Divi-divi (Caesalpinia coriaria) has a history of use in traditional medicine, especially in regions of Central and South America and the Caribbean. The astringent pods and tannin-rich extracts from the plant have been used by indigenous populations to treat a variety of skin conditions, including abscesses, wounds, and ulcers. The rationale for its traditional use is tied to its high tannin content, which can have drying and antimicrobial effects on superficial skin lesions and may help reduce inflammation or promote healing by creating an unfavorable environment for bacterial growth.

However, there is very limited scientific research specifically investigating the efficacy of divi-divi for abscess treatment. Most available reports are anecdotal or derived from ethnobotanical surveys, and there are no well-designed clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies confirming its effectiveness or safety in this context. The evidence for its use is, therefore, primarily traditional and lacks rigorous scientific validation. Most modern herbal medicine references mention divi-divi in passing, if at all, with little detail or endorsement.

In summary, while divi-divi is traditionally used for abscesses and related skin conditions in some cultures, the evidence supporting this use is weak and not validated by modern science.