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 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.
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).
Side Effects
Posted by Eva Alvarez (Orlando, Florida) on 01/27/2009
I was wondering if any one who has been taking molases has experience weigh gain. The reason why i ask is because i have a friend who was drinking molases and gained over 12 pounds in about 30 days. is this typical?
Side Effects
Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 01/11/2009
ok - this sucks. i had just started taking molasses and i thought i was onto something wonderful. i actually craved it - and i am diabetic so i never even took an entire tablespoon at once - but even on doses as small as one teaspoon once per day my blood sugar skyrocketed. now this doesn't make sense because there is only 10-14 grams of sugar in one tablespoon - so one teaspoon would be like 4 grams which is nothing in the scheme of things. well, my body didn't react well. i even got diahrreah and abdomen pains and very high blood sugar.... and i still feel weird today even though i haven't taken it since yesterday. magnesium is supposed to lower blood sugar i thought. what is going on? any ideas? could it be the iron? how could this be too big a dose for me? i was also taking epsom salts 1/2 teaspoon a day and soaking in epsom salt baths which i still do - i have however discontinued the oral epsom salts. could it be too much magnesium?
my tree of life brand has 10 per tablespoon of magnesium - which seems like not much.
djh/texas
Side Effects
Posted by Karl (Digby, N.s. Canada) on 01/10/2011
Dianna from Texas are you perchance on any HBP meds or Diabetes meds, remember that these meds and certain foods can do strange things to your Sugars and BP, of course the Doctors don't tell you that, they just want you to blindly follow their words.
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.
Fibroids
Posted by Monetta (Georgetown, Guyana) on 04/27/2017
Just had a new diagnosis, 1st ones a few years ago, my obgyn say not to worry I am heading into meno in a couple of years & that it would not bother me, but I have just found out that there is 1 that is causing a discomfort in my rectum & pelvic area.. So someone recommend the BSM, so I have started to take 1 teaspoon per day, so I will see what happens when I am ready to have another ultrasound... Thank you & good luck to everyone..
Fibroids
Posted by Chiomy0 (Lagos Nigeria) on 03/06/2018
Hello @Lola Omotayo how exactly did you take it and where did you get it in Lagos? I am really suffering with this ailment. I can't cope with my job again cos am always very tired, weak and have headaches.
Side Effects
Posted by Arsie (Los Angeles, California) on 09/17/2008
I started taking one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses about four days ago and noticed the second day that about 3 hours after taking it I got a throbbing headache. I also feel a slight tingling all over my body a few hours after I take it? Is this normal? Do you think someone can develop diabetes from taking molasses first thing in the morning for long periods of time?
Side Effects
Posted by Bret (Phoenix, AZ) on 09/18/2008
Yes, yes, yes. I have heard of this before. Used to be a vitamin product by sold by multilevel organization. The key component in the supplement was molasses. In fact the potassium concentration was identical to blackstrap molasses. Some people reported head aches if they took too much. I would definately cut back and take it with tons of water. Bret
Skin
Posted by Sdl (Calgary, Canada) on 06/26/2011
To the gal who says her skin became drier using blackstrap molasses, have you considered mixing it with coconut oil or coconut milk? I've been using coconut products (the organic extra virgin or virgin unrefined kind) and find my skin is nicely improving and after just 5 days is already better than it has ever been in four decades!! Smooth, nicely toned, etc. Cleared up blackheads on my nose and tightened pores. The list goes on. I will be trying molasses soon and possible Apple Cider Vinegar as well, but one thing at a time. So far, I'm a coconut oil convert for life. ;) Lots of water is a good thing for skin too, I've found. 2-3L a day works wonders.
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.
Gray Hair
Posted by Anjie (Maryland) on 09/22/2015
Re: Recipe for reversing gray hair: Does apple cider help with grey hair? I can't stand it's smell.
Gray Hair
Posted by Ravi (Sengkurong) on 02/21/2016
Hi....just want to know....this mixture of Black strap molasses Raw Honey and Apple cider vinegar should be taken on an empty stomach or can be taken after breakfast? Regards
Skin Rashes
Posted by Stonfieldsian (Auckland, New Zealand) on 03/14/2012
Hi, do you take BSM internally or apply topically? And how much?
Fingernails
Posted by Nadine (Brisbane, Australia) on 12/28/2014
Magnesium chloride would help a lot too.
Pregnancy
Posted by Nihsbell (Brooklyn, NY) on 02/15/2007
★★★★★
My friend and I just find out about the website today as well as about the Molasses and how it can help with Fibroids. My main concern is that I am about 15 weeks pregnant and I'm not sure if this will affect my baby in any way, on the other hand the fibroid is causing me lots of pain with very little for me to do about it because I'm pregnant. Can someone please tell me if the Molasses is safe for me to take while pregnant?
Gas
Posted by Linda (Brooklyn, NY) on 08/24/2006
★★★★★
The blackstrap/ACV has reduced the incidence of flatulence after eating dairy (lactose intolerance). I still have some but not as much as before starting on 8/14/06. Curious, how long before hair starts to darken again?
Gas
Posted by Cassandra (CA) on 01/27/2021
Never knew blackstrap molasses helps with gas. Good to know.
Gray Hair
Posted by Patty (USA) on 04/10/2006
★★★★★
I do AT LEAST 3 TBS of each per day. Also, I do ABSOLUTELY NO REFINED SUGAR, FLOUR OR OTHER MAN-MADE JUNK! Eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies, seafood, plain yogurt, organic eggs and flax seed oil. It takes time, and the hair that is already gray WILL NOT recolor. It must be cut off as new, colored hair replaces it. Hope this is helpful. GOOD LUCK!
