Found this on one of the www.kellymom.com links under engorgement:

http://hometown.aol.com/davisrnclc/myhomepage/cabbagecure.htm

"Lactation consultants frequently suggest cabbage leaves to reduce 
swelling in moderate to severe engorgement. References to cabbage 
compresses for swelling and engorgement date back to the early 1800's. 
Cabbage compresses have been used to reduce the swelling in sprains and 
broken bones. Research data is sparse but published studies and 
anecdotal reports seem to support its value in reducing breast 
engorgement.

"The common green cabbage (Brassica capitata) is used for engorgement 
therapy. Cabbage is known to contain sinigrin (allylisothiocyanate) 
rapine, mustard oil, magnesium, oxylate and sulphur heterosides. 
Herbalists believe that cabbage has both antibiotic and anti irritant 
properties. It is theorized that this natural mixture of ingredients 
helps decrease tissue congestion by dilating (opening) local 
capillaries (small blood vessels) improving the blood flow in the area.
Cabbage compresses should be used with other engorgement treatment 
routines.

"CABBAGE IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INDIVIDUALS ALLERGIC TO SULFA OR 
CABBAGE.

"In addition, cabbage compresses should not be used if the skin is 
broken (i.e., cracked, bleeding or blistered nipples etc...). If the 
skin is broken, you can place the cabbage around the breast without 
covering the irritated skin."

On Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at 08:13  PM, Kermaline J. Cotterman wrote:

> Like I said, I still don't understand cabbage. Until or unless someone
> can more fully explain the reason(s) for some mechanism responsible for
> the actions attributed to it, I just feel foolish advising it. Does
> anyone else have any experience that convinces them either pro or con?

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