Spiny Restharrow (Ononis spinosa) has been used traditionally in European herbal medicine, primarily for urinary complaints and as a mild diuretic. In folk medicine, its roots and aerial parts have sometimes been employed in remedies for various types of infections, particularly those of the urinary tract, owing to its perceived antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the documentation of its use specifically for treating infection is limited and typically anecdotal, found mainly in older herbal texts rather than in rigorously documented ethnobotanical surveys.

Modern scientific studies on Spiny Restharrow focus mostly on its diuretic and anti-inflammatory actions, with only a few in vitro studies suggesting any antimicrobial effect, and those effects are generally weak and not well-characterized. No substantial clinical trials or robust preclinical studies support its use for infections in humans. Therefore, its use for treating infections is justified mainly by tradition, with little support from scientific research. The overall quality of evidence is low, and the use of Spiny Restharrow for this purpose should be considered with caution and not as a replacement for evidence-based treatments.