Sanicle (Sanicula europaea) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine for supporting the healing of skin lesions, wounds, and ulcers. The plant’s name itself is thought to derive from the Latin “sanare,” meaning “to heal,” reflecting its reputation as a vulnerary herb. Traditional herbalists used sanicle both internally and externally, often applying poultices or washes made from the leaves to cuts, sores, and other skin injuries to promote healing and reduce infection. Historical herbal texts, such as those by Nicholas Culpeper and other early modern herbalists, mention its application for "all sorts of wounds, both inward and outward," and for “green wounds,” which referred to fresh or open lesions. The justification for its use in these contexts was largely empirical, based on centuries of observation rather than scientific understanding.

However, modern scientific validation for sanicle’s effectiveness in treating lesions is limited. Some preliminary phytochemical analyses have shown that sanicle contains saponins, tannins, and other compounds that may have mild anti-inflammatory or astringent properties, which could theoretically support wound healing. Nevertheless, there are no well-designed clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies confirming its efficacy or safety for lesion management. As a result, the use of sanicle for lesions is primarily justified by traditional evidence, with scientific support remaining weak and largely anecdotal.