However, my experiences with cabbage is the same as yours. Keep it by the bed and reapply when wilted. If you want to use cold only use for 20 minutes. >> When re-reading my post, it is apparent that this sentence is misleading. It was responding to the part of of Diane's post about using cold compresses in addition to the continuous cabbage leaves. Is should have read: Keep the cabbage by your bed and reapply when wilted. If you want to use additional cold compresses, use for 20 minutes over the cabbage and then remove the cold compress. Continue using the cabbage until you feel "something". I felt tingling and a definite sense of coolness throughout my back after about 2 hours. I, too, wish we could find out what it is that works so well with the cabbage. ************************************************ Arnetta Dailey RN IBCLC The Woodlands Texas [log in to unmask] ************************************************