Cabbage is a nutrient-rich veggie with powerful anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties, low in calories, but full of potassium, and vitamins C and K. Yet, have you heard about cabbage compresses? This vegetable has been commonly used in the treatment of swollen and bruised skin.

It is a rich source of phytonutrients, vitamins, anthocyanins, and glutamine, and effectively soothes joint pain. It is also a natural remedy in the case of arthritis and sports injuries.

According to Dr.Axe:

“While both red and green cabbage are good for you, red cabbage packs a more powerful nutritional profile. For example, red cabbage contains about 85 percent of the daily vitamin C our bodies need, while the green variety provides 47 percent. In fact, red cabbage has more vitamin C than oranges, believe it or not.

Cabbage contains phytonutrients that may help reduce chronic inflammation.  One compound in red cabbage that may be responsible is sulforaphane (found in many cruciferous vegetables), a potent inflammation killer.

According to The Arthritis Foundation, eating a diet filled with anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables like red cabbage should be a part of an arthritis patient’s daily regimen. These type of anti-inflammatory foods may help naturally treat arthritis inflammation and arthritic complications.”

Here is how to use it to relieve joint pain:

You will need:

• Cabbage (preferably red cabbage)
• Aluminum foil
• Gauze or Bandage
• Rolling pin/wine bottle/meat hammer
• Oven

Instructions:

Wash an outer leaf of the cabbage well, dry it, and cut out the hard stem. Then, place it on the counter, and bruise it with a rolling pin to extract the juice.

Next, wrap the cabbage leaf in foil and leave it in the oven for a few minutes to warm it.  Place the leaf directly over the affected area, secure it with a bandage or gauze, and keep it thus for an hour.

Repeat a few times daily, each time using a new leaf. The presence of anthocyanins quickly soothes the pain in the joints and fights inflammation. Although the cases of cabbage allergies are very rare if you notice swelling or itching in the area, remove the compress immediately.

If you prefer cold compresses, you can refrigerate the cabbage prior to making the compress, and skip its heating.  You will feel the improvement after the first application!

Sources:
www.livestrong.com
www.organicfacts.net