Cabbage leaves possess vitamins as well as phytonutrients. Phytonutrients possess anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling. Cabbage also contains vitamin K and vitamin C, both of which are anti-bruising agents. To use cabbage leaves to treat bruises, begin by cutting the hard stem out of the cabbage leaves. Next, you are going to soak the leaves in hot water to soften them. Once they have softened, use a rolling pin to knead the leaves into a paste. Apply the crushed cabbage leaves to the bruise and secure with gauze. Allow the cabbage to sit on the bruise for thirty minutes.