Pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria officinalis) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Historically, various parts of the plant have been applied topically or used in poultices to treat skin conditions, including abscesses, boils, wounds, and ulcers. The rationale for its use appears to stem from its reported anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, as well as its soothing effects when used externally. However, descriptions of its application to abscesses are mostly found in early herbal texts and folk remedies rather than in systematic medical literature.

From a scientific perspective, there is minimal evidence to validate these uses. Modern phytochemical studies have identified some bioactive compounds in pellitory-of-the-wall, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may possess mild anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial effects. Nevertheless, no clinical trials or robust preclinical studies have specifically examined its efficacy for abscesses. As such, the support for using pellitory-of-the-wall in treating abscesses is rooted in tradition rather than in scientific validation. Its use today for this indication should be considered with caution, as there is little to no modern research confirming its safety or effectiveness for abscesses.