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 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 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 medications does cabbage interact with? ›

Interactions with Other Drugs:

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? ›

It's Good for Your Digestion

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.

Why shouldn't we eat raw cabbage? ›

Cabbages

They're notorious for harboring tapeworms and tapeworm eggs, which is invisible to the naked eye. Some of these tapeworms have survived some of the harshest insecticides and pesticides, so your vegetable washes are too mild for them.

Is cabbage healthier, cooked or raw? ›

According to Scientific American, cooking cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage helps them release indole, an organic compound that can fight off precancerous cells. Raw cruciferous vegetables have also been known to cause digestive problems for some people.

Who should not eat cooked 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.

Why should you not eat cabbage before bed? ›

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.

Is cabbage bad for high blood pressure? ›

Leafy greens: Cabbage, collard greens, spinach, kale, and other greens are high in nitrates, which have been found to offer blood pressure benefits. It's easier to get your daily dose of greens by varying how you eat them.

What is the healthiest way to eat cabbage? ›

If you want to preserve these nutritional benefits, it's best to steam your cabbage. First, because steaming improves its cholesterol-lowering properties. Steaming also preserves more glucosinolates than microwaving, despite longer cooking time. Purple or red cabbage is a special nutritional powerhouse.

Is it okay to eat cabbage every day? ›

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.

Why does cabbage cleanse you out? ›

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.

How to eat cabbage safely? ›

In addition to being super healthy, cabbage is delicious. It can be eaten raw or cooked and added to a wide variety of dishes like salads, soups, stews, and slaws. This versatile veggie can even be fermented and made into sauerkraut. In addition to being adaptable to many recipes, cabbage is extremely affordable.

What part of the cabbage should you not eat? ›

Any spherical cabbage (green, red, or Savoy) contains a tough, white stem unpleasant to eat. To remove it from each quarter of the cabbage, hold the piece vertically, with the V-shaped core at the base. Slice off the core in one diagonal cut. You don't need to cut deeply into the cabbage to remove this.

What are the best conditions for cabbage? ›

Cabbage is a cool season vegetable that prefers sunny locations and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate some organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep, 2-3 weeks before the last frost in the spring.

What bacterial disease is on cabbage? ›

Black rot is caused by the bacteria Xanthamonas campestris pv campestris. This bacteria can infect any plant in the Brassica family, but tends to be most damaging in broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. Black rot often enters farms and gardens via infected seed. Once present, black rot can persist in residues.

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