Homalomena, a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia, for various ailments, including skin conditions like boils. Ethnobotanical surveys and folk medicine records indicate that certain species (such as Homalomena aromatica) are applied topically to treat skin inflammation, abscesses, and boils. The rationale in traditional practice is often based on the perceived anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties of the plant's leaves or rhizomes, although the specific traditional preparations and methods can vary by region and culture.

However, scientific validation for the use of Homalomena in treating boils is minimal. There are very few peer-reviewed pharmacological studies examining its efficacy against the bacteria commonly responsible for boils (such as Staphylococcus aureus). Some preliminary phytochemical analyses have identified the presence of essential oils and compounds with potential antimicrobial properties, but direct clinical or even robust in vitro evidence specific to boils is lacking. Thus, while the traditional use is documented, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for this condition remains weak.