Cabbage leaves have been used for centuries for swelling, ulcers, sprains, and strains. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been used to treat joint pain due to arthritis and sports injuries. Although the proof is more anecdotal than medicinal, many arthritis sufferers reduce their medicinal intake by adding cabbage leaves to their treatment. How have they used cabbage? As a wrap!
Many gout sufferers claim, this simple home remedy reduces or eliminates gout pain. All you need to do is to keep a few frozen cabbage leaves in a plastic bag in the freezer. When gout strikes, take them out, arrange them around the affected area, wrap a towel around them and let the warmth of your skin thaw them naturally. If the theory is accurate, the gout-fighting chemicals in the cabbage will penetrate the skin and dissolve crystal deposits. If not, the frozen leaves will soothe the inflamed area anyway.
CABBAGE LEAVES FOR JOINT PAIN
In one Swiss hospital, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have their swollen joints wrapped at night in cabbage leaves to help reduce joint swelling and pain. Savoy cabbages work best. Take some leaves, cut out the central rib, lay them flat on a chopping board, and bash with a rolling pin until the juices start to come out. Then place the leaves over the swollen joints and wrap a gauze bandage around the joint to keep the leaves in place.
CABBAGE LEAVES FOR SWOLLEN FEET TREATMENT
Cool white or green cabbage leaves in the freezer until they are chilled but still pliable. Wrap them around your swollen feet and sit with your feet elevated for 30 minutes. Cabbage has great water absorption qualities and will draw out excess fluid in the feet.
Warning: It is rare to experience an allergy to cabbage, but if you have any swelling or itching to the skin where the cabbage poultice is place, remove the leaves immediately. Consult a health practitioner if the irritation continues or worsens.
