☯ Sweet (tián 甜) and pungent (xīnlà 辛辣) flavor and cool (liáng 涼) thermal nature and is affiliated with the Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine meridians.

❊ Active compounds:

Contains, protein, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6, vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, and fluoride. Cabbage is considered the best vegetable for colon cancer prevention. Its vitamins enhance the protective action of mucous membrane on the Stomach wall, and suppress gastric and duodenal ulcers

☛ Clinical Usage and Indications:

• Clears Heat, relaxes stools
• Subdue Common Cold with fever, dysphoria, thirst, dry stool or constipation. Best cooked with Sheng Jiang (ginger) and brown sugar, to moisten the intestines and clear Heat
• Balances Spleen, Stomach and blood
• Moves Qi. Improving circulation, benefiting the joints and alleviating acute pain. Clears the meridians removing toxins that might block the Qi and blood around the joints, strengthens the bones and loosens the joints
• Detoxify. Treats Erysipelas. The stock can be used with Mung bean sprouts. Grind to a paste for topical use
• Promotes digestion helping Stomach and duodenal ulcers, preventing gastrointestinal diseases

❀ Directions: Cabbage can be eaten raw, as salad, as juice (good for intestinal ulcers),  or cooked. However, with the symptoms mentioned above, it is best if eaten cooked or at room temperature for your salad, not cooled. Cabbage can be fried, boiled and steamed and used in many dishes that suit desires. Cabbage is a great vegetable in that it can be used with most other vegetables in a stir fry. Heat for 5 to 7 minutes on low Heat. You can add pepper to taste.

☢ Prevention: Those suffering from thyroid gland problems, abdominal flatuance and excessive intestinal gas should not eat too much cabbage.

From Tao of Tummy © book