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 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.
Anemia
Posted by Pam. E. (SW California) on 04/27/2024 162 posts
I strongly suspect that they didn't test thoroughly for EVERY possible change ... because 1 time I reheated some dinner left over form the night before that had meat in it, and that meat tasted like no meat I had ever tasted before ... totally different than what we'd eaten the night before!
Anemia
Posted by ANNA (PA) on 11/19/2023
★★★★★
I COULDN'T BELIEVE how much better my husband's blood results were after just 7 days of 1 tbsp of blackstrap molasses mixed in half cup of warm almond milk. ONCE A DAY! No more iron deficiency! Red blood cells were 3.59 - now 4.16!
AND HE likes it!
Candida
Posted by Jess (Texas) on 10/29/2023
★★★★★
Black strap molasses ( for candida)
**Background **
Mom (f 64) and I (f 28) had been struggling with candida for several years (mom 6 years, me 2 years) she would be so itchy and red that she could no longer sleep plus would have an oozing discharge from under her breast and her skin would flake off ( Dr gave her a pill in the beginning ( lamosil I believe but I could be wrong )but she ended up with a fever 102, hives, chills and body aches so bad she couldn't get out of bed plus the candida became even worse) so we started trying every home remedy we could find. Instead of having the rash all day everyday it became a nightly problem only but did not disappear. Cue 4 years later I started having a rash on my cheeks, thrush, and itching under my chest plus a oozy discharge from my navel I managed to get rid of it for a few weeks but it kept coming back. We also had insomnia sometimes only sleeping 1 to 2hrs a night.
Both of us had darker skin along candida hotspots and our arms( mom used to call me her chocolate chip as I was so dark when I should be golden brown)
Mom was diagnosed with fatty liver so she had quite a bit of swelling in her abdomen plus many liver spots.
***trying Black Strap molasses***
Fast-forward 2 years and through pure chance I found out about Blackstrap molasses for painful menstrual cramps and upon further research I found out it had ⅕ of your daily iron in it plus it is 50-97% absorbable as I was also struggling with pms and anemia I decided to try it despite it possibly triggering the candida.( so did my mom )
I AM SO GLAD I DID!!!!!
It did trigger a rash on the 1st day but we persisted as we both finally got a full night's sleep!!!! We felt so well rested finally!!! It was worth the rash!!!!
We decided to take wormwood to control the candida somewhat...But
***Within 3 days we noticed no more itching!!!!! No more rash!!!!! We both are feeling better then we have in a long time!!!!
*** Dosage***
started with 1 tbsp once daily went to 3 tbsp throughout day***
My research showed you can take 6 tbsp but please do you own research
As this has a lot of potassium about 700 mgs per tbsp ( drs say 99mgs per day but apparently we can take more do your own research please)
**** side effects****
Die off is not fun those 3 days were terrible but as we hadn't slept for so long it was worth it
People warn about sugar spikes but I have noticed it Dropping my sugar instead mom did as well(she's had hypoglycemia since childhood she knows the signs)
Made me super sleepy to the point of dizziness for the 1st week after that it balanced out and I can take it anytime of day now
I started loosing weight and needing to eat more as my metabolism has kicked into gear ( plus sugar levels dropping)
In the first few days my urine smelled really strong and was very dark plus I needed to pee more often this slowed down after about a week or two
Week 2
I started having mood swings
( but still the sleep was worth it)
Week 3
I started noticing pains in my bones and body to (but I could still tell this is helping me I'm getting better so I continued) taking niacin helped with the aches
Week 4
I started losing my appetite but was still getting hungry faster so I made myself eat( it was hard) but still feeling better as my body felt stronger
Week 5
My fingers started swelling up and hurting (but again I still know this is helping) niacin helped and this only happened on and off through 2 days never happened again for me
Week 6
I feel awesome no side effects or die off symptoms I feel great!!!!
Though mom just started having mood swings lack of appetite and the swelling fingers all at once(probably cause she had those problems so much longer???)
But still no rash!!!! We're sleeping every night full 8hrs!!!! Body feels stronger and swelling of mom's liver is going down!!!! Skin color is clearing up!!!! More energy!!!! Age spots on mom are going away!!!! Her hair is turning back to brown most of the top of her head was silver!!!! My hair is fuller and has more volume!!!! We feel awesome we keep getting stronger!!!!
Ps uncle tried this too
His many liver spots are going away!!! And his skin is clearing up
Safety Concerns
Posted by GertJr (Madison) on 06/18/2023
Well, California. They consider everything unsafe, even being alive.
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?
Anemia
Posted by Elizabeth (CA) on 06/02/2023
Try as a hot drink: 1 Tblsp. molasses, 12oz. hot water, tad half and half or milk to your taste. Delicious. Great alternative to coffee in the morning.
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!
Gray Hair
Posted by Waleed (Kuwait) on 06/02/2023
For low iron, take castor oil over coffee with sugar on empty stomach several days a week. This could clean an area in the intestines that absorbs iron. I read a case where this works. I have not tried it myself.
Anemia
Posted by John (CA) on 06/02/2023
I agree Kelly. Thanks for setting the record straight. There is definitely a glycemic impact from ingesting BSM but not a serious one especially if a person is taking it infrequently.
Milia
Posted by Michele (Camas, Wa) on 01/25/2018
★★★★★
After taking Blackstrap Molasses for a few weeks, my skin started to clear at a very deep level. I had Milia, small cysts that stay in the skin. These started to clear up miraculously after taking the Blackstrap Molasses. It's wonderful stuff!
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?
Cancer
Posted by Jerry (Miramar ) on 07/27/2022 25 posts
So, some time has gone by since Michael from New Zealand wrote this. Does anyone have the answer as to the Blackstrap Molasses cure to cancer. Have anyone proved it to be tried and true, or did it cause more problems?
Thank you.
Cancer
Posted by ORH (TEN MILE , TN) on 03/04/2022
SHAWN, ORH here and you pissen up a rope. Read what Rhonda has to say because she researched the situation and pegged it. Lordy, many posters on EC put me in the top of a tall, tall pine tree. Do you not know the story of Wild Bill Hickcock? Read more and post less. Consumption is what TB was called way back when. ===ORH===
Cancer
Posted by Rhonda (TX) on 03/03/2022 33 posts
..."The word “consumption” first appeared in the 14
th century to describe any potentially fatal wasting disease–that is, any condition that “consumed” the body. But over time it came to apply more specifically to tuberculosis. Although the word “tuberculosis” first appeared in 1860, it wasn't until 1882 that German physician Robert Koch identified the rod-shaped bacterium that caused the illness. While tuberculosis can affect many parts of the body, such as the bones or digestive tract, its greatest affinity is for the lungs. When actively infected people cough or sneeze, they spread droplets that can be inhaled by others. It usually takes prolonged contact to contract an infection, and even then the immune systems of healthy people can effectively contain the exposure. But in people with an active, late-stage case of TB, the lung tissue gets eaten away by rapidly expanding colonies of bacteria. Victims may experience weight loss, fever, night sweats, and coughing up of blood-filled sputum. Despite the movies, it is not a pretty way to die."
Source: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2001/06/what-s-consumption-and-why-did-it-kill-nicole-kidman.html
Cancer
Posted by shawn j (ny) on 03/03/2022
more than likely it is referring to being consumed by illness...
Anemia
Posted by Shelley (Trinity County, California) on 01/19/2022 10 posts
★★★★★
I am not sure if most people are aware that all forms of Sucrose, Fructose etc, are what feed all tumors and cysts. When the majority of people opt out of fast food, junk food etc when they are diagnosed with cancer, they tend to eat and drink fruits. Not a good choice. Sugar refined white is deadly. Are any of you aware that actual Sugar causes high blood pressure? It's a medical fact
Fruit juice are processed with high heat. All fruit juices are required in the US to be pasteurized. By drinking fruit juice premade, I believe do many Herbalists, Osteopaths, Homeopathic Medical Professionals that a nutrient has not yet been discovered by Science. This nutrient aids our body's ability to absorb the fruit sugars and keeps us from developing Type 2 Diabetes from over use of juices, velivibg they are the healthiest choices. Vitamin C is very important in our absorption of Iron.
I was diagnosed with a Hemoglobin of 2.06 in January of 2018. Every imaginable test was run to discover why I was suffering from such low iron. They immediately gave be blood transfusions. Which weren't working very well. They discovered I have a rare Antibody in Ky blood which is very unusual in a patient who has never had any blood products or transfusions prior. I started accepting the iron after having it specifically made to my bodies requirements. The Drs and Nurses were surprised I was still alive when I came into I the ER. In fact, the added my make to the lowest and highest of a disorders board at Sutter Hospital in Santa Rosa Ca.
I use Black Strap Molasses in my Coffee. Have loved it since I was anemic with my oldest daughter in 1983. It was recommended by my Swedish Educated OB/GYN. I used it in all 5 of my pregnancies.
I also prefer and discovered Oranges instead of orange juice helps overcome cold much quicker. Also, we have been using only Himalayan Pink Salt since 2015 and have not suffered a single cold or flu since then.
Arthritic Pain
Posted by Kelly (Walnut Cove NC) on 09/22/2021
★★★★★
I have never taken it medically but always loved it. I ate it all the time for about 7 years and the last two I haven't and my arthritis had really been bothering me. Then I read this and the light bulb came on.
Fibroids
Posted by Yesenia (IL) on 09/02/2021
I've only used blackstrap molasses for my periods.
Constipation
Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe) on 04/02/2021
Yes, Bonnie, the BSM keeps my iron levels and ferritin numbers up where they should be.
Constipation
Posted by Bonnie (PA) on 04/01/2021
I remember getting BSM as a child in milk for constipation and anemia. I think this is my answer for malabsorption of iron and constipation. I drink dairy free (no soy) and put it in almond milk. I hope this does the trick!
Skin
Posted by Juanita (Oakdale ) on 03/09/2021
What tea was used with the BSM, Apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and honey
EC: The "tea" is the recipe... ie hot water with ACV and Blackstrap Molasses added to it.
Gas
Posted by Cassandra (CA) on 01/27/2021
Never knew blackstrap molasses helps with gas. Good to know.
Circulation
Posted by Debra (Sydney/Australia) on 11/19/2020 63 posts
★★★★★
I know this thread is old but got bought to my attention through an email. I wanted to share an experience I had with BSM.
My father in law had a hip operation a few years ago and during the op, the orderly grabbed his leg so hard, he caused a permanent blood clot which resulted in severe pain and lack of circulation to his foot. It took months but they managed to make a pathway through the clot for blood to get through but told him the clot was always going to be there. I researched it for him and learnt that BSM dissolves clots so I told him to take a tablespoon a day. Four bottles later, the clot was completely gone. he still has pain in the foot due to nerve damage, the he has complete blood flow and no clot whatsoever now.
Arrhythmia
Posted by Jgny (Thousand Islands) on 11/17/2020
★★★★★
I started taking BSM a couple weeks ago just thinking for the health benefits. But was surprised after the first week that my evening palpitations have stopped!! After years of trying different things to help my situation,,, I am in shock!! 💗
Gray Hair
Posted by Gertrude (Lanham Maryland) on 11/07/2020
I do know that rinsing hair with white vinegar in a glass of water will turn it back to its natural color.
Fibroids
Posted by Zzz (SC) on 11/01/2020
It's difficult to overdose with simple uncombined food like blackstrap molasses.The flavor will change to be repugnant after a person consumes too much. Did you notice? The flavor returns to be yummy after the body needs more. This has been my experience. Entering detox mode doesn't have to mean one has eaten too much, but it's a good idea to slow down.
Skin
Posted by LJ (London) on 10/14/2020
Hi
Are you still taking this every day?
Fibroids
Posted by Sharri (Stuart, Florida ) on 09/18/2020
Hi, could you please I would greatly appreciate it if you would share how much Apple Cider Vinegar & Black Strap Molasses you took to shrink your fibroids, and your regimen. I have a fibroid in my left breast that I would like to try this with.
Thank you very much, in advance.
Side Effects
Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe ) on 01/30/2020
Cat, never start anything new at a high dosage!!! I started with ONE TEASPOON once a day, and slowly built up to ONE tablespoon. My iron levels are now normal, after being quite anemic.
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 Regina G. (Marietta, GA, USA ) on 05/31/2019
★★★★★
Black Strap Molasses Side Effects
I have had insomnia for the last 20+ years with increasing severity. 2 nights ago I wrestled with sleep again. My belly felt hard and bloated, giving me racing heart beat, heat and anxiety. I felt constipated. I remembered BSM being a laxative and took 1 Tablespoon without any food and drank 10 oz of water a few minutes afterwards. My bloating went away and eased my belly.
In the morning I took 1 Tbsp. BSM on empty stomach all by itself, than during the day one more Tbsp. and in the evening before bed time 1 Tbsp. BSM all by itself. I woke up this morning, having the best sleep of my life, ever (and I am 72), deep refreshing and vitalizing 10 hour sleep with only 2 trips to the bath room. I could not believe it.
No side effects what so ever so far. I must also say that I have Leaky Gut which makes my body unable to absorb most nutrients. That is probably the reason why I was so mineral deficient. I would give it a try for what ever is ailing you but remember that it has to be ORGANIC, UNSULPHURED Blackstrap Molasses, otherwise you get concentrated doses of Glyphosate and other chemicals into your system.
I will continue using 3 Tbsp. for 3 more days and than slow down to 2 Tbsp./day and eventually to 1 Tbsp. per day. I don't think it will hurt you with that dosage. But try it for yourself and see how your body reacts to it. Good luck to every body.
P.S. Besides of insomnia, I am also trying to heal my leaky gut and rheumatoid arthritis using BSM as a key supplement.
Side Effects
Posted by Connie (Melbourne, FL) on 02/20/2019
WOW! After reading all these comments about side effects, who wants to try the Molasses? I have been eating Molasses since I was a small child, I didn't even know they had all these side effects. When I start new vitamins, minerals and herbs, I only take that one to see if I will have any type of reaction. But you do have to watch out if you are taking any kinds of medications, they are unreal in there own right.
Leg Pain, Sleep
Posted by Faisal (London, Canada) on 09/22/2019
★★★★★
I take BSM in organic apple cider vinegar every other day and every time I take it before breakfast, it works wonders. My leg pain, alleviates in 30 minutes, so for me it performs the function of Advil. However, when I take it before going to bed, I never wake up in between sleeps and have a good sleep.
For me the ACV is antiflammatory as it relieves me from the leg pain, though for the time being, but it works.
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.
Anemia
Posted by Dr. Sean Golden (San Diego) on 06/06/2020
Blackstrap molasses isn't high in iron like red meat or iron pills. It's similar to spinach.
The difference is that BSM has fulvic and humic acids from the soil that helps plants and animals better absorb and retain minerals, like iron. Thus, this warning isn't needed.
Anemia
Posted by Sean (San Diego) on 06/06/2020
I completely understand the caution that should be in place when taking *iron pills*.
Yet, you do not need to be cautious about BSM. It is processed, but in the *opposite* way of other foods. In processed foods, the nutrients are removed and only the macros like the carbs and the calories are left. In short, empty calories.
With BSM, the processing actually removes excess sugar and condenses the nutrients.
BSM doesn't increase iron levels by supplying iron. It's actually not high in iron. 1 steak would have more iron than 20 BSM drinks.
BSM increases iron in the body because it contains fulvic and humic acids. These are present in the soil and the helps plants and animals *absorb and retain* minerals. Thus, BSM makes the iron you take from BSM and other sources stay in your body more effectively.
Fibroids
Posted by Maria (South Africa) on 08/15/2018
Hi, where can I buy UBSM here in south Africa, coz Clicks and Dischem they don't have.
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
Acid Reflux
Posted by Sweet Cales (Bridgetown) on 06/07/2018
★★★★★
I used to suffer from acid reflux then I found out about using blackstrap molasses and baking soda that did wonders for me thank God that was years ago don't have any reflux anymore but still use the molasses sometimes because of its benefit.
The thing is I knew about molasses long before because I use to give to the animals, chickens and pigs I had, healthy animals but at that time did not know it was even better for humans.
Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 05/21/2018
Becky, I never heard that BSM has anything to do with headaches. But I do know that one might get them from trying out a new remedy that one is not too sure of. I guess it's the stress of not knowing what to expect. I'm pretty sure the BSM itself is not causing headaches.
Side Effects
Posted by Becky (Derbyshire, Uk) on 05/19/2018
I have just started taking BSM - only 2 days. I have had a pretty bad headache both days so wondering if this is linked. I have taken 1 tbsp in warm water each morning.
Insomnia
Posted by Sara (The Beach, Canada) on 04/17/2018
Timing is everything, and 1 tbls a day is sufficient. taken at the 2pm mark is early enough not to affect your sleep.
