Poke (Phytolacca americana), also known as pokeweed, has a longstanding history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially among Native American and Appalachian herbalists. Historically, various parts of the plant—including the root—have been applied topically or prepared as poultices to support the healing of abscesses, boils, and other skin infections. The rationale behind its use appears to stem from its reputed ability to "draw out" infection and promote drainage, which was a valued property in the era before antibiotics.

However, scientific validation for these traditional applications is sparse. While pokeweed contains bioactive compounds such as saponins and alkaloids, these are better known for their toxicity and potential to cause irritation rather than for any clinically proven antimicrobial or abscess-healing properties. There are some limited in vitro studies suggesting pokeweed’s extracts may have antibacterial activity, but these do not directly translate to safe or effective use in human abscess management. Furthermore, pokeweed is considered potentially toxic, especially if ingested or used improperly.

In summary, the use of poke for abscesses is justified primarily by tradition rather than robust scientific evidence. Its historical usage is well-documented, but modern clinical support is lacking, and safety concerns should be carefully considered.