Cabbage

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Cabbage

JoAnn Guest Mar 21, 2005 14:25 PST

 

Family Cruciferae -Brassica oleracea var. capitata

http://www.innvista.com/health/herbs/cabbage.htm

Common

Names

Colewort

---

Wild cabbage is native to the coasts of the English Channel and the

Mediterranean, but cultivated varieties are produced worldwide as a

vegetable. It is a biennial or perennial with a thick stem, gray-green

leaves, and four-petaled flowers, growing to eight feet. Within the

first year, it produces a greatly enlarged terminal bud that develops

into the familiar cabbage head.

 

The plant has been cultivated for at least 4,000 years.

It has been called: “poor man’s medicine chest” and “doctor of the

poor”.

 

Cabbages were used by sailors to prevent scurvy.

It was also an ancient remedy for TB (tuberculosis).

 

Cabbage has an ancient reputation for purifying the blood, a practice

seen today as decoctions and fresh cabbage juice are taken as a good

cleanser and detoxifier.

 

It was used by the Romans as an antidote to alcohol, believing it

counteracted intoxication and prevented, or reduced, a hangover. This

concept has some validity since cabbage aids in the breakdown of toxins

in the liver.

 

In a Greek ritual, cabbage was given to expectant mothers shortly before

birth in order to establish good breast-milk production, a practice that

is carried out by women, of any culture, today.

 

Cabbage leaves have long been used as a poultice to treat infected

wounds.

-- Key

Actions

 

anti-inflammatory

antibacterial

antirheumatic

heals tissues by encouraging cells to proliferate

a liver decongestant

protects the stomach from gastric hydrochloric acid

 

- Key

Components

 

vitamins and minerals (especially A, B, C, E, calcium, sulfur, silica,

magnesium, iodine, iron, and phosphorus)

chlorophyll

mustard oils

--

Medicinal Parts

 

Leaves

Extensive modern research largely confirms its ancient use in folk

medicine, and it has been shown to stimulate the immune system and the

production of antibodies.

 

Its sulfur compounds are largely responsible for its antiseptic,

antibiotic, and disinfectant actions, particularly in the respiratory

system.

 

An amino acid, methionine, found only in raw cabbage, is responsible for

promoting the healing effects.

 

As an old remedy for hangovers and used to dry out alcoholics, cabbage

is showing through modern research that a substance called glutamine can

help both peptic ulcers and alcoholism.

 

Its tumor-inhibiting constiuents are the bioflavonoids, indoles,

genistein, and monoterpene

---

Remedies

Poultices have long been used to treat wounds, burns and scalds, boils

and carbuncles, bruises and sprains, ulcers, blisters, cold sores,

shingles, and bites and stings. Its anti-inflammatory action can benefit

swollen and painful joints and help relieve the pain of neuralgia,

sciatica, toothache, headaches, migraines, and lumbago. Traditionally,

it was applied over the abdomen and left overnight to treat peptic

ulcers and bowel problems. Applied during the day to the lower abdomen,

it was thought useful in soothing cystitis and renal colic and the

relief of fluid retension.

Poultices, along with cabbage tea or juice, were taken to relieve the

pain and soreness of a harsh cough; and, if the poultices were applied

to the throat, they helped soothe tonsilitis and laryngitis. To make a

poultice, cut out the midrib of a leaf and iron it. Place while still

hot onto the area to be treated, being careful not to have it too hot or

to leave it on too long as it can cause blisters.

 

Fresh leaves steeped in olive oil can be applied to chapped skin,

chilblains, varicose veins, abscesses, and boils.

 

Fresh juices can be used as a diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary

tract and to ease fluid retension and to reduce or prevent kidney

stones, arthritis, and gout.

 

Gargles made from cabbage juice are used for sore throats.

 

Lotions with the juice can relieve burns, bites, cold sores, acne,

impetigo; and, if squeezed into the ear,they can help heal earaches

(this must be done by a professional).

 

Eyewash made from cabbage juice and warm water is excellent for sore,

tired eyes.

 

Fresh leaves can be placed directly onto wounds or even into a bra for

mastitis or engorged breasts. To use, cut out the midrib, and beat the

leaf gently to soften it and release its medicinal properties, then

place on an affected area.

 

Decoctions are used for digestive problems, including colitis.

 

Syrup made from a decoction can be used for coughs, asthma, and

bronchitis.

----------------------------Traditional

Uses

Because of its iron and chlorophyll content, it has long been used to

treat anemia.

 

It is taken to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, exhaustion.

 

Breastfeeding mothers use it to stimulate milk production.

 

In soups and teas, cabbage has long been used during colds, flu,

sinusitis, and sore throats.

 

Cabbage has long been used to heal ulcers as it contains mucilage that

coats the lining of the digestive tract, protecting it from irritants

and excessive acid. It is recommended that two or three glasses of

freshly extracted juice be taken between meals to relieve peptic ulcers,

gastritis, heartburn, and ulcerative colitis.

 

It is used to stimulate the digestion and to relieve constipation. A

traditional Russian cure for chronic constipation is one-half glass of

salted cabbage juice taken before each meal. However, it can be just as

effective without the salt.

 

As a tonic, cabbage has long been used to treat cirrhosis of the liver,

as well as lethargy, irritability, and headaches, all symptoms

associated with a sluggish liver.

 

Cabbage may help reduce blood sugar, so may be of benefit to diabetics.

 

Like other brassicas, cabbage also has the ability to help lower the

risk of cancer, especially of the colon, and growth of polyps, which

often are a prelude to cancer. When eaten raw, cabbage has been shown to

help protect against the effects of radiation.

 

Cabbage also appears to enhance the body’s ability to metabolize

estrogen, helping to reduce susceptibility to breast, uterine, and

ovarian cancers, if eaten regularly.

 

Externally, cabbage leaves have a soothing antiseptic and healing effect

and the ability to draw out toxins from the skin. Cabbage poultices are

also excellent for sore throats and hot, swollen joints. Lightly crush

the leaves, blanch in boiling water, and wrap around the area. Leave on

for two to four hours and renew, as necessary. Care is needed not to

blister the skin.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

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AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

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