More than just the amusing-sounding after-effects of eating cabbage are known about it. Because of its high nutritional value and low calorie content, cabbage is a favorite food at HHL. It is rich in potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin C. We have also adored its superpowers to fight cancer and inflammation (as well as its deliciousness, which makes it oh-so-easy to eat). There is now even more for us to love! Do you know what a cabbage compress is?
Cabbage Benefits
An old Irish blessing reads, “May the leaves of your cabbage always be free from worms.”
Cabbage has been used for treating swollen and bruised skin for centuries. It’s full of phytonutrients, vitamins, anthocyanins, and glutamine that contain anti-inflammatory properties that are good for anti-cancer AND anti-joint pain! It’s been used to treat arthritis and sports injuries. The evidence has been anecdotal, but many arthritis sufferers reduce their medicinal intake by adding cabbage leaves to their treatment. How have they used cabbage? As a wrap!
Cabbage Compress
What You’ll Need:
- Cabbage (organic; preferably red)
- Gauze or Bandage
- Aluminium foil
- Oven
- Rolling pin/wine bottle/meat hammer
Directions:
- Cabbage: Peel away an outer leaf and wash thoroughly.
- Dry the leaf thoroughly and cut out the hard stem.
- Place the cabbage leaf on the counter, and with a rolling pin bruise the leaf to release the juice within.
- Wrap cabbage in foil and place in the oven for a few minutes to warm them, but not make them hot.
- Place cabbage directly over the affected area.
- Cover the leave with bandage or gauze and elevate the area.
- Keep cabbage compress on for up to an hour. Repeat 2-3 times per day and change cabbage leaf every time. You should start to feel the benefits by the next day.
- Optional: To make a cold compress, refrigerate the cabbage before you begin the process above and remove #5.
The reason we want to use red cabbage is that it contains anthocyanins (the chemical that gives red cabbage its color) and anthocyanins are known to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Both red and green cabbage are studied for their other health properties and healing effects of cabbage juice on ulcers.
Warning: Cabbage allergies are rare, but swelling or itching where the cabbage is placed means it needs to be removed immediately. Consult your doctor if irritation continues or worsens.
Enjoy your new alternative medicine, and let us know how it goes in the comments below! If you liked what you read and want to hear about something new, let us know by commenting below!