Evidence supporting the use of: Spanish Needle
For the health condition: Abscesses

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Spanish Needle (Bidens pilosa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating various skin ailments, including abscesses. In many cultures, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, poultices or topical applications made from the leaves of Spanish Needle are applied to boils, wounds, and abscesses to reduce inflammation and promote healing. The traditional rationale is based on the plant’s reputed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties observed by local healers over generations.

From a scientific perspective, some in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts of Bidens pilosa possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, which could theoretically help with superficial skin infections. However, direct clinical studies on humans specifically evaluating the effectiveness of Spanish Needle for abscess treatment are lacking. The evidence supporting its efficacy in this context remains primarily anecdotal and based on ethnobotanical surveys rather than controlled, peer-reviewed research.

In summary, while there is a traditional basis for using Spanish Needle to support the treatment of abscesses, and some laboratory research supports its antimicrobial properties, robust clinical evidence is absent. Thus, its use for this condition should be considered as complementary and not a substitute for standard medical care.

More about Spanish Needle
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bee propolis
bentonite
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bergamot
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bindweed
black nightshade
black root
black walnut
black-eyed Susan
blackboard tree
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Boerhavia diffusa
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boxthorne
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bromelain
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burdock
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celandine
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chrysophanics
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cocklebur
coconut
colloidal silver
copaiba oil
cowage seed
cowherb
croton seeds
curcumin
Cymbidium goeringii
Cynanchum
Cynodon dactylon
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divi-divi
dragon\'s blood
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
elephant vine
elephant\'s head
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goldenseal
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heal-all
Hedyotis
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henna
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honey
hound\'s tongue
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indigo leaves
Isatis
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oregano
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plantain
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protein
punarnava
purple Tephrosia
red alder
red root
red spiderling
resin
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scrophularia root
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sheep's sorrel
shen-chu
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siler root
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Smartweed
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