Stinky Cabbage, Stinky Foot

Yes, I wrapped my foot and ankle in cabbage in an attempt to reduce my swelling---and I did notice a  reduction in size!  Scroll down to the bottom of the post for my picture results.

Admittedly, this may sound a bit crazy to some.  It sounded quite strange to me at first, too--but, you get to a point where you will try anything as long as it doesn't kill you!

Unlike my last post about Horse Chestnut, there is not any published, valid evidence about using cabbage to treat lymphedema (at least from what I saw during my research).  Most of what exists on the internet consists of fellow lymphedema patients who are dabbling in alternative treatments and writing about their experiences.  Some sources discuss that cabbage has been used to alleviate the pain and discomfort that occurs with breast engorgement when breast feeding.  One theory is that cabbage has properties that encourage widening of blood vessels, which leads to better blood flow. Improved blood flow means better, more efficient circulation and less "junk" that needs to be picked up by the lymphatic system.  Basically, some people think cabbage gets fluid moving!

The cabbage wrap is pretty simple to do, so I'll list the instructions here in case curiosity gets the better of you :)

1. Buy some cabbage, preferably organic.  Some say Savoy cabbage is the best kind to use.
2. Peel off the leaves. The darker, outer leaves are the best. Try to keep them as whole as possible to make it easier to wrap.
3. Wash them and remove the thick stems.

Now you have 2 options.  You can choose one OR the other.

4. Boil water in a large pot and dip the leaves in just for a couple of seconds to soften them up.
OR
4. Dip the leaves in luke warm water and heat the leaves on a skillet for a few seconds on each side to soften them up.

5. Lay them on the counter and flatten the leaves with a rolling pin.
6. Wrap the cabbage around the affected area--it should still be damp.
7. Hold the cabbage in place while wrapping cling-wrap over it. Don't wrap too tight! It should NOT be uncomfortable.  You can use tape to connect loose ends of cling wrap.
8. DO NOT wrap ace bandages over the cling wrap. Ace bandages are terrible for lymphedema. I suppose you could try wrapping your lymphedema bandages if you were feeling ambitious.
9. Keep the cabbage on for at least 4-5 hours, longer if you can.  I slept with mine on!
10. It will stink.



And in case you have any lingering fears that I have gone completely bananas, check out this post from one of my favorite bloggers, LymphedemaGirl.  She tried it, too!
























RESOURCES

http://www.lactationconsultant.info/cabbagecure.html

http://newsmedicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/11/medicalconspiracies-lymphedema-remedies.html

http://www.earthclinic.com/cures/lymphedema.html