Blackstrap molasses is a natural home remedy for a long list of health conditions. Not only is the remedy effective, it is inexpensive and readily available. Blackstrap molasses is an excellent example of how you can let medicine be your food, and food be your medicine.

Earth Clinic readers have reported 50 conditions which have been helped by BSM over the years. These conditions include heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, arthritis, constipation, depression, eczema, and many more.

What is Blackstrap Molasses?

Blackstrap molasses is a by product of the processing of sugar cane. It is from the third boiling of the sugar cane. It is the strongest type of molasses because it is so concentrated with nutrients. It is darker than regular molasses.

Health Benefits

Many health problems are caused by or made worse by nutritional deficiencies. This is where blackstrap molasses shines. It is a food that is concentrated with needed nutrients. Sometimes blackstrap molasses brings relief quickly, as is often the case when you use it to treat leg cramps.

Sometimes the relief comes over time after regular use of blackstrap molasses. It can take time to rebuild the body's stores of nutrients. Anemia is a condition that will take some time to heal with blackstrap molasses.

Here is a list that is surely not all inclusive, but still impressive, of the conditions that have reportedly been helped by blackstrap molasses:

• Anemia
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
• Fibroids
• Acne
• Arthritis
• Gray Hair
• Constipation
• Low Energy
• Hot Flashes
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Carpal Tunnel
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Nose Bleeds
• Weight Loss
• Sugar Cravings

Obviously, there is great variety in the types of conditions that benefit from the use of blackstrap molasses.

Pubmed reports on a study that made connections between nutritional deficiencies and cancer.  According to the article, "Cancer: a single disease with a multitude of manifestations?" research found that:

"Blackstrap molasses, its most concentrated form, was used for the therapy of a variety of diseases, including cancer. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cancer was very rare among sugar cane plantation workers who were regularly consuming the raw brown sugar. Blackstrap molasses is rich in a variety of essential minerals including iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium and potassium as well as the majority of the vitamin B complex, deficiencies of which confer a major cancer risk. Molasses also contains high concentrations of amino acids and linoleic acid, an essential lipid that has a documented anti-tumor effect." 1

Nutrients in Blackstrap Molasses

While the exact amount of each nutrient varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, most brands contain at least some of each of the following nutrients:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Selenium
• Pantothenic Acid
• Thiamine (Vitamin B-1)
• Vitamin B-2
• Niacine (Vitamin B-3) 
• Vitamin B-6

As you can see, blackstrap molasses is a nutrient dense food. Additionally, when vitamins are taken in a food product instead of a pill, they are more likely to be assimilated into the body.

Daily Dosage

A typical daily dose of blackstrap molasses is 1 tablespoon. However, some will find even a teaspoon or two each day provides some extra energy and nutrition. Diabetics or those with blood sugar issues should start with no more than 1 teaspoon at a time to avoid the risk of unexpected blood sugar changes. After evaluating the effect of the blackstrap molasses, you can adjust the amount you take accordingly.

Recipes

Some people love the taste of blackstrap molasses. Others need a bit of coaxing or creativity to enjoy their daily dose of blackstrap. Blackstrap molasses can be taken right off the spoon. It can be added to coffee or tea as a sweetener. It does add sweetness along with its robust flavor. Some find it downright delicious mixed with milk.

Earth Clinic's Iced Molasses Recipe

• 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
• Hot water
• 3/4 cup milk or dairy alternative
• Ice
• Add molasses to a glass and add just enough hot water to cover the molasses. Stir until dissolved. Add ice and then top off with either milk.  Avoiding milk? Try vanilla or chocolate almond, coconut or soy milk. Blending the entire concoction is especially wonderful.

Banana Blackstrap Breakfast Smoothie

• 1 frozen ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
• 1/2 tablespoon raw cacoa powder
• 1 cup milk, yogurt or kefir
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for some extra protein and energy

If you are taking blackstrap molasses for anemia, do take some vitamin c around the same time. The vitamin c will help the body to absorb the needed iron.

Side Effects from Blackstrap Molasses

Reported side effects from blackstrap molasses include increase in blood sugar and diarrhea and stomach cramps. To avoid the risk of side effects, start with a teaspoon each day and work your way up to a tablespoon a day if you like.