Blackstrap Molasses: A Nutrient-Dense Superfood & Its Health Benefits

Side Effects
Posted by CBM (South Africa ) on 01/13/2018

After drinking a crude black molasses I'm feeling drowsy and I'm sleeping a lot. Any idea why?


Side Effects
Posted by Allain A. (Kissimmee, Fl) on 03/29/2017

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

Side Effects
Posted by Sukhdeep (Brampton Ontario Canada) on 04/18/2016

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
Posted by Ellen (Penrith, Uk) on 09/17/2015

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
Posted by C Taylor (Ga) on 05/11/2015

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?

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.

Skin
Posted by Glo (Fl) on 10/13/2017

Is all this still true? I have skin issues and really need a sense of well being.

How are you feeling?


Skin
Posted by LJ (London) on 10/14/2020

Hi
Are you still taking this every day?


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.


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!


Fibroids
Posted by Ann (Lagos) on 10/23/2014

Register with mallforafrica.com and you can buy the blackstrap mollasses from walmart or amazon and they will ship to your address. For Apple Cider Vinegar a lot of pharmacies and big super markets sell them.


Fibroids
Posted by Cassandra (Lagos) on 02/04/2015

You can get it from olori.com. Ng its an online store their office is in surelere. They rock


Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Saskatchewan, Canada) on 08/10/2013

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.

Side Effects
Posted by Jefeflounder (Carmel, Ca) on 05/04/2013

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?

General Feedback
Posted by Barbara A (Los Angeles, Ca) on 12/03/2012

I want to use bm for my hbp and diabetes. The problem is that my iron is more than adequate and it occured to me that I might get too much iron from this product (I'm a diabetic). I want to take it very much, but don't want to get into trouble. Thank you for your time! Barbara

General Feedback
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn Usa) on 12/04/2012

HI U BARBARA, I am diabetic and took blackstrap molasses a few years ago. The iron sent my glucose numbers out the roof. Scared my mule and would urge caution. Iron is a two edged sword. =======ROBERT HENRY===


Side Effects
Posted by Planky (Ronkonkoma, New York, United States) on 07/23/2012 7 posts

I didn't get acne from molasses but have rash like hives on my arm since I started molasses. I don't know whether to continue or stop taking it. I am taking it for fibroids.

Eczema
Posted by Alicia Ann (Ca) on 01/20/2017

How much Blackstrap molassis should I put in the smoothie??


Gray Hair
Posted by Jen (Usa) on 02/21/2015

I will try today with green tea!!!


Side Effects
Posted by Shelly (Springdale, Arkansas) on 11/02/2011

That strange feeling in your chest (and back) could be acid reflux.


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 Lola (Dc) on 04/25/2013

What Asian herb gets rid of gray?


Gray Hair
Posted by Khem (Fort Worth, Tx) on 01/05/2015

A Chinese herb that is supposed to work on gray hair is He Shou Wu, also known as Fo Ti root. Read more here: http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=21716 One should always be careful when taking herbs, especially Chinese herbs, as they may be adulterated or contain additional toxins. Also, consult a Doctor or Medical professional before starting an herbal regimen.

A natural alternative to dying gray hair is to use black teas with sage and/or rosemary. This offers a gradual coloring of the gray hairs as the rinse may have to be used for two or three weeks, once each week until desired darkening occurs.

Henna is also another natural alternative, yet it turns gray hairs reddish. If left on too long, the gray hairs may turn orange.


Gray Hair
Posted by Jerome (Wi, US) on 01/22/2015

Plants are nutrient rich, when they are organically grown or wild crafted. Always use organically grown, non GMO molasses.


Side Effects
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/07/2010

Hi Jesse, I did the same for the past two days and I had bad diarrhea. Before I went on holidays I would take a teaspoon of molasses every morning, sometimes one in the evening and it wasn't this bad. Now I will stop for a few days and start with a lower dose. I had no idea that molasses was used for constipation...... A pity because now instead of getting all the good stuff in molasses I am loosing all the nutrients of anything else I eat.


Fibroids
Posted by Beth (West Virginia) on 01/15/2017

Did you ever find out the cause of why you got so fatigued after stopping the BSM? I came on here for the same thing, but I bought regular unsulfured molasses, and didn't notice this til just yesterday, I got the wrong kind. Today I have been so fatigued, and wondered what caused it so I came online looking. I just wonder if the regular molasses may cause the fatigue. I sure hope the BSM does not, as I heard it is suppose to help with energy. I just ordered the BSM organic this time I make sure, I hope it stops my constant bleeding. Every time I go in for blood work my Iron is always low, so I am assuming it's still low since I have been bleeding for 4 months. I don't want to iron overload by taking the BSM, but can a TSP or TBSP cause iron over load taking it daily?


Fibroids
Posted by Healed (Miami) on 05/21/2017

Could be too much sugar for you.


Fibroids
Posted by Lynda (Nj) on 05/30/2017

You should see another doctor, your bleeding for 4 months - that's why your tired.


Side Effects
Posted by K. S. (Houston, TX, USA) on 06/19/2009

Adverse side effects: I've been taking 1 T BSM every morning for one week and, unfortunately, have suffered bad headaches and stomachaches since. It also happens that I was on my period and the clots were heavier than ever! I suppose BSM just doesn't work for everyone. Such a shame.

Fibroids
Posted by Christina (Ann Arbor, Mi) on 10/29/2010

Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed with fibroids several years ago. I had a robotic myomectomy, which took care of the large one (about 7cm). I had a very small one, but was told that it was slow-growing, so I didn't worry. Well, fast-foward to 2010. In March, I discovered that my fibroid was about 9cm. This month, I began having so much trouble w/ urination frequency, pain and bloating that I went for an MRI, and it was discovered that I had three fibroids, the largest of which was 10cm. Two weeks later, it had grown to 12.5cm. I signed up for a study of mri-guided ultrasound ablation because I just couldn't take the symptoms anymore. It was 30-40% successful, meaning that it killed that much of the fibroid. Unfortunately, I won't see if it's taken care of my symptoms for 3-6 months, and the fibroid will decrease in volume, but not much in size, so I'm stuck with a pot-belly, and that's pretty unsightly for me, as I weigh normally 125 lbs / 5'6". I was told that my only option was either embolization (which isn't guaranteed to take care of all the fibroids and which doesn't mean that more won't grow) or hysterectomy. I don't like those options. I'm trying to find anything that will keep me from going through these procedures.

Here's my question: Has anyone on this site found that Blackstrap molasses has contributed in any way to shrinkage of their fibroids? I'm going to try it b/c it can't hurt (in small dosages), but I'd like to know if there's been any experience out there where the fibroids have shrunk. Thank you for your help.


Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/11/2009

Well, I was introduced to ulcerative colitis at the top of may. I am 40, and noticed after having things with milk, milk products would make me jump up and go to the bathroom after about 10-15 minutes. At first it wasn't so bad, as I realize people my age may develop lactose intolerance, and I was very stressed on other issues, so I figured I would cool it a while on the milk. I am a coffee fanatic (another issue)... Someone messes with my coffee, watch out! Towards the middle of may, I was still having some issues, so decided to give the ER a shot, and came out with a dx of gastroenteritis which as you may well know is very vague and general. I walked out with a rx for flagyl, and amoxicillan, and told to drink plenty of liquids, and get lots of rest. Well this did not cut it. I went back about a week later, and was dx with food poisoning, no tests were run. I walked out with a schedule 4 containing atropine, and told to take it once a day. I did this about a week, and still had the runs, and was having the classic abdominal cramping. I then went a week later to another hospital via ambulance so I would get right in, and was admitted that night at about 3 am. I smoke, but funny, I didn't really feel the urge the entire time I was there from June 5, 2009 to June 18, 2009, and I had detoxed my coffee addiction with motrin ib, and time it so that I would sleep through the caffeine headaches. Later I found out Ibuprofin is not good, nor is aspirin. The hospital had me on a clear liquid diet for a few days until my colonoscopy, when the next day I could start eating "normal foods" again. They had me taking flagyl, and told me I had to take Levaquin, which I am not fond of, and has been proven to weaken muscles. I will not go into what I went through with the nurses there or for that matter the not so loving doctor. After I was released, they had 6 prescriptions. Levaquin, flagyl, metoprolol, pentasa, prednnisone, and protonix. There were more that I disregarded, and never filled. The pentasa, I had to disregard, as this was nonformulary as per their pharmacy, and they wanted about 200 to fill it. I am currently using the last portion of the prednisone until it's gone, and don't use any of the other ones. I started activia, and it definitely will make you regular(definitely avoid the peach one if you had any milk sensitivities, as you will feel the burning runs). I did extensive searches on line since I have been out of the hospital with many options to chose from including urine therapy which I have only seen one testament to and nothing else. Frankly drinking my pee just does not appeal to me. The fecal transplant option (well who knows, and makes me a little squeamish). I decided that I am going to try this black strap molasses treatment (1 tbsp) a day in the morning on an empty stomach (even though there is only one testament I can find for it on line at all, there is potassium and magnesium abound in it, and magnesium prevents headaches, and cancer). I combined this also with bromelain 500 mg 3 per day (1 hour before eating). I just started this today, and am hoping for the best. I am a little concerned also about the burn at first, but who knows? I did not get the Gramma Moses at the local publix, as this is not true black strap. I went to whole foods, and spent about 7 for the 24 oz bottle. I went to GNC and got the bromelain, which is about 10. It may be cheaper if you get the powder meat tenderizer version, or try another store. I will be running out of the prednisone soon, and am hoping the bromelain will kick in in time to help heal the lining if that indeed is what it is. I was diagnosed with mild to moderate ulceritis, the only thing that contradicts this is the irritation they picked up at the first hospital in the ileum. There were no other hot spots that they could see.


Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Vandu (Silver Spring, MD) on 07/17/2009

Kstannard, I got a bout of UC several weeks back and working to heal my lining. I sea buckthorn oil in the morning, 500 mg L-glutamine before every meal, ashwagandha and cod liver oil after lunch, and turmeric with my molassas-banana treat.

I do love the way the molassas makes me feel. I always have it with banana as i find this fruit to be very soothing (dont' eat any other fruit).

I'm still getting mucous and small amt of blood in stool..not always even getting a stool..lot's of gas. And i do castor oil packs..esp on nights where i messed up on the food part.

I've never heard of Bromelain though.. So it repairs your gut lining? That's why i take the L-Glutamine. where did you learn about bromelain..i didn't see much on it on EC in regards to repairing gut lining. Does it work better with molassas? I wonder which one is hleping you more, the molassas, or the bromelain.

I'm wondering if i should try it. I'm going to try urine enema..i've read it is often even more effective than drinking.


Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/19/2009

Well Vandu,

Actually bananas are very therapeutic, and may be used as a part of remedy. Fish oil although good for you in other aspects does not always do the job. I found out about bromelain by another problem that I had that has gone away in conjunction with gotu kola. I also had a side effect of bromelain at the time clean up a case of diverticulitis whereby all of the pockets cleared themselves up, and things were normal after a month I was able to eat corn and nuts again. Bromelain actually has almost the same effect as prednisone, but will actually promote healing quicker and without the same side effects. It will heal hot spots in your colon, clean up mucous associated with the problem, and things usually take about a month to get back on track again. Always have 1 500mg tablet before a meal ie. breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do not take the molasses before the bromelain. I have another couple of good helpers as well. Start integrating cinnamon (about 2 grams (.25 tsp)) into your diet, I just simply put the molasses and cinnamon in my oatmeal or cream of wheat, and it has very helpful properties that assist bromelain in working quicker. Another thing that I have been implementing is lots of oregano in my diet along with the tumeric, and chicken fried rice (no soy sauce). I did the other day have a subway sub (chicken teriyaki) where the teriyaki sauce in the sub although did not give me runs, it made it look like a strawberry exploded somewhere. So there are still irritants, but I am looking to avoid them. The oregano is a very powerful cleaner and anti oxidant that will rid you of any unknown parasites in case you may have them. Flagyl is supposed to do this, but does not work as well even though it is typically prescribed as an antibiotic. Always get a multivitamin as your system is recovering because even though you may be healing, you may still get dehydrated and may not realize it. Another thing I have been able to tolerate lately is ___ vegetable juice (I have been drinking the low sodium), if it irritates you too much try watering down. It has 820 mg potassium in it, and 120 percent vitamin c which is very difficult to get on a low residue diet. Your case is a little more severe, so I would maybe try 4 oz of it to start and make sure it does not irritate you badly. It does have citric acid in it, and I found problems with citric acid before when I tried Italian ice, but there was quite a bit more citric acid in that than the vegetable juice. So far my mucous has been clearing up, and there is a lot less blood in my morning deal. I have also found as of recent that I can have coffee every 3 or 4 days or so, to which I am delighted. I also keep my dairy intake to less than 3/4 cup every day, and when I want cheese, I use provolone, parmesan, mozzarella, and very aged cheddar. If I want milk in my coffee, I use a tbsp of 1 percent milk, and it works. I have stayed away from desserts even though I have a real sweet tooth for chocolate, and I will snack on half a square of semisweet baking chocolate if I really feel I need it with little or no consequence.


Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/19/2009

Another fact of note, if you have UC you should not be taking aspirin, ibuprofin or other NSAIDS or if you have anemia. If you start the bromelain treatment, do not use coumaden ( warfarin), or other blood thinners, as bromelain does thin your blood to an extent, and your blood pressure will improve as well with use, and has been noted to inhibit cholesterol from forming as well. I am not a doctor, but simply going along with my personal experience, and that of others.


Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by KStannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/20/2009

Well, at least they didn't have to amputate his colon, or he'd be wearing what ulcerative colitis sufferers affectionately refer to as a j-pouch. Your buddy could use some neosporin, and some oil of oregano, and by the sounds of things after all said and done, maybe stitches?

Today I am back to normal, and will be taking 500mg of Bromelain a day, and continuing molasses, add cinnamon, oregano, and tumeric to the dishes that I prepare for consumption. I will also try to keep going on the low sodium __vegetable juice (as it has a ton of potassium in it). In approximately 2 weeks I will up the fiber content of my diet, and gradually add more milk products. I found that kosher salt actually can be detrimental to your digestive system, and if you are under a lot of stress, this may worsen the situation, (maybe why Jewish people are more prone to the affliction?) if you need a larger granule of salt, and less sodium the better way to go is sea salt. Cabbage juice is also another very good healer, but has to be separate from the cabbage itself (man does that stuff taste like crap), I have not incorporated this into my regimen but suppose if it were worse that I might. During all of this it is a good idea not to react to stress or pretend for at least 3 hours or more a day that it does not exist. Once you heal, cool it for a while so that you do not talk your body back into it again.

I have also managed to bring back 16 oz of black coffee with sugar a day back into the picture without (knock on wood) problems.


Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/22/2009

Today I am still in remission, have taken my bromelain down to 500mg per day (break it in half, 250mg before breakfast, and 250mg before supper). Still doing the black strap molasses, cooking things with oregano, cinnamon, and tumeric. I have been passing normal functions so far, and will hopefully only have to keep a few things in my diet just to reinforce intestinal health. I am still erring on the side of caution, and going with the low residue diet for the entire month, and then after that... I will gradually get my old foods back in there.


Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) on 07/28/2009

I have found the only thing that really irritates the ulcerative colitis now is MSG when I went out for dinner at Chili's. It was in the mashed potatoes, the grill seasoning on the chicken, and in the garlic butter vegetable butter sauce. It is actually okay to go out and have a couple bourbon and cokes now, just not overdoing things too much. I can also have wine again as long as there are not an incredible amount of sulphites in it. The bromelain is acting much like prednisone would, but without the harmful side effects such as bone density deterioration. It also takes care of the mild arthritis in my elbow that only acts up once in a great while. I can finally do a full set of push ups without the joints cracking, and it is good. I still take the tablespoon of Black Strap Molasses in the morning, and of course the bromelain, and make sure cinnamon gets in my food somehow.


Anemia
Posted by Ralph (Indiana) on 08/08/2017

Very good suggestions.


Side Effects
Posted by Cindy (Monroe, WI) on 03/03/2009

I have been reading all these testimonies and I just don't have the same experiences as you guys. I didn't have a problem with constipation before I took bsm but it did give me terrible stomach aches. I mixed 1 tablespoon of bsm in a small 4oz glass of 100% grape juice and it made me irregular. I had to quit drinking this because of my stomach aches. Has anyone else had this problem.

Side Effects
Posted by Suzy (Bristol, England) on 03/04/2009

in reply to Cindy from Monroe, Cindy... Im sorry youve not benefited from the BSM but perhaps try it with a nice large glass of hot or cold milk or soya milk, not grape juice. This seems to be the way to go.


Weight Loss
Posted by Sheryl (Portage, WI in USA) on 02/04/2009

BSM, oil pulling and honey and cinnamon for weight loss all say to do 1st thing in the morning. Since you don't eat the oil, I have been oil pulling 1st, so I am more interested to know how important 1st thing in the morning is to BSM or the honey and cinnamon. Please let me know if I am in error in doing oil pulling 1st thing.

Weight Loss
Posted by Bruno (Houston, Texas, USA) on 02/18/2009

I have always done oil pulling 1st thing in the AM and everything that I have read, suggests that the best and strongest oil pull will be first thing, before you drink anything and/or even brush your teeth. If you can't do it at that time, at least do it when convenient (it's better than not at all).



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