Chances are, the only time you shop for cabbage is when you’re about to cook something savory. But have you ever heard that cabbage makes an effective and (obviously) inexpensive chest pain reliever? It’s true. Just ask actress Amanda Peet. She gave birth to her third child in December and faced painful chest engorgement issues related to breastfeeding that were miraculously relieved when she applied cabbage leaves to painful areas.
We get your skepticism. Stuff cabbage leaves into a bra to relieve chest pain? Sounds bizarre; but if you’ve ever experienced this extreme discomfort, you know that no solution sounds too odd if it has the potential to do the job!
This cabbage miracle isn’t new. It’s been around since fields were tilled. Cabbage is loaded with anti-inflammatory benefits and if you had no clue cabbage is as effective on the skin as in your stomach, welcome to the world of natural pain relief.
Even the internationally-lauded LaLeche League recommends treating engorged breasts with cabbage leaves, so you don’t have to take the word of Amanda Peet alone.
If you’re a newcomer to the world of breastfeeding, you may not know that engorgement can happen at any time during the nursing phase. It’s no fault of yours, so stow the guilt, please. You do your best to nurse frequently so it doesn’t happen, but we don’t have to tell you that life doesn’t always go according to plan, right?
Who can you turn to for proper advice on how to use cabbage leaves to soothe and relieve your chest pain? Health, nutrition, natural beauty expert and all-around Renaissance man David Wolfe! Called the Indiana Jones of superfoods and longevity, Wolfe’s advice and upbeat communication style have attracted a huge following.
If you’re a member of the Wolfe pack, you know he would never steer you in the wrong direction. If you’re new to his methodology and advice, how can you go wrong by trying his cabbage leaf remedy since it may only set you back a few bucks? Even his directions are easy to follow, so why wouldn’t you try this pain relieving technique?
1. Buy either red or green cabbage (red can stain clothing) and chill it in the ‘fridge until it’s cold.
2. Remove and discard the outer layers of cabbage and throw them away (or save them for soup or stew).
3. Pull off two large leaves to cover the most skin and return the head to the ‘fridge.
4. Rinse and dry the two leaves you’ve chosen for pain therapy to make sure they’re clean.
5. Cut out the center of each leaf, leaving enough room to expose the nipples.
6. Place a leaf on each breast and hold it there, or put one leaf into each bra cup to hold it in place.
7. Keep cabbage leaves in place for 20 minutes or until they feel warm to the touch. Remove and throw away.
8. Repeat as necessary to alleviate pain and swelling.
Other tips for women who are just getting used to breastfeeding include:
-Make sure the baby is properly latched to the breast or she may not empty the breast.
-On average, 10 feedings a day should keep engorgement at bay.
-Ask for help if you’re not feeling confident. This is no time to be shy!
-Gentle massage helps milk flow; just press gently in a downward motion.
-Don’t forget to alternate breasts so both drain properly.
Any downsides to this amazing treatment? Yes and no. Use chilled cabbage leaves on your breasts too often and you could diminish milk production, so keep tabs on your output. On the other hand, if you’re ready to wean your infant, there’s no better way to decrease your milk supply than by using cabbage leaves.
Never thought you’d be able to surpass your mom and granny for good, old-fashioned advice? Well, the time has come. Be forewarned: This magic chest pain relief method might change forever the way you feel about cabbage!