CABBAGE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Cabbage is one variety of the Brassica oleracea plant. It's related to broccoli, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, and kale. It's commonly eaten as a vegetable.

Different types of cabbage are grown for food. Cabbage leaf contains high amounts of vitamin K1, as well as other nutrients. It also contains chemicals that might help prevent cancer and help with wound healing.

People use cabbage for hard, painful breasts during breastfeeding. It is also used for cancer, knee pain, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse cabbage with other varieties of the Brassica oleracea species, including broccoli, broccoli sprout, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, collard, kale, and kohlrabi. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Hard, painful breasts during breastfeeding. Applying whole cabbage leaves to the breasts seems to be about as effective as chilled gel-packs in relieving swelling and pain from breastfeeding.

There is interest in using cabbage for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Cabbage is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term.

When applied to the skin: Cabbage is possibly safe for most people when used short-term. It's usually well-tolerated. Pain, itching, and burning have been reported after keeping cabbage leaves on the skin without moving for 2-4 hours, but this is uncommon.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Cabbage is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term.

When applied to the skin: Cabbage is possibly safe for most people when used short-term. It's usually well-tolerated. Pain, itching, and burning have been reported after keeping cabbage leaves on the skin without moving for 2-4 hours, but this is uncommon.

Pregnancy: Cabbage is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine while pregnant. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Breast-feeding: Cabbage is likely safe when applied to the skin for a short amount of time while breast-feeding. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if cabbage is safe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergy to vegetables from the Brassicaceae/Cruciferae family: People who are allergic to cabbage relatives from the Brassicaceae/Cruciferae family, such as broccoli, Brussels sprout, and cauliflower, might also be allergic to cabbage.

Under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism): Cabbage might make this condition worse. Check with your healthcare provider before consuming cabbage if you have an under-active thyroid gland.

Surgery: Cabbage might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using cabbage at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) interacts with CABBAGE

    The body breaks down acetaminophen to get rid of it. Cabbage might increase the breakdown of acetaminophen. Taking cabbage along with acetaminophen might decrease the effectiveness of acetaminophen.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with CABBAGE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cabbage might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated Drugs) interacts with CABBAGE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cabbage might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Oxazepam (Serax) interacts with CABBAGE

    The body breaks down oxazepam to get rid of it. Cabbage can increase how quickly the body gets rid of oxazepam. Taking cabbage along with oxazepam might decrease the effectiveness of oxazepam.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with CABBAGE

    Cabbage contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, cabbage might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CABBAGE

    Cabbage might lower blood sugar levels. Taking cabbage along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Cabbage is a plant related to broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. It's commonly eaten as a vegetable. As medicine, adults most often apply whole or crushed cabbage leaves to the skin. The leaves are sometimes cooled and covered with cold compresses. Speak with a healthcare provider to learn about how it might be used for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

CABBAGE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of cabbage? ›

While cabbage offers lots of vitamins and minerals your body needs, there can be a downside to eating cabbage. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. It's best to slowly introduce these vegetables into your diet and gradually increase your intake.

What is the precautions of cabbage? ›

Under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism): Cabbage might make this condition worse. Check with your healthcare provider before consuming cabbage if you have an under-active thyroid gland. Surgery: Cabbage might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.

What are the pros and cons of eating cabbage? ›

Cabbage is rich in Vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting. Patients on anti-coagulant therapy using warfarin can show a significant interaction with cabbage, and thus, if you are on warfarin or any anti-coagulant therapy, you should restrict your cabbage intake.

What effects does cabbage have on the body? ›

Cabbage has 1 gram of fiber for every 10 calories. That helps fill you up, so you eat less. It also keeps you regular, and it could help lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and control your blood sugar. Cabbage also has nutrients that keep the lining of your stomach and intestines strong.

Which patient should not eat cabbage? ›

If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), you may have been told to avoid cruciferous vegetables — such as kale, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Cruciferous vegetables have been shown, in certain situations, to interfere with how your thyroid gland uses iodine.

Why shouldn't we eat raw cabbage? ›

Raw cabbage contains compounds that can lead to increased gas production during digestion. For those prone to flatulence or with sensitive digestive systems, consuming raw cabbage may exacerbate these issues. Cooking cabbage can help break down these compounds, reducing the likelihood of excessive gas.

Does cabbage help with swollen feet? ›

It may sound strange, but cabbage leaves can be used to relieve swollen feet, ankles and hands. They work by drawing out excess fluid. Chill dry cabbage leaves in the fridge (not the freezer). Then wrap them around the affected area like a compress, replacing them with fresh leaves when they become wet.

Does cabbage pull out toxins? ›

Cabbage does double detox duty. Its diuretic properties help rid your body of excess liquid, carrying toxins along with it. Like other cruciferous veggies, cabbage is also sulfur-rich, helping your liver break down toxins so they can be more easily expelled.

When should you not eat cabbage? ›

It's best to avoid cabbage if you have an under-active thyroid gland. Surgery: Cabbage might affect blood glucose levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using cabbage at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

What happens if I only eat cabbage everyday? ›

It is important to note that, while it is true that eating cabbage may support weight-management goals, this veggie should not be overconsumed, as too much cabbage can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, like bloating. It is also important to enjoy cabbage as a part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Is cabbage good for nerve pain? ›

Cabbage is high in vitamin K, anthocyanins, and acetylcholine. These aid in brain function, memory, and focus. These nutrients help reduce nerve damage and boost resistance against Alzheimer's and dementia.

Does cabbage make you sleepy? ›

(2) Modern day aromatherapists also use extracts to relieve insomnia and stress. The rich red/purple colour of red cabbage is due to the presence of anthocyanin polyphenol pigments (3) and these polyphenols are thought to bestow red cabbage with its sleep-inducing qualities.

Is it good to eat cabbage at night? ›

Like fatty foods, Remmer says fiber also takes longer to digest. That means if you eat fiber-enriched foods or vegetables like broccoli, cabbage or onions too close to bedtime, your body could still be working to break them down long after you want to sleep and/or leave you feeling bloated in bed.

Can diabetics eat cabbage? ›

Cabbage is low in calories and carbs and high in fiber. Cabbage can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, but its high nutritional value makes it a healthy choice. This vegetable is loaded with nutrients, including vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and folate, and it is also high in fiber.

Why should cabbage not be eaten raw? ›

Raw vegetables, including cabbage, carry a risk of foodborne illnesses if contaminated. Thoroughly washing cabbage and other vegetables is essential, but even with proper cleaning, there's still a risk of bacterial contamination. Cooking cabbage eliminates this risk, making it a safer option for some individuals.

Who should not drink cabbage juice? ›

Cabbage contains compounds called goitrogens, which can interfere with healthy thyroid function, especially when consumed raw. You might need to stay away from cabbage juice if you have a thyroid issue or are at risk of thyroid cancer.

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