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The Use of Cabbage Leaves for Breast Care
Cabbage leaves have long been touted as a natural remedy for various breast-related issues, particularly during breastfeeding. Many mothers turn to this age-old remedy to alleviate discomfort from breast engorgement, mastitis, or while weaning. But how long should one wear cabbage leaves on their breasts for optimal relief?
Duration of Use
When using cabbage leaves for breast pain or engorgement, the general recommendation is to apply the leaves until they begin to wilt. This can vary depending on individual circumstances, but typically, you can expect to wear them for about 20 minutes to several hours. For immediate relief, many women report feeling a difference within 30 minutes of application.
For those who are weaning, the approach is slightly different. You can leave the cabbage leaves on for longer periods, changing them as needed when they start to wilt. This flexibility allows for continuous comfort without the strict timing often associated with other remedies.
Application Tips
To effectively use cabbage leaves, it’s important to ensure they are whole and not torn, as this helps maintain their cooling properties. Many mothers find it helpful to chill the leaves in the refrigerator before application, enhancing the soothing effect.
While wearing the cabbage leaves, it’s advisable to avoid any form of nipple stimulation, especially during the weaning process, to prevent further engorgement.
Conclusion
In summary, cabbage leaves can be a beneficial and natural remedy for breast discomfort, with the duration of wear being flexible based on the condition being treated. Whether for engorgement or weaning, the key is to listen to your body and change the leaves as they wilt, ensuring comfort and relief during this sensitive time.
Can I put cabbage on my breast to stop breastfeeding?
If you’re weaning your baby or you want to dry up your breast milk and stop lactating altogether, you don’t have to worry about the cabbage leaves treatment causing a low breast milk supply. You can continue to use the cabbage leaves on your breasts for as long as they are helpful.
What is the fastest way to dry up breast milk?
Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.
What happens if I don’t breastfeed for 3 days?
You may have some milk leak from your breasts, and your breasts may feel sore and swollen. This is called engorgement. It usually gets better after several days. Over time, your body will stop making milk if you don’t breastfeed or pump.
How do cabbage leaves reduce swelling?
In this paper, we have shown that, as identified by bioinformatics methods, miRNA172a from cabbage leaf juice (known in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent) reduces the expression of the FAN protein in human cells, thus lowering the proinflammatory activity of TNF-α.
Can cabbage leaves unclog the milk duct?
How can a cabbage leaf help with breastfeeding? It can actually decrease excessive and painful engorgement. If you’re not getting enough relief from other milk supply reduction methods, cabbage leaf therapy might give you results.
How long does cabbage take to dry up breast milk?
Change the leaves about every two hours, sooner if they become wilted or smell like cooked cabbage. Wear the cabbage leaves day and night until your breasts stay soft. This may take 3 to 5 days.
What does wrapping your breasts in cabbage leaves do?
The current available evidence suggests that cabbage leaf treatment helps reduce pain in breast engorgement and lengthens breastfeeding duration, although some studies have also reported that cabbage leaf treatment is not effective. Cabbage leaf may be useful in the treatment of breast engorgement.
Does putting cabbage on the breast work?
Cabbage leaves can help reduce discomfort from inflammation and engorgement, but they can’t treat a serious infection. If you have a fever or if your symptoms continue or worsen, you might need antibiotics.
How often should you change cabbage leaves in a bra?
Place one cold cabbage leaf on each breast and change every 2 hours until breast engorgement has passed.
Does putting cabbage on breast work?
Cabbage leaves can help reduce discomfort from inflammation and engorgement, but they can’t treat a serious infection. If you have a fever or if your symptoms continue or worsen, you might need antibiotics.
