Yep, you use it just like you get it from the greengrocer or store or
market - whatever.

I like to get head that have not been pre-trimmed by the produce folks
because those larger outer leaves cover a lot of area.

The only thing I do is rinse the leaves and maybe put them in a plastic
bag with some damp papertowling in the fridge.  But I've found in my
personal life when it's not usually being used for breastfeeding purposes
but falls, sprains, etc that it makes most sense just to keep a whole
head of cabbage in the crisper and rinse leaves as needed so they don't
get moldy.  I place the cabbage leaves over the area I'm concern with and
then wrap with either a dish towel or plastic wrap or Ace bandage -
whatever and leave on till they are wilty and not fresh.  Rinse those
leaves put them in the fridge and use fresh ones, etc.

For the breast - what I have read is to leave the nipple uncovered when
treating engorgement.

We've found in our house that cabbage placed on an area immediately in
place of ice keeps swelling down, and reduces or eliminates bruising, and
seems to diminish pain - I suspect from keeping swelling down.

And sometimes we don't even use it cold.  There have been some articles
in JHL, is this covered in the new Riordan and Auerbach?

Hope this helps.  Had relatives that used to take ice in a cooler for
sports activities - I suggested that it would be easier to just take a
head of cabbage with them!

Katherine Catone, LLLL, IBCLC
Kingsville, TX - where the weather is in the 80's tday - first time since
May.  We turned the AC off last night and slept with the window open!
(SO nice not to have 90 or 100+ degree weather with 90+ humidity!!!!)