Poke (Phytolacca americana), also known as pokeweed, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in North America. Historically, various parts of the plant—especially the root and berries—were used by Native American tribes and early settlers for a range of ailments, including skin conditions such as rashes, hives, and other inflammatory disorders. The plant was sometimes made into poultices or topical preparations, believed to draw out inflammation and soothe skin irritations.

Despite this traditional use, there is little scientific evidence to support the efficacy or safety of poke for treating rashes or hives. Modern herbal texts may reference its use for skin afflictions, but these claims are generally based on folklore rather than clinical studies. In fact, pokeweed contains several toxic compounds (notably phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin), and improper use can cause serious poisoning. There are no rigorous clinical trials or pharmacological studies demonstrating benefit for dermatological conditions such as rashes or hives.

In summary, while poke has a place in traditional herbal medicine for treating skin conditions, its use is not supported by modern scientific evidence and carries potential health risks. Extreme caution is advised, and medical consultation is recommended before any use.