Many women in american and European countries have started this popular trend of putting cabbage leaves on their breasts. Cabbage leaves are used to reduce breast swelling and relieve the pain and discomfort that breast feeding a baby can cause. Also it is very helpful in soothing the pain and stress caused by wearing an uncomfortable bra. Researchers do not know if there is a property within the cabbage itself that helps to decrease the pain and swelling, or if the swelling goes down because the cabbage leaves are acting as cold compresses.