Brassica oleracea
Folk Names: Coleworts
Description: Cabbage is related to mustard, kale, collards, rutabaga, turnip, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli, but it is the parent from which all other variations descended. Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, cabbages belong to the cruciferae family, so called because their flowers have four petals arranged as a cross. I do not think I need to describe cabbages any more than this as most people are familiar with them from their gardens or the supermarkets.
Effects: gentle
Planet: Moon
Element: water
Associated Deities:
Traditions:
Russian and Irish immigrants introduced the cabbage to the eastern shores of America, while Chinese immigrants brought it to its Pacific shores. Cabbages and other fleshy leaved plants are said to be sacred to the moon. If a cabbage stump is left in the ground after harvest, small cabbages will grow from it. Brussels sprouts grow in a neat clockwise helix, apparently following the path of the sun and moon like vines. By this, Culpeper connected cabbages with vines, saying that the two will not grow in the same garden.
The man on the moon was supposedly sent there because he stole a cabbage from his neighbor on Christmas Eve. A child surprised him and said, “Since you will steal on this holy night, let you and your cabbage go to the moon.”
In the story of Rapunzel, the Witch claimed Rapunzel because her mother had insisted the father steal cabbages from the Witch’s garden to feed her cravings.
In some areas of New England, Cabbage Night is celebrated instead of Halloween in honor of pranksters who smeared cabbage stumps over windows.
Magic:
Cabbage should be the first thing planted in a new garden after marriage for luck both in the marriage and in the garden. A dream of cabbage means a loved one will become ill however or there will be a financial loss.
Ancient Romans and Egyptians ate raw cabbage seasoned with vinegar eaten before a meal to stay sober. Eating boiled cabbage in vinegar was believed to cure a hangover. Culpeper also claimed the juice added to wine would help ease the poison of a snakebite.
Known Combinations:
None noted
Medical Indications: (Caution:) Parts used:
None noted aside from the health benefit of the vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants found naturally in cabbage, especially the red.
Nutrition:
The most popular cabbage preparation in the United States is coleslaw. As often as it is used raw in salad preparations, it is also cooked. It may be fried, pickled, and made into casseroles. It is added to soups and who can forget corned beef and cabbage. The Irish are nearly as famous for their cabbage dishes as potatoes.
Mercantile Uses:
Cabbage is a significant food crop throughout the world.