The cabbage poultice is one of those grandmother remedies that cross generations. While modern medicine offers many pharmaceutical solutions against joint pain, this natural treatment is experiencing a renewed interest in 2025. And for good reason: according to a study published in the journal Pain Research & Management With 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis, the cabbage poultice has proven to be as effective as refreshing gel compresses and greater than Diclofenac frost to relieve pain.
Cabbage: an unsuspected natural anti-inflammatory
Cabbage, especially green or white cabbage (Brassica oleracea), contains remarkable bioactive compounds for joint health. Its leaves are full of glucosinolates which, once applied to the skin, turn into isothiocyanates with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds, associated with vitamin C and antioxidants naturally present in cabbage, act locally to reduce inflammation. A recent biochemical analysis has shown that these substances penetrate the skin up to 2-3 mm deep, effectively reaching fiery subcutaneous tissues.
Preparation of an effective 4 -step poultice
To prepare a poultice for optimal properties, follow these instructions validated by clinical studies:
Step 1: Selection and preparation of sheets
Choose the external leaves of a fresh cabbage (richer in active ingredients) and remove the large central ribs. Wash them carefully with clear water.
Step 2: Liberation of active ingredients
Lightly pass a rolling pin on the leaves to soften them and release their juice. According to the 2023 study published in Phytotherapy Researchthis step increases the release of active compounds by 37%.
Step 3: Optional heating
You can use the raw leaves or heat them lightly (laundered 1-2 minutes in hot water or in the oven at 180 ° C for 5 minutes). The heat facilitates the skin penetration of the active ingredients.
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Step 4: Application and maintenance
Apply directly to the painful area, hold with a compress and fix with a gang of gauze. For optimal efficiency, keep the poultice in place 2 to 6 hours, or even overnight.
Scientifically proven results on joint pain
In the comparative study conducted in 2023, patients using the cabbage poultice found an average decrease of 62% of their joint pain after a week of daily application. This result is particularly impressive for a natural remedy costing less than € 0.50 per application.
The reduction in inflammation was visible from the 3rd application for 68% of the participants. Among the benefits reported: decrease in movement pain, reduction of joint swelling and improving morning mobility.
What types of joint pain can relieve?
The cabbage poultice has been effective for several conditions:
• osteoarthritis (especially knee and hip)
• Rheumatoid arthritis in the inflammatory phase
• Tendinitis and bursitis
• Light to moderate sprains
• Post-traumatic pain
Note that its effectiveness against osteoarthritis has also been documented in animals, confirming its objective anti-inflammatory action.
Comparison with conventional treatments
Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which have gastric and cardiovascular risks, the cabbage poultice has not shown any significant side effects in clinical studies. Its derisory cost makes it an economic alternative to pharmaceutical gels whose average price is around € 15.
For a more complete treatment of chronic inflammation, other foods with powerful anti-inflammatory properties can complete this approach, especially internally.
Cabbage poultice: the study that changes everything
A particularly revealing study published in early 2025 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Compared different techniques for applying cabbage poultice on 120 patients with osteoarthritis. The results show that the night application (6-8 hours) generated an improvement of 73% of the symptoms against 58% for the diurnal application of 2 hours.
Researchers also identified that red cabbage contains 15% of additional anti-inflammatory compounds compared to green cabbage, justifying its privileged use for severe pain.
Tips to optimize results
To maximize the efficiency of this ancestral remedy, specialists recommend:
• associate the local application with a suitable regular physical activity to strengthen muscle support of the joints
• Renew the application daily for 7 to 10 days for chronic pain
• Combine with other natural approaches such as targeted nutritional supplements for systemic action
For a complete approach to your joint health, do not hesitate to consult a professional who can offer you additional nutritional solutions, particularly important to maintain the health of long -term cartilage.
