Evidence supporting the use of: Hellebore
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Hellebore (a name applied to several toxic plants, most commonly Helleborus niger and related species) has a long history of use in various traditional medicine systems, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. Historical texts and ethnobotanical records suggest that hellebore was occasionally used topically for skin conditions, including abscesses, boils, and other inflammatory lesions. The rationale was often based on its irritant and purportedly "drawing" properties, as well as its general reputation for purgative and cleansing effects. However, these uses were based on empirical tradition rather than controlled scientific studies. There is no robust clinical or preclinical evidence supporting the efficacy or safety of hellebore for abscess treatment. In fact, hellebore is known to contain potent toxins (such as protoanemonin and cardiac glycosides), and its use can result in severe adverse effects, especially if ingested or applied to broken skin. Modern herbal medicine and pharmacology do not recommend hellebore for abscesses due to its toxicity and lack of proven benefit. Thus, while there is some traditional precedent for its use, this is not supported by contemporary evidence, and its use for abscesses is largely obsolete and potentially dangerous.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
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bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
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punarnava
paederia foetida
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privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
red root
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Acacia
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Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
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Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
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Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
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Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
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Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
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Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
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Cynoglossum grande
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Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
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Chiococca alba
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Casearia sylvestris
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Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
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Erigeron
Elephant Vine
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Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
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Euphorbia
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Flueggea suffruticosa
Figwort
Fomes fomentarius
Ficus simplicissima
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Gnaphalium
Gumweed
Garlic
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Gugambilla
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Hedyotis
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Herb Robert
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Isatis
Immortelle
Indian Fagonia
Jessica's Sticktight
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Kachnar
Kokilaksha
Kamala
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lac resin
Lantana camara
Little ironweed
Lewis's monkey flower
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Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
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Morning Glory
Marigold
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Microcos
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Naphthoquinones
Nasturtium
Nimbidin
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Purple Tephrosia
Plantago
Pluchea
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Paris polyphylla
Peucedanum
Pentatropis capensis
Plumbago zeylanica
Patrinia
Physalis angulata
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Petiveria
Plectranthus amboinicus
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Rhus glabra
Sanicle
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Sesbania
Sargentodoxa
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Sausage Tree
Smartweed
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