All the varieties of the colewort tribe, including cabbage,
cauliflower, brussels-sprouts, broccoli, and curly greens, have been
celebrated from very ancient times for their curative virtues in
pulmonary complaints. And Athenian doctors prescribed cabbage for
nursing mothers. On account of the sulphur contained in them cabbages
are good for rheumatic patients. They may be eaten steamed, or, better
still, boiled in soft water and the broth only taken. The ordinary
boiled cabbage is an indigestible "windy" vegetable, and should never
be eaten.

Food Remedies Facts About Foods And Their Medicinal Uses by Florence
Daniel