Appreciating the Unappreciated: Why You Want to Make Cabbage Your Bosom Friend
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Recently, in our farm share bundle, my roommates and I have been getting a lot of cabbage. Cabbage has gained a sad reputation of being somewhat unexciting. It is not colorful like swiss chard, spicy like radishes or convenient to pop into your briefcase and bring to work as a snack.
However, contrary to popular belief, cabbage is actually a tremendous source for a multitude of health benefits - what I would call a "vegetable superhero." From helping with digestive/constipation issues (due to its high fiber content) to aiding weight management (due to its low caloric count), and even to preventing scurvy and other vitamin C deficiency complications (cabbage has more vitamin C than oranges do), cabbage is a great addition to any diet. Below is a recipe that will help you introduce more cabbage into your diet, and it is anything but boring.
But before we get to this fantastic, healthy, mouth-watering recipe, cabbage doesn’t just provide dietary enrichment. It has another use that isn't as well-known in the official medical community, but is widely accepted by traditional healers, alternative and homeopathic providers, lactation consultants and midwives.
Believe it or not, for hundreds of years, women have used cabbage leaves to soothe the discomfort of breast engorgement. Care providers aren't sure if this is due to the shape of the cabbage leaves, their chemical makeup, or something else completely. However, centuries of experience and practical usage indicates that something about cabbage provides relief that is otherwise hard to come by.
Breast engorgement occurs when a woman’s milk is just coming in (roughly two to five days after giving birth, when milk is replacing colostrum) or when her normal breast-feeding routine is interrupted (either due to a baby’s inability to eat, trouble with nursing, or when solid foods are being introduced into the baby’s diet). It is normal for women’s breasts to feel somewhat swollen and heavy during these times, but severe engorgement is extremely painful. The breast becomes hard, shiny and warm to the touch, and oftentimes the nipple is flattened.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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I can attest to cabbage's ability to help with blocked ducts while breastfeeding. When a friend recommended it to me, I admit I thought it was an old wives' tale, but it's the only thing that worked for me. Thanks for sharing!
August 3, 2011 - 10:54pmThis Comment
Thank YOU for validating! It sounds like a silly solution, but multiple highly respected sources recommend cabbage as a soothing remedy for breast engorgement and other complications of breastfeeding. It's great to hear the same from you!
Very best,
August 4, 2011 - 2:09amHannah