Herbs That Heal

 

CABBAGE

 


CABBAGE

(Brassica oleracea)

Other Names

None.

Description

Cabbage is widely cultivated.   Its large leaves and huge head are well recognized.

Classification

Dry

Taste

Slightly Sweet, Salty

Balance Yin/Yang

Cool.

Humor

 

Uses/Applications

Use Cabbage to treat wounds, ulcers, inflammations, arthritic joints, and skin conditions.   It is especially useful in the treatment of acne.   Internally use for digestive disorders, lung disorders, migraines, fluid retention, and general aches and pains.   Research shows that cabbage is also effective in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

 

Leaves

 

 

Decoction

Use for colitis.

 

Fresh

Use directly on arthritic or sprained joints, and wounds.   Strip out the central rib of the leaf then beat the leaf gently to slightly soften it.   Bind to the area with a bandage.

 

Juice

Prescribed for gastric or duodenal ulceration.

 

Syrup

Take a syrup made from the decoction for chest coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.

Combinations

None.

Constituents

Minerals, Amino Acids, Fats.

Action

Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Rheumatic.

Food Values

Vitamins A, B1 , B2 , & C.   Minerals, Amino Acids.

Part Used

Leaves

Collection

Collect when heads are full, early to late fall.

Preparation

Decoction

Boil 60 gr. of leaves in 500 ml. of water for 1 hour.   Take 1/2 cup three times per day.

 

Fresh

First, strip out the central rib of the leaf, then beat the leaf gently to slightly soften it.   Bind with a bandage to the injured area.

 

Lotion

Add 250 gr. fresh leaves to 250 ml. distilled Witch Hazel in the blender.   Blend until consistency is lotion like.   Strain, then add 2 drops of lemon juice.

Growing Directions

Plant 1/2 inch deep in well drained, fertile soil with organic matter added.   The optimum temperature for germinating is 25o  C.    Transplant at around 7 weeks.   It takes from 80 -100 days for Cabbage to mature.   Keep well watered until the head matures.   The most critical period for watering is during the development of the head.   To prevent disease, water in the morning so the cabbage head has a chance to dry before evening.

History

Cabbage has been cultivated in the West since at least 400 BC.   It is a valuable medicine whose qualities have been recognized back to Dioscorides time, when it was used to treat the digestive system, joint problems, skin problems, and fever.   The Roman’s ate cabbage to prevent drunkenness.   Cabbage was a standby for many family illnesses.

Additional Information

1.   Recent clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness for treating stomach ulcers.

Cautions

None

Magick Information

There is no magical value.