Cabbage is Nature’s Medicine

Did you know that cabbage is medicinal? Besides that it is good for your gut health, and has many properties that help with digestion and your immune system, most importantly it helps reduce inflammation. My first experience was when it was time to stop breast feeding my babies, and had to dry up my milk. I love natural cures, avoiding medication and finding a simple solution that works. I happily put cabbage leaves into my bra, and immediately felt relief. It took a few days, but for me it was a miracle.

My husband recently twisted his ankle, and the swelling was not going away. My mother and I always have conversations about everything from Torah to health and wellness. She was telling me that for her knees, it really helped to put cabbage leaves around them. A lightbulb went off in my head when I remembered my own experience. I was so excited, and decided to watch a few videos with suggestions and information. One woman demonstrated putting a few leaves on a plastic wrap, and rolling them with a small mason jar, so you can release the juices before putting it on yourself, and then using some sort of wrap to keep it in place.

I am a genius, so for the ankle I decided to keep the cabbage in place with a sock. It is amazing how you can actually feel it working. Usually my cure for any body pain is to emerge in epsom salt. Continuous movement is also important, you do not want anything to get stuck or stagnant. One of my clients in her seventies described the best advice she got from her physical therapist, motion is lotion!

There is so much happening in the world. Right now my family has my undivided attention. I also have my undivided attention. I said my prayers, I am going to do some Yoga, and then have a few meetings later on today. Besides Shabbat, when we completely step off of the world, we have to find time to recharge and replenish before we throw ourselves back into the chaos. Yes, life is wonderful, and there is so much good, but chaos is the reality right now. We have to detach and peel ourselves away from the never ending news cycle.

What makes me feel good are solutions. I am a problem solver, and I know deep down that you cannot solve everything, and many things are out of our hands. Yesterday was a hard day, but today I am grateful for cabbage. Cabbage makes everything better. Cabbage is my happy place, the place of possibility and healing. Thank God for Cabbage! I also love stuffed cabbage, borsht and homemade sour kraut. So much goodness, YUM!

Find your cabbage or any alternative that makes life make sense in the moment.