitioner in a hematology clinic. Please remember that not all patients with anemia have it because of low iron stores. Too much iron can have significant medical side effects. Therefore, I would recommend having your iron blood levels checked prior to starting any replacement iron, molasses, or other herbal products.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Anonymous (USA) on 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.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Tessa (Okanagan) on 07/31/2020
Hi Susannah -
Dr. Josh Axe mentioned blackstrap molasses (1 teaspoon per day) among other things in his article about anemia - "5 Natural Treatments for Anemia Symptoms":
https://draxe.com/health/anemia-symptoms/
He does mention the various types of anemia that affects people (including aplastic anemia). His recommendations are based on diet, B12, Vitamin C, folate [not folic acid], ginseng, probiotics, etc.
He also added how important a healthy spleen is when dealing with anemia.
I hope you and your husband find something that helps soon.
Take care.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Katy (Astoria, Oregon) on 06/04/2007
★★★★★
Molasses (Remedy): Molasses is packed with iron and other nutrients. I have a large fibroid and have been losing lots of blood during period, this caused my iron deficiency! I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and was not craving ice like many of the other writers, but was eating tons of MINTS. Ice craving, I have read many times, is associated with iron deficiency! It's actually called "Pica," or a craving for unusual substances without nutritional value. People often eat dirt as well. I noticed that when I ate molasses as well as started an iron supplement along with my usual multivitamin, my mint craving went away. I see that people say their ice craving went away after taking molasses and that made me want to mention the link with iron deficiency and this strange craving! Thanks.
Blackstrap Molasses
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.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Krystal (Memphis, TN) on 12/13/2006
★★★★★
I have been anemic all my life. When I decided to change my eating habits and study herbalism, I came across a book that talked about how black strap molasses could shrink tumors and how high it was in iron. I use to have the ice cravings but no more. For the first time in my life I am not anemic. My mother was very surprised and has started using the product for herself. It works! I am living proof; if you're anemic, take 1 tablespoon each morning in a half cup of warm water and it will do the trick! Nature is a wonderful thing!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lynde (Pretoria, Sa) on 12/18/2017
I was wondering why no one has mentioned Spirulina and vit B12 for anaemia? Has anyone had experience using these?
Iron
Posted by Beverly (Riverside, California United States) on 06/01/2013
★★★★★
Does anyone know if taking over the counter IRON Tablets 65 mil. is safe?
3 days ago I was so weak that I could hardly get out of bed. A friend told me to try IRON Tablets so my husband went out and bought me a bottle. Within the first day I felt better! 3 days later I am outside doing decent yard work! I had not been able to work in my yard due to weakness.
I am wondering if taking a pill a day is safe? Anyone know? I wonder if I should cut the tablet in half to be safe? How long can I take Iron?
(I am the Beverly that wrote about having a cold head. Even my head is not bothering me as much now.)
Cream of Wheat Cereal, Molasses, Raisins and Flax Seeds
Posted by Tanya (Olympia, Wa) on 01/21/2008
★★★★★
I wrote back in November about my anemia and would like to report that I just got a blood test and my iron is 38 percent, way into the normal range. I have eaten cream of wheat with 2 tbls of unsulphered black strap molasses and raisins with flax seed every morning since September when I was diagnosed with fibroids. I have also been drinking 1 tbls of Mothers Apple Cider Vinegar with Apple Juice every day. During my cycle I drink it first thing in the morning because I read it helps to clot blood. My cycles have been very light and I just saw my Natropath Friday and she was amazed at how high I got my iron and how well I was doing. She also has me taking some liquid herbs to shrink the fibroid. My cycles have been great only thing is the last two were only 15 days apart. When I told my Dr. about this she said perhaps it is my body getting back on track? She wants me to go back in May to get an follow-up ultrasound. I will report back when I have that done.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Connie (Rochester, NY) on 03/10/2007
★★★★★
I have always had heavy periods, and had a fibroid tumor removed several years ago. I was anemic often as a teenager, but couldn't stomach any iron pills. Now as a 40-year-old woman, I'm starting to become "normal" in terms of menstrual flow, but often feel weak and fatigued. I had my thyroid checked, but that turned out to be okay. I then figured I was probably lacking iron. I remembered reading somewhere that blackstrap molasses was high in iron. I bought an inexpensive bottle ($2.79) of House of Herbs blackstrap molasses and was quite impressed to see that one tablespoon contains 70% of the RDA for iron. For the past two months, I've been adding a tablespoon to my coffee every morning in place of sugar. It tastes great, and I haven't felt tired or drained. I see here from others' comments that molasses is also a good remedy for constipation (which had also frequently plagued me, despite my high-fiber diet and increased intake of water), and thinking back over the past several weeks, I realize that I haven't been constipated. Great to know that it works that way, too!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Janet (Hot springs, AR) on 07/04/2006
★★★★★
I take a tblsp of blackstrap in the morning and "chase it" with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, with the mother in it, with 3 tablespoons of warm water. In 1994, I was diagnosed with metatastic breast cancer at the age of 53. I had my femur replaced, took 10 radiation treatments and 6months of chemo. I have been on this regimen and KNOW that these things are from GOD made ingredients and, therefore, have kept me well. I have always been a borderline anemic. My blood counts are better than they have EVER been in my entire life. I believe if I had been doing these things for myself BEFORE I got cancer that I would NOT have had cancer in the first place.
Blackstrap Molasses, Seaweed Snacks, Blood Builder
Posted by Marsh (Colo) on 09/30/2023
★★★★★
A few years ago, I was hemorrhaging every 3 months. My OB/GYN ordered a blood test and scheduled me for an immediate ablation as my iron level was shocking low (she couldn't understand how I was still walking). After the procedure I visited my naturopath who recommended mega food blood builder, seaweed snacks and black strap molasses. For a couple weeks, I craved seaweed, then suddenly I couldn't stand the smell. Iron levels back to normal! I'm confidant they all helped. BTW another health guru warned me about the iron tabs most docs prescribe (the reason I went natural).
Sarsaparilla and Beetroot
Posted by Easterly (Elsewhere) on 12/12/2023
★★★★★
It works! Thank you, Shooting Star! I have been "severely anemic" at certain points in my life. I haven't taken iron supplements in several months now, but tried the sarsaparilla instead. The lab tests confirmed that I am no longer anemic! My doctor took a notation about sarsaparilla and looked up information on it. I took it for only a few weeks, usually just one capsule a day. Now I'm going to look into the beetroot. Thanks again!
Vitamin B-12
Posted by Robert V. (EC's Facebook) on 06/03/2020
★★★★★
People's body chemistries are different, & some have allergies to things others thrive on. I was forced to drink milk & eat tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers & eggplants, as I was raised on a small family farm. After nearly dying at the age of 30 (from a liver disease) I was carried by my husband into a gentleman's healthfood store, where I waited to be seen (at no charge) sitting on the floor in an aisle, as I was unable to stand. He had studied to be a veterinarian up until the middle of his last semester, then quit & began applying his observational diagnostic skills to humans. I was too weak to walk having lost 6 months of my life (more or less unconscious) & about 35 lbs. I already knew much of what was wrong with me, having been to the same local large clinic that had diagnosed my mother's cancer. He looked at my eyes, tongue, toes, fingers, etc. & wrote down everything (& more) that the clinic doctors had found out using their their X-rays, blood & other invasive tests. He then made a list of supplements & vitamins I should take & a list of things I should avoid. Three days after following his protocol, I got up & fixed my family breakfast. A week later, I was able to walk to the top of a small rise in the road a quarter mile from our house. By the end of the summer, my 5 yr. old son (I insisted my whole family be examined by this wonderful man & follow his recommendations) & I entered a local "1 1/2 mile Fun Run". I finished in 8 minutes. After having asthma my entire life up to that time, I came in 2nd (behind a younger regularly training runner). Anyone having health issues needs to allow a naturopath with an excellent reputation to determine what would work best for them.
Blackstrap Molasses, Vitamin C
Posted by Stephie (Nc) on 05/18/2013
★★★★★
I had become anemic and had to be hospitalized to receive a blood transfusion. My iron levels were low to say the least. A friend recommended I try BSM in addition to taking iron pills. I took my iron pills with vitamin C, and I took another vit. C before drinking BSM in hot rasberry tea (which does not block iron absorbsion). I had a blood test on Friday and a follow-up on the following Friday. My iron level came up almost 100 points! After just 5 months of usage, I was in low normal range for the first time in 4 years! Now, one year later, I am in the middle of the normal range (just got a blood test in May 2013). I use 500mg, chewable vitamin C and BSM at night (a 2nd time in the day) when I feel a little more tired than usual.
