Overview

Cabbage is one variety of the Brassica oleracea plant. It's related to broccoli, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, and kale. It's commonly eaten as a vegetable.

Different types of cabbage are grown for food. Cabbage leaf contains high amounts of vitamin K1, as well as other nutrients. It also contains chemicals that might help prevent cancer and help with wound healing.

People use cabbage for hard, painful breasts during breastfeeding. It is also used for cancer, knee pain, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse cabbage with other varieties of the Brassica oleracea species, including broccoli, broccoli sprout, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, collard, kale, and kohlrabi. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Hard, painful breasts during breastfeeding. Applying whole cabbage leaves to the breasts seems to be about as effective as chilled gel-packs in relieving swelling and pain from breastfeeding.
There is interest in using cabbage for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Cabbage is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term.

When applied to the skin: Cabbage is possibly safe for most people when used short-term. It's usually well-tolerated. Pain, itching, and burning have been reported after keeping cabbage leaves on the skin without moving for 2-4 hours, but this is uncommon.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Cabbage is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term.

When applied to the skin: Cabbage is possibly safe for most people when used short-term. It's usually well-tolerated. Pain, itching, and burning have been reported after keeping cabbage leaves on the skin without moving for 2-4 hours, but this is uncommon.

Pregnancy: Cabbage is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine while pregnant. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Breast-feeding: Cabbage is likely safe when applied to the skin for a short amount of time while breast-feeding. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if cabbage is safe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergy to vegetables from the Brassicaceae/Cruciferae family: People who are allergic to cabbage relatives from the Brassicaceae/Cruciferae family, such as broccoli, Brussels sprout, and cauliflower, might also be allergic to cabbage.

Under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism): Cabbage might make this condition worse. Check with your healthcare provider before consuming cabbage if you have an under-active thyroid gland.

Surgery: Cabbage might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using cabbage at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) interacts with CABBAGE

    The body breaks down acetaminophen to get rid of it. Cabbage might increase the breakdown of acetaminophen. Taking cabbage along with acetaminophen might decrease the effectiveness of acetaminophen.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with CABBAGE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cabbage might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated Drugs) interacts with CABBAGE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cabbage might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Oxazepam (Serax) interacts with CABBAGE

    The body breaks down oxazepam to get rid of it. Cabbage can increase how quickly the body gets rid of oxazepam. Taking cabbage along with oxazepam might decrease the effectiveness of oxazepam.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with CABBAGE

    Cabbage contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, cabbage might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CABBAGE

    Cabbage might lower blood sugar levels. Taking cabbage along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Cabbage is a plant related to broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. It's commonly eaten as a vegetable. As medicine, adults most often apply whole or crushed cabbage leaves to the skin. The leaves are sometimes cooled and covered with cold compresses. Speak with a healthcare provider to learn about how it might be used for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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