The use of Chinese Raisintree (Hovenia dulcis) for abscesses is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, particularly within the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, various parts of the plant—most notably the seeds and bark—have been used for their purported detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. Texts such as the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" list Hovenia dulcis among remedies for conditions involving "heat" and "toxins," which can correspond to infections and abscesses. The rationale is often based on empirical observations and the broader TCM theory of balancing bodily humors and expelling pathogenic factors.

Scientific research into the efficacy of Chinese Raisintree for treating abscesses specifically is limited. Some studies have investigated the plant's general antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, isolating compounds such as dihydromyricetin and saponins that demonstrate modest activity against certain bacteria and inflammation in laboratory settings. However, these findings do not directly validate its use for abscesses in humans, and clinical trials are lacking. Consequently, while the plant's traditional use for abscesses is well documented, scientific support remains preliminary and indirect.