Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) has a longstanding history in traditional European herbal medicine for treating minor wounds and abrasions. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys indicate that poultices or infusions made from the aerial parts or roots of the plant were applied externally to soothe and promote the healing of skin injuries, including abrasions, cuts, and sores. The traditional rationale for its use centers on its astringent properties, attributed to its tannin content, which may help to contract tissue and reduce minor bleeding.

Despite its popularity in folk medicine, there is limited scientific research directly evaluating Silverweed's efficacy for abrasions. While some laboratory studies have identified antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory effects in Silverweed extracts, there are no controlled clinical trials or robust pharmacological investigations confirming its benefit specifically for skin abrasions. Most of the evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional herbal compendia. Therefore, while the use of Silverweed for abrasions is justified by tradition and some plausible phytochemical properties, the overall strength of the evidence is modest.