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.
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.
Side Effects
Posted by KT (Usa) on 10/07/2017
Dear Pc, Are you eating enough protein? KT
Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 03/30/2017
Allain A. please back off! Try one tablespoon in 2-3 days instead of 2 a day.
Side Effects
Posted by Marcin (Toronto, Canada) on 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
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 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.
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 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.
Eczema
Posted by Wendy (Columbus) on 01/20/2017
I use blackstrap molasses in my smoothies, too.
My recipe is: 2 cups unsweetened almond milk, I add 1 scoop of good-quality pea protein powder, 1 small banana, 1 cup of 1/2 caf refrigerated coffee saved from yesterday, 1-2 tablespoons of molasses (or the amount of your choice). Blend it all up in the blender and enjoy. It's yummy!
Low Iron Count
Posted by Concerned2 (Watonga, Oklahoma) on 11/09/2012
Excellent note on low iron. Most people lose iron - I found this out, also when I went to give blood: my iron was low because the nurse said that I shouldn't drink tea when I am eating a meal. Very unusual. Evidently, tea lowers the level of iron. I got my blood level up with BSM AND apple cidar vinegar... Drank alot of it in a glass of grapefruit and honey. Yea for BMS. Feel great, sleep better and less leg cramps.
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.
Side Effects
Posted by Immich (Las Vegas, Nv, Usa ) on 10/07/2011
I've taken 1tbsp, once per day, for 3 days and I'm noticing that it's giving me something like heart palpitations just after taking it, I think this is odd because I've seen it mentioned that it prevents this. Not sure that I will stop taking it just yet, I'm very healthy overall and not too alarmed by this... Has anyone else experienced this???
Vertigo
Posted by Angeldivine (Bedford Hts, Oh) on 05/22/2011
★★★★★
I read about the benefits of blackstrap molasses years ago and have been taking it off and on ever since. More recently, I have been using the organic blackstrap molasses consistently. I have a "molasses coffee, " which is BSM mixed w/ vanilla almond milk and and them warmed; a "molasses milkshake, " which is BSM mixed w/ cold vanilla almond milk and ice cubes or in a blender w/ ice cubes; and any kind of fruit smoothie w/ about a tbls of BSM. Every now and then, I'll make gingerbread using the BSM, ginger, and a little agave nectar for a little extra sweetness. You can look up recipes and tweak them if you're vegan. Overall, the greatest benefit so far is curing the dizziness or lightheadedness I would get as a result of taking an herbal diuretic. Diuretics can deplete the body of potassium and BSM rectifies these symptoms.
Gray Hair
Posted by Christina (Houston, Tx) on 08/07/2010
I started taking BSM about three weeks ago. I take a teaspoon daily. About one week after beginning BSM I noticed my silver hairs looked copper colored and some were yellowish. I was happy- I believed the BSM was working to restore my natural color. Now my hair looks yellow and green in sunlight. I do not use coloring agents or chemical processes on my hair and I haven't been swimming. I've already tried a clarifying shampoo, it did not remove the yellow and green. Does anyone have any suggestions for removing these undesirable colors?
Gray Hair
Posted by Christina (Houston, Texas) on 08/10/2010
Thanks to both Addy and Lon for your comments. I already use the purple shampoo, this was a standard before deciding to try BSM. I will stop the BSM and look into vitamins as well as other solutions to reverse its effects.
Gray Hair
Posted by Sonny (Athens Ga) on 08/08/2016
Did you check your Hat/Cap team color? If you use it everyday? Just like maybe the blue legs symptoms people have caused by wearing jeans perhaps?
Gray Hair
Posted by Isabelle (Garden Grove, Ca Usa) on 08/08/2010
Hello! I know it is maddening when the hair gets off color. It happen to me 20 or so years ago but it was from to much msm that I was taking for skin problems. Dear, make sure that your Blackstrap Molasses is organic and also check you amount of sulfur in you diet and supplements: some liver can process only small amount of sulfur per day. I don't know if this is pertaining to you, but it doesn't hurt to check. For restoring color, look on iodine and paba. But remember, what ever you do is connected to you whole body state of health and there is a lot of reading to do on this site and the internet. I hope you get satisfying result! PEACE!
Gray Hair
Posted by Lucy (Silver Spring, Maryland) on 08/13/2016
I read that what makes it work is copper, the plantation brand has 0%, so I went online and found one that does "Wholesome" brand...just received it!!! Fingers crossed.
Side Effects
Posted by Jesse (Holmdel, Nj) on 04/05/2010
Question....I have just started to use 3 teaspoons of Black Strap Molasses with 1 tablespoon ACV in water. In half an hour I will have diaherrea for a few hours. Is this normal or I am allegic to BSM? When I drink ACV, I don't have that problem.
EC: Blackstrap molasses is known to be a very effective cure for constipation!
Conversion: 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
Side Effects
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 07/02/2010
I have to say that this surprises me..... a lady in a health food shop told me a while ago that she lived somewhere in an exotic place (I don't remember where) and that the population which is very poor used to get molasses as kind of a food suplement as it wasn't used for anything else. A lorry would come along and distribute it. Then a lot of people would surely be feeling ill...... I have to say that other than diarrhea if I take it first thing in the morning I never felt any other side effect.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/17/2009
Finally! Today I am experiencing a semi normal stool again, and I say semi normal, because there was a stringy mucous thing that had a little blood in it, but everything else is solid. I am still using the Bromelain, and molasses therapy, but have started to season food with cinnamon, sage, oregano, tumeric, nutmeg, (all of these that I mentioned are therapeutic to the GI system), salt is okay, and so is basil. For some reason I can use garlic cloves, but not the powder, and I cannot use black pepper (except 1 or 2 grinds). I also have not consumed a lot of red meat, and I found that activia breaks stool down, (yes it will make you regular if you are constipated) but you will find it makes you very watery. Fish, eggs, chicken, and lamb are very good meats if you don't want to go vegan yet. I also have noticed my eyesight seems to be getting a little better (who knew?).
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Dennis (Tagum, Philippines) on 07/19/2009
I eat green (unripe) bananas 2 to 3 times a day for the resistant starch that it has. Have friends that also eat it. One has diabetes one, in May of 2008 had a big ulcer on his foot his Doctor said he had to have it amputated if he didn't he would die in 6 months . He still has some little ulcers. He also takes hydrogen peroxide in water to soak his feet and then he takes that water puts it on his legs and arms to oxygenate them. Also uses baking soda in water and soaks his feet to clean them. He is still a live. I believe that most diseases come from the stomach .(autoimmune diseases). Promotes ((good)) bacteria, and suppresses ((bad)) bacteria and their toxic products. resistant starch seems to improve insulin sensitivity
Anemia
Posted by Margeret Green (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 11/15/2008
l have been taking molasses for years over 10 years for my ulcer and anemia. Four year ago l start have problem with my kidneys. l have a cyst on kidney which is killing me with pain. The doctor told me there is no cure for that. l recently start taking ACV FOR IT . l recently bought molasses for a friend who was very sick and suffering from anemia she told me that the molasses is not for kidneys. ls it the cause of my kidney problems is it true? Does the molasses have side effect on the kidneys/ please advice ASAP THANKS.
Gray Hair
Posted by Donna Hyde (Lincoln, NE) on 02/12/2009
you should dissolve it in something warm. water or milk. then cool it with cold water or milk.
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 Gloria (Weslaco, TX) on 12/19/2007
I am a 53 yr. woman that has been using ACV and oil pulling for about two months now. One of my problems had been swelling of my ankles wrists, & lymph nodes. Since I have been oil pulling, and using ACV the swelling has decreased alot even when I sit long periods of time. One thing that happened while I was taking blkstrap molasses 1 tbs. a.m. and one before bedtime. I gained weight because of the rich vitamins so I cut down to just 1 tbs. before bed. Oh! and the spider veins are fading around my ankles and legs. Where do I get colorless iodine?
Anemia
Posted by Kim (Philadelphia, PA) on 11/24/2007
★★★★☆
About 6 months ago I found out I had very low iron levels (they were at a 7 and I think normal is a 12) The DR. put me on iron pills twice daily which did help. Than I read about the BSM and started taking it about a week or so ago instead of the iron pills. At first I thought it made me feel better and energized but now I am starting to notice some of my old symtoms coming back again like dizzy spells at night and just an overall strange feeling. I'm kind of concerned too because I read on another site that BSM really has no benefits at all and that was on rawfoodexplained.com I was just wondering if anyone knows if there is any truth to the article or not. I will be getting my iron levels checked soon and will find out if it is actually working or not.
Constipation
Posted by Bette (Indiana) on 02/13/2018
Is it OK to give black strap molasses to a 3 yr old? She suffers from constipation
Lupus
Posted by Marcelle (Pietermaritzburg, South Africa) on 05/21/2009
I have just bought my first bottle of Black Strap Molasses and have been researching the comments. There was a concern that BSM will deplete Vit B3. I have had a good look at my Unsulphered BSM and it shows to contain 4mg Vit B3 (Niacin) so I am confident that it is actually a source of this vitamin.
Fingernails
Posted by Norman (Metro Cebu, Philippines) on 05/22/2010
I have taken molasses for many years now for a daily nose bleeding I use to have since very young, then clauterization worked but I became too much of a heath nut and wanted everything natural to have that procedure done again. Molasses was way more effective for me.
But now I have for the last 5 yrs edema in feet & ankles & legs to calf and am upping my molasses to cure that also hopeful, better than wearing compression socks to control it but never cures it.
I'm a vegetarian & fish & fruit diet for many years now since a young teen ager,( I like to walk a lot)( am 66 yrs now) barbecued meat & fast food & drugs all have side affects . Many people say I look like 40 .
Anemia
Posted by Jlynn (Broken Arrow, Ok) on 01/23/2012
I crave mints too!! I started about a year ago and could never figure it out. I also have been having very heavy periods...... I'm wondering if I'm low on iron. I have just started taking BSM. I hope it works. I would love NOT to crave mints!
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!
Anemia
Posted by Amanda (Hot Springs, Ar, Usa) on 04/21/2010
i just wanted to add that it is a disorder that affects people of mediterranean decent. my mother was Greek, and she, my sister and brother have it (the minor form), but like you said, IRON is very bad for these people.
Anemia
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 05/07/2015
Dear Ricoh,
I think it would be fine to put Blackstrap Molasses in your Chanca Piedra tea. I have used Blackstrap to sweeten herbal tea used for medicinal purposes. Although, I would defer to Bill's wisdom in this as he is very experienced with that herb, I believe.
Is a blood pressure of 90/60 lower than your normal? That is about what mine is and I always considered it to be okay. Do you feel poorly right now?
Blackstrap Molasses is a food and seems to suit most people. Even some with diabetes can use it. Some people have a high iron condition, and I would think it would not be a good idea for them to take it.
~Mama to Many~
Cancer
Posted by shawn j (ny) on 03/03/2022
more than likely it is referring to being consumed by illness...
Cancer
Posted by Jerry (Miramar ) on 07/27/2022 28 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.
Mono
Posted by Donna (Yellow Springs, OH)
★★★★★
Years ago my mom gave me molasses when I was bead ridden with mono.I remember the doctor telling her I recovered in 1/2 the normal time! I am interested in giving it to my dog who has a non cancerous lipoma tumor.How much should an 85lb dog take without adverse effects?
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.
Side Effects
Posted by Problemchild (Roseville) on 10/05/2017
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.
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 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 Melissa (Socorro, NM) on 01/30/2025
Try Total cereal, just the Walmart brand will do.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eczema
Posted by Bea (Canada) on 11/26/2016
This smoothie is amazing!! Thank you!
Eczema
Posted by Alicia Ann (Ca) on 01/20/2017
How much Blackstrap molassis should I put in the smoothie??
