Safety Concerns
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?
(Madison)
06/18/2023
Well, California. They consider everything unsafe, even being alive.
Side Effects
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.
(somewhere, europe)
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
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.
Side Effects
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.
(Somewhere, Europe)
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
After drinking a crude black molasses I'm feeling drowsy and I'm sleeping a lot. Any idea why?
Side Effects
I bought Plantation BSM. I was very excited to take it for the energy. I took 1 tablespoon and the next day had explosive diarrhea for hours. I do not have stomach issues or IBS. So I waited 3-4 days and only took a teaspoon. The next day explosive diarrhea. Then I got smart and ordered 2 more bottles of "Organic" BSM. Once again a week or two go by before I try the organic. I start with a teaspoon...the next day explosive diarrhea. What in the world am I doing wrong? I ate food when I took it and I tried on an empty stomach. Why is this happening? Please tell me what the problem could be.
(Usa)
10/07/2017
Dear Pc, Are you eating enough protein? KT
Side Effects
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
(Somewhere, Europe)
03/30/2017
Allain A. please back off! Try one tablespoon in 2-3 days instead of 2 a day.
Side Effects
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
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
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?
(Toronto, Canada)
05/11/2015
Are you using the unsulphured version of it? Everyone on this website is recommending the unsulphured one.
It might be also possible that you are experiencing a healing crisis. Blackstrap molasses is high in minerals.
Going for a lower dosage might be also a good idea. I never use more than 1 teaspoon at a time. Good for you but still high in sugar.
Side Effects
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 ...
Side Effects
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
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.
(Toronto)
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
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.
(USA)
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.
(Austin, Tx)
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.
(Anon)
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
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?
(California)
08/09/2015
I believe BSM contains niacin. Maybe you are sensitive to the niacin, and you get what is called 'a capillary flush.'