Evidence supporting the use of: Cabbage leaf
For the health condition: Mastitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cabbage leaves have long been used as a home remedy for mastitis—an inflammation of breast tissue that commonly affects breastfeeding women. The practice is primarily grounded in tradition and folk medicine, with reports of use dating back generations in various cultures, particularly in Europe and North America. The idea is that chilled cabbage leaves, when applied to the breast, can help relieve pain, swelling, and discomfort associated with mastitis and engorgement.

Scientifically, the evidence supporting cabbage leaves for mastitis is limited. A few small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that cabbage leaves may reduce pain and swelling, likely due to their cooling effect and possibly their phytochemical content (such as glucosinolates and anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties). However, systematic reviews and larger clinical trials are lacking, and current guidelines from medical authorities do not formally endorse cabbage leaves as a treatment. Most of the available evidence rates between 1 and 2 on a 0-5 scale, with some studies noting subjective improvement and others finding little difference compared to cold compresses.

In summary, the use of cabbage leaves for mastitis is primarily justified by tradition, with minimal scientific backing. While generally considered safe as a comfort measure, they should not replace standard medical treatments, especially in cases of infection requiring antibiotics.

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