I've Rediscovering Blackstrap Molasses

 I have a habit of storing and losing things in the room that is my mind...

Recently, I have been fighting some sort of upper respiratory situation. It robs me of sleep hours because I wake up coughing. That lack of sleep leaves me dragging all through the day. And I feel just generally "blah" and "bleh". I already have issues with fatigue, so this is not helpful. 

Here comes the part where my mental librarian comes into play. Just when I can't think of anything else to do for a situation, the Librarian finds something hiding in a corner of my mind and - Whoop! There it is!

I recall blogging a review of a brand of blackstrap molasses. Back then, I had recalled my mother having used the molasses as a remedy for all kinds of things. Well, I forgot all that until the Librarian went to work.

My mother was right, as she often was. Blackstrap molasses is like a magical remedy for fatigue - or at least it has been for me.

Anyway, I have been adding some 'strap (what old folks say) to my morning coffee, afternoon chocolate, and even to my pinto bean stew. After about a week, I was feeling better. I'm not running marathons or climbing K2 but I am not dragging tail all through the day. 

Since I only vaguely remember some of the things old folks used 'strap for, I collected some information from online and as the black folk (circa 1960-70) and the young folks today say: "Don't sleep on this".

Just a few of the uses for 'strap mentioned are:

• relief of anemia (because of the nutrients)
• skincare (anti-aging, exfoliating, softening)
• hair conditioning (antioxidant mineral)
• reducing gray hair (because of copper)
• arthritis relief (because of anti-inflammatory properties)
• ADD/ADHD (because of relief of mineral deficiencies)
• menstrual remedy
• a replacement for sugars in cooking and baking

Still, when you are using this in food, don't forget it does contain sugar, sodium, potassium and other things that certain individuals need to limit.

As I said, I like adding this to coffee and tea. Since I have been using less of my sweetened creamers and opting for half and half instead, the molasses adds flavor. And sugar, of course! 

I am going to have to stay in the habit of adding the molasses to some of my consumables. The change in my fatigue is pretty astounding. And I don't want to overreach but I think that my mental health is a bit better. Whenever I get extra fatigued, I tend to feel more depressed and anxious. Maybe the energy boost is the reason those things have abated. At any rate, I feel better.

Now I'm going to go look up some recipes for baking with 'strap.

Peace

--Free

P.S.: I don't know if this is something Mama knew but she was using the unsulfured version of 'strap. Apparently, that is the best kind.

DISCLAIMER: I should not have to say this, but... I am not a health (or any other kind of) professional. You should always check with your healthcare team before taking advice from anyone on the internet. Use your common sense or borrow some to use.