My name is Stacy Phippins and I am a nursing student at the University
of North Dakota. I was doing research on the use of cabbage leaves to
relieve breast engorgement and I ran into a few questions. I checked the
lactnet archives and found many interesting discussions on this topic, but I
still have a couple of unanswered questions.
It is no secret that cabbage leaves are commonly used to relieve breast
engorgement, but the question is why. After researching journal articles, I
found many proposed reasons for the effectiveness of this therapy. Roberts,
Reiter, and Schuster (1998) tested the idea that there is a therapeutic
chemical present in cabbage which is absorbed through the skin. Linda M.
Caplan (1999)introduced the idea that cabbage may have a drawing action
which allows it to draw the excess fluid out of the breast. Yet others
believe it is a psychologic response: Ayers (2000) suggested that the
effectiveness may be a result of the feeling a person gets from being in
control of their own health care.
Has anyone out there found more recent research about this topic which
indicates a reason why this seems to be an effective treatment?
Roberts, Reiter, and Schuster (1998) made a distinction between milk
engorgement and venous engorgement. I was curious if the type of
engorgement makes a difference in the successfulness of cabbage leaf
therapy. Also, would this be an effective treatment for infant breast
engorgement?
Stacy Phippins, Student Nurse
University of North Dakota
References:
Ayers, J.F.(2000). The use of alternative therapies in the support of
breastfeeding. Journal of Human Lactation, 16(1), 52-56.
Caplan, L.M.(1999). Drawing action of cabbage leaves. Journal of Human
Lactation, 15(1), 7-8.
Roberts, K.L, Reiter, M., Schuster, D.(1998). Effects of cabbage leaf
extract on breast engorgement. Journal of Human Lactation, 14(3), 231-236.
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