Leaves.
The herbal poultice for the treatment of external injuries is the best known of all cabbage derived herbal medications. This form of the remedy is prepared using the leaves of the wild or cultivated cabbages. In the process, collected cabbage leaves are initially blanched using hot water, they are then crushed in a mortar, or finely chopped, and the resulting poultice is then applied as a topical herbal salve for the alleviation of different physical swellings, all types of external tumors, and to ease painful joints on the body. To aid in the detoxification of the liver, the leaves of the wild cabbage are often eaten raw or they may be consumed cooked as an aid to digestion. Seen in this light, the ancient Romans' use of the cabbage as a remedy for hangovers can be considered sensible and even clever. The detoxification effect of the cabbage is significant, at the same time, the vegetable is considered very helpful in the treatment of painful arthritis over the long term. The vitamin C deficiency disease called scurvy can be beaten back and cured by eating raw cabbage rich in vitamin C. Packed cabbage leaves were often used as topical eczema remedies in many parts of Europe in earlier times, as a topical remedy, the cabbage was also used for the treatment of different disorders affecting the legs - including the varicose veins and in the alleviation of leg ulcers of all sorts. Distilled water is added to raw finely chopped cabbage to make this external herbal pack which is applied directly as a topical remedy on affected areas of the body. Linen cloth is used as a wrap over the applied pack, which is first placed firmly along the affected area - the linen holds the pack in place and allows the skin to breathe at the same time. When used as internal as well as external remedy, cabbage is useful mainly due to its high sulfur content, the mineral destroys the ferments within the blood, and this is particularly effective as a treatment for skin disorders of all kinds. Individuals affected by persistent coldness in the feet can benefit by including cabbage in the daily diet, this is because sulfur is considered to be one of those elements that can induce an increase in the production of heat in the body. Disorders like constipation can be treated using the cabbage. The herb is particularly effectively in overcoming this disorders and using cabbage based remedies may be the best natural remedy for the disorder, for similar reasons, individuals suffering from sluggish intestinal problems can greatly benefit by consuming sauerkraut regularly, the juice of the sauerkraut is equally effective - this dietary remedy is equally beneficial in the treatment of other more serious cases of constipation especially those that are persistent. Serious disorders such as the diabetes may also be treatable or managed by consuming sauerkraut juice, mixed with some lemon juice on a daily basis. The body is stimulated in general by consuming the raw sauerkraut juice. This juice can also be a powerful laxative especially when it is mixed with some tomato juice. The vitamin C and lactic acid content of sauerkraut juice is very high and this endows the juice with many beneficial properties.
The areas along the English Channel and the Mediterranean region are places where the cabbage originally grew in the wild - the herb is believed to be a native species of these parts. Over the centuries, it spread out from these regions as different cultures made use of it, and nowadays, the cabbage is extensively cultivated worldwide and comes in a myriad of different varieties - it is one of the most common vegetables around the world. Most cuisines worldwide include cabbage as one of their vegetables.
Leaves: FRESH - The fresh leaves of the cabbage can be used raw as a topical treatment for direct application along arthritic or sprained joints on the body, this topical treatment is also done for treating varicose ulcers and all kinds of external wounds on the skin of affected individuals. To prepare the leaves for topical use, first strip the central rib out of each leaf, soften the leaf a little by gently beating it and then use this softened leaf to bind the affect area - use a bandage to hold the leaves in place over the area. For the treatment of mastitis or breasts that are engorged and painful, bra cups can be lined with prepared and softened leaves. DECOCTION - The leaves of the cabbage can be used to prepare a herbal decoction for the treatment of disorders such as colitis, to prepare this herbal remedy, use about half a litre water to boil sixty grams of leaves for about an hour, strain the liquid and then drink the decoction in doses of half a cup during the day. LOTION - Leaves of the cabbage can also be turned into a combination herbal lotion with witch hazel, for the treatment of skin disorders such as the common acne, prepare this lotion by using a blender to thoroughly grind 250 g of fresh cabbage leaves in about 250 ml of distilled witch hazel juice. Once the blending of the two herbs is over, the liquid can be carefully strained using a mesh to the resulting clear fluid, two drops of the oil of lemon juice must be added. The herbal lotion is ready; this lotion can be applied on the skin during the night and first thing in the mornings for the long term treatment of acne. JUICE - The juice of the cabbage is used for the treatment of ulcers that are intestinal in origin or specifically those which affect the duodenum. Many herbalists will often suggest this juice as an initial treatment for many patients suffering from gastric ulcers. SYRUP - The leaves of the cabbage can be prepared into herbal syrup, this is made from the cabbage decoction. Dosage of the syrup can be 10 ml daily, for the treatment of hacking and persistent coughs, the syrup is also useful in the treatment of the asthma symptoms, and as a remedy for bronchitis which is persistent or symptomatically severe.