LINDA: In regards to using cabbage for things other than engorgement, I'd like to get my story in. A year ago I bruised both knees badly - the trauma they sustained seemed equal, so I thought I would run my own informal testing. I measured both knees, marking spots above, mid, and below. Then I applied an ace bandage and ice to one knee, green cabbage and an ace to the other. Each time I changed the cabbage leaves, I also removed the other ace bandage and put on a fresh ice pack for a short time. When I took comparison measurements ten hours later, I found that in totalling the measurements, that the knee with green cabbage when down 8 X more than the knee treated by "more conventional methods". It certainly felt better - less stiff, and although I still had pain from the bruising, the reduction of the edema made it more comfortable. I find this is a good reference for mothers - and doctors/nurses/anyone else who questions this "new" form of treatment. Even my mother was convinced - now she uses it when her knees are swollen.