Pink Root (Spigelia marilandica) has a history of use in various traditional herbal medicine systems, primarily for its anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties. However, some historical accounts and ethnobotanical sources note that powdered Pink Root or preparations containing it were occasionally applied topically or used in poultices for minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions among certain Native American groups and early settlers in North America. The rationale was generally based on the belief in the plant’s general medicinal virtues, rather than specific wound-healing properties. These uses are sparsely documented and not widely recognized in herbal literature compared to Pink Root’s internal applications.

There is very limited scientific evidence to support any significant efficacy of Pink Root for healing scratches or abrasions. Modern phytochemical or pharmacological studies have not focused on Pink Root’s effects on skin healing, antimicrobial activity, or inflammation relevant to superficial wounds. Most references to its topical use are anecdotal and do not constitute robust evidence. Therefore, the justification for its use in this context is primarily traditional and supported by only low-level evidence.