Cabbage wrap

Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for

More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.

Cabbage is not just a popular winter vegetable - the cabbage wrap is one of the classic home remedies. It can be made from both savoy cabbage and cabbage leaves. In this post you can read which cabbage wrap works against which ailments and how to prepare the home remedy!

What is a cabbage wrap?

Even the Romans knew that cabbage not only tastes good, but also has healing properties. A cabbage wrap can be prepared with the leaves of savoy cabbage or white cabbage. The preparation does not differ. However, it depends on the type of cabbage which complaints the compress is used against.

How does the cabbage wrap work?

Scientists attribute the health-promoting effects of cabbage to the flavonoids it contains. You are probably responsible for the fact that a cabbage wrap can help with inflammation. The exact mechanism of action is not known. Overall, the cabbage wrap is said to have the following effects:

• cooling
• pain reliever
• decongestant
• anti-inflammatory

A study by the University of Duisburg-Essen examined the effects of cabbage compresses on osteoarthritis patients in more detail. The scientists found that a cabbage wrap on the knee relieves joint pain to the same extent as a pain ointment with the active ingredient diclofenac.For patients who cannot tolerate the usual medication, a cabbage wrap can be a good alternative.

What ingredients do you need for a cabbage wrap?

To prepare a cabbage wrap you will need the following things:

• 1 white cabbage or savoy cabbage
• Inner cloth (cotton cloth in a size corresponding to the part of the body to be treated)
• knife
• Rolling pin or bottle
• 2 hot water bottles (if required)
• Fastening material (e.g. gauze bandage)

Cabbage wrap: instructions

Whether with white cabbage or savoy cabbage leaves, the production of a cabbage wrap is always the same:

1. Remove some lush green outer leaves from the head. Wash and dry the leaves. Cut out the thick leaf veins.
2. Place the leaves on the inner cloth and roll them flat with a rolling pin or a glass bottle until the juice comes out of the cabbage leaves. Do not roll on a wooden pad, as this absorbs the juice!
3. If necessary: ​​wrap the leaves in the cloth and warm them on the heater or between two hot water bottles.
4. Place the cabbage leaves directly (without the cloth) on the affected part of the body like a roof tile, so that the area is completely covered.
5. Cover with the inner cloth and fix with another cloth or a gauze bandage.
6. Leave on for at least an hour and up to twelve hours (overnight).
7. Remove the wrap, wash and dry the skin well and rub with olive oil if necessary.
8. Use once or twice a day.

For smaller areas of skin, cut the cabbage leaves into strips. That makes it easier to put on.

If a white cabbage wrap is to be used on an open wound, cut the leaves exactly to the size of the wound area. Wrap a wound dressing over it with compresses, cellulose and a bandage. Let the cabbage wrap work for 30 minutes to two hours, until the wound exudate drains and a fresh bandage may be necessary. Remove the wrap, wash the skin and dry it well. Rinse open wounds with a sterile liquid and apply a fresh bandage.

If the cabbage turns brown during use and starts to smell unpleasant, remove it.

What ailments does the cabbage wrap help with?

A wrap with savoy cabbage leaves is effective against the following ailments:

• painful joints (e.g. arthritis, rheumatism)
• Tension pain

A wrap with white cabbage leaves helps with these complaints:

• poorly healing wounds
• Phlebitis
• Joint effusions
• Inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis)
• Insect bites
• Bruises

When is a cabbage wrap not advised?

There are no known restrictions on the use of the cabbage wrap.

The quantities given in this article refer to adults. In children, the dose depends on age and weight. It is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Home remedies have their limits. If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not get better or even worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.

Tags:  skin womenshealth symptoms