What is a cabbage wrap?
Even the Romans knew that cabbage not only tastes good, but has a healing effect. A cabbage wrap can be prepared with the leaves of savoy or white cabbage. The preparation does not differ. However, it depends on the type of cabbage against which ailments the poultice is used.
How does the cabbage wrap work?
Scientists attribute the health-promoting effect of cabbage to the flavonoids it contains. They are probably responsible for the fact that a cabbage wrap can help with inflammation. The exact mechanism of action is not known. Overall, the cabbage wrap is said to have the following effects:
- cooling
- analgesic
- decongestant
- anti-inflammatory
What ingredients do you need for a cabbage wrap?
To prepare a cabbage wrap, you need the following things:
- 1 white cabbage or savoy cabbage
- Inner cloth (cotton cloth in a size according to the part of the body to be treated)
- knife
- dough roll or bottle
- 2 hot water bottles (if needed)
- Fixing material (e.g. gauze bandage)
Cabbage wrap: instructions
Whether using white cabbage or savoy cabbage leaves, the process of making a cabbage wrap is always the same:
- Remove some juicy green outer leaves from the head. Wash and dry the leaves. Cut out the thick leaf veins.
- Place the leaves on the inner cloth and roll flat with a rolling pin or glass bottle until the juice comes out of the cabbage leaves. Do not roll on a wooden surface as it will soak up the juice!
- If necessary: Wrap the leaves in the cloth and warm on the heater or between two hot water bottles.
- Cover with the inner cloth and fix with another cloth or gauze bandage.
- Leave on for at least one hour and up to twelve hours (overnight).
- Remove the wrap, wash and dry the skin well and rub with olive oil if necessary.
- Use once or twice a day.
For smaller areas of skin, cut cabbage leaves into strips. This makes it easier to apply.
If a white cabbage poultice is to be used on an open wound, cut the leaves to the exact size of the wound area. Wrap a wound dressing over it with compresses, cellulose and bandage. Let the cabbage poultice work for 30 minutes to two hours until wound secretions drain away and may require a fresh dressing. Remove the poultice, wash the skin and dry it well. Flush open wounds with a sterile liquid and apply a fresh dressing.
If the cabbage turns brown during application and begins to smell unpleasant, remove it.
A poultice with savoy cabbage leaves is said to help against the following ailments:
- aching joints (e.g. arthritis, rheumatism)
- tension pain
A poultice with white cabbage leaves is said to help with these complaints:
- poorly healing wounds
- phlebitis @
- joint effusions
- inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis)
- insect bites
- bruises
When is a cabbage compress not recommended?
There are no known restrictions on the use of the cabbage wrap.
The quantities given in this article are for adults. For children, the dose depends on age and weight. It is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Home remedies have their limitations. If the symptoms persist for a long time, do not improve or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
