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, which are good for easing cancer AND 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
Instructions:
Peel away an outer cabbage leaf away and wash it well. Dry it and cut out the hard stem. Place it on a counter, and use a rolling pin to bruise the leaf to release its juice.
Wrap the cabbage in foil and place in the oven for several minutes to warm. Next, place the cabbage onto the painful area, cover with gauze or bandage and elevate the area.
Leave the cabbage compress to act for an hour, three times daily, each time with a new leaf. The improvements are felt the next day! If you want to apply a cold compress, refrigerate the cabbage before you begin the procedure.
The reason we want to use red cabbage is because it contains anthocyanins (the chemical that gives red cabbage its color). Anthocyanins are known to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Both red and green cabbage are studied for their other health properties and healing effects 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.
