The first time I knew about this was in 2020, when the pandemic happened.
A famous personality claimed that cabbage leaves are good for swelling and cancer.
I laughed, thinking that the claim was entirely false.
The problem is, it’s obviously not a great claim to cure cancer. But the good thing about it is that it is helpful for joint problems.
But why do people wrap cabbage leaves in their joints before pain creams were invented? Is this an effective remedy?
What Makes Cabbage Leaves Exceptional?
Cabbage is not just your ordinary green leafy vegetable. It is full of antioxidants that can help combat inflammation.
This leafy food contains certain compounds like polyphenols, glucosinolates, and antioxidants.
Polyphenols minimized the impact of swelling, while the glucosinolates are helpful for tissue health and joint support.
People in the past wrapped the cabbage leaves around the joints because the compounds can go directly to the skin where the pain is located.
Joint Pain
Certain people will suffer from joint pain that is caused by inflammation.
This inflammation came from one or a combination of factors such as aging joints, arthritis, restless legs, stiffness, and leg injury.
Aside from legs, joint pain can also occur in certain body parts like elbows, ankles, and hands.
Proven Claims about Cabbage Wraps
Before the pain creams or painkillers were invented, the use of cabbage wraps was an effective way to minimize the impact of joint pain.
The cold and pain-gel-like sensation of the cabbage wraps makes it a helpful tool to reduce swelling.
Both the people in the past centuries and the current studies confirmed that cabbage wraps are for temporary relief, not a cure for joint pain.
How to Use the Cabbage Wraps?
Here’s the simple way to use the cabbage leaves for joint pain relief:
- Prepare, clean, and cut the cabbage leaves.
- Roll the wraps lightly to release some of their juices.
- Place them in the affected part.
- Wrap the leaves with a bandage or clean cloth.
- Leave the solution for 30 minutes or overnight.
- You may repeat this process up to two times a day.
This solution is a temporary relief for joint pain with mild to medium levels of swelling.
Truth about Cabbage Wraps
While it is an effective way to reduce the impact of joint pain, cabbage wraps are helpful in easing the swelling or pain.
It is gentle, cost-effective, and safe to use.
Another truth to learn about the cabbage leaves is that they are not a permanent or total replacement for medical care.
Cabbage wraps are not a cure for your arthritis, nor do they claim to be effective for everyone who has joint pain.
Do not use the cabbage wraps if the joint pain is persistent, severe, itchy, or accompanied by much redness.
The leaves need to be washed before being wrapped around the affected part or placed on irritated skin.
A Short-Term Natural Remedy, But Not a Long-Term Answer
Wrapping a cabbage around the joint pain-affected area is an extra, back-up, or temporary remedy for joint pain.
This remedy survived for the longest time because it is easy, cost-effective, safe, and helpful.
In case you feel joint pain for the first time, don’t be afraid to apply some cabbage leaves to the affected part.
The goal is to temporarily reduce the swelling before the health professional can provide you with the cure for the problem.
A mild solution for a mild inflammation.
Do you agree about the effectiveness of these cabbage leaves? Share your thoughts with us.