Echinacea purpurea has a long history of traditional use among Native American tribes and in European herbal medicine for various infections and inflammatory conditions, including skin abscesses, boils, and wounds. The plant was commonly applied topically or taken orally to help the body fight off localized infections and promote wound healing. Traditional practitioners believed that Echinacea could "draw out" infection and enhance the immune response, making it a popular remedy before the advent of antibiotics.

In terms of scientific evidence, most research on Echinacea focuses on its potential to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections, rather than abscesses or other skin infections. There is some laboratory evidence that Echinacea extracts possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and mild antimicrobial properties. However, well-designed clinical trials specifically evaluating its efficacy in treating abscesses are lacking. Some case reports and historical records support its traditional use for abscesses, but this evidence is largely anecdotal or based on historical practice rather than robust scientific validation.

In summary, the use of Echinacea purpurea for abscesses is primarily justified by tradition, with minimal scientific evidence directly supporting its effectiveness for this condition. Its use in this context should be approached with caution, especially since serious abscesses often require medical intervention.