Sanddollar (Billings, Mt) on 08/02/2009:
Hi, I just wanted to write and say thank you for your site and the blackstrap molasses remedy. I am 25 years old and began taking blackstrap molasses after reading that it can help with gray hair and menstrual problems. I started taking the molasses a couple of months ago. I took 2 tablespoons a day of unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses (the one with the yellow label). I looked at some other brands too but this one was the only one that said on the label that (besides having only half the calories) supplied 20% of the daily recommendation of calcium, iron, and vitamin A. I took it every day for a month, 2 tablespoons a day straight from the spoon. I don't like the taste much, but swallowing it quickly this way was easier for me than mixing it in with oatmeal or a drink and taking it slowly.
Ever since I started menstruating when I was fourteen, I have had extremely painful, long, heavy, clotty periods. After one month of taking the blackstrap molasses my period came and it was not clotty (and sorry if this is too much information, but I was happy that the blood was actually red instead of brown!), and only lasted 3 days! It was still quite painful at first, so I took some acetaminophen but after that first dose I didn't feel anything at all! Usually I am groggy and bloating and crampy for days.
Also, after this experience, I stopped taking it to see if that was really what made the difference. My next period came and it was terrible and lasted about a week and a half. So I started taking the molasses again about a week ago. This time I only took one tablespoon a day, but I also at this time started taking a couple of tablespoons of brewer's yeast a day. I mix them in soup or sandwich spreads, or sprinkle a tablespoon on my popcorn at night. It tastes really good to me, actually. My period started this morning and I have not taken any pain medication for it! This is unbelievable to me because always before this, I have had to rush to take pain medication when my period starts so that it will start working before the pain gets really bad - the pain is so excruciating that I start shaking, get a fever, ache all over, and vomit. My back and stomach usually cramp up so badly that I am literally writhing.
Anyway, this morning I woke up with some cramps from the period and I thought I'd better run to take something, but then I thought, maybe it won't be so bad this time, and sure enough, it has been a couple of hours and here I am typing this letter. I've still got a little bit of cramping, but if I want to I know I could go without the pain medication and function normally (and I think I will). I don't know if this is just from the molasses, or from adding the brewer's yeast this time, but I plan to keep up both remedies because I think the brewer's yeast is also clearing up my acne and eczema. Usually I break out in zits (and especially a big one or two on my chin and forhead) whenever I get my period, but this time my acne is actually going away instead. No new pimples whatsoever.
Liberty (Eden, NC) on 05/06/2009:
I'm a 35-year-old female. I've been diagnosed with PCOS, other than that I have no diagnosed illnesses although I suspect a thyroid disorder even though the test comes back normal. I do not take any precription medication. Ever since I started my period at age 12, I've had horrible cramps that I have to treat with a lot of pain medication and a heating pad. The cramps have lasted a day or two and my period has lasted 3-4 days. I started taking 1 tbsp. a day of Plantation blackstrap molasses about 2 months ago after reading what great experiences other women have had in curing cramps. My experience has been terrible. Since I started on the molasses, my period has extended to 5 days with more severe cramping each day. I know that treatments don't work the same for each person, but I'm very curious as to why the molasses caused this reaction. Any ideas?
Karen (Foxboro, MA) on 05/05/2009:
I just wanted to tell my experience with blackstrap Molassas was almost instant! I have been suffering for years with very heavy periods that come every 21 days! After getting my tubes tied my periods went to hell. Very heavy, clots, bleeding every 21 days for 5/7 days with MAJOR cramps!
I found this website and decided to give it a try! I started the morning my period started. I took a tablespoon that morning and again that evening. Continued that each day. To my surprise, within 3 days..my period STOPPED! That is the first time in 3 years that I didn't have a long, heavy, crampy period! I am a believer!! Now if I can just get my period back to a 28 day cycle..I will be TRHILLED!! THANK YOU!!!
Tina (Rochester, NY USA) on 03/24/2009:
Black Strap Molasses and menstrual cramps: I started taking 1 TBSP of organic black strap molasses in my coffee a couple of days before my period. I ordinarily have to take (2)ibuprofen every 4 hours for the first 2 days. This month I cut way back on the frequency of the ibuprofen. It seems like the black strap molasses is having a positive effect. I will know better next month. I do not like taking medication, so any natural remedy is a welcome change.
sac (Columbia, Missouri) on 02/13/2009:
Blackstrap Molasses helped with my menstrual cramps. I took 1-2 tablespoons during each day of my period. It did not take away all the cramping but it has drastically reduced them to the point where I am taking a Midol occasionally during my period instead of eating Advil like candy. I think if I take 2 tablespoons each day the cramps may go away completely. I am also noticing that the Molasses in conjunction with another homeopathic seems to be lightening my flow. This is great news as I was contemplating going back on the pill just to get a lighter period again. I tried taking the Molasses everyday but it seemed to increase my acne so I am only taking it during my period. 2 months down and I am singing its praises!! Thanks to all on Earth Clinic who posted remedies and comments, it is extremely helpful.
Leah (Las Vegas, NV) on 07/14/2008:
I tried Blackstrap Molasses after reading about it on this site. I was so amazed that it worked so quickly. I was only taking a teaspoon once a day for a couple of days before my period started and I didn't have any cramps. And I ALWAYS get cramps. Thanks Earth Clinic and all the people who write about their experiences!
Ann (NY, NY) on 01/07/2008:
re: BSM for cramps. I used 1-2 TBS in tea or coffee at the start of cramps and throughout my period and only had to pop one Aleve this cycle instead of 4-5. Takes effect in about 30 minutes. I've also been oil pulling and drinking acv (2 TBS) and baking soda (1/4tsp) 6 out of 7 days since thanksgiving 2007 so this may have helped also. Thanks Earth Clinic!
Samantha (Reno, NV) on 12/08/2007:
I tried using blackstrap molasses for a extremely heavy period with clots and severe cramps. I have been having the problem for over two years and have been to the doctor a few times to see what could be done about this problem. The doctor advised me to go on birth control pills which I did not want to do. I found this website and thought there is no way this could work but I'm going to try it. I started using the BSM about two weeks ago. I have definitely noticed with this period that it is lighter and I can't believe I'm hardly have any clots and no "flooding" this time. Also cramping is minimal this time. I'm going to keep up the treatment and I will let you all know my progress. I'm ecstatic! Thank You EC!
