Poke (Phytolacca americana), also known as pokeweed, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and Appalachian communities. Historically, poke root has been used as a "lymphatic cleanser" or to "stimulate lymphatic drainage." Traditional herbalists believed that it could help reduce swollen lymph nodes, support immune function, and assist with conditions involving lymphatic congestion. However, these uses are based on folklore and empirical observation rather than scientific study.

There is little scientific evidence supporting the use of poke for lymphatic health. Research on pokeweed focuses primarily on its toxic properties, as it contains compounds such as phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which are potentially harmful or even fatal if ingested inappropriately. While some laboratory research has explored pokeweed proteins for their antiviral or anti-tumor potential, these studies do not address lymphatic support, and the doses used are not applicable to traditional herbal preparations.

In summary, while poke has a traditional reputation as a lymphatic remedy, there is minimal scientific support for its effectiveness in this role, and its use is associated with significant safety concerns.