Jessica's Sticktight (Desmodium paniculatum) has a history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly among Indigenous and rural communities in North America and Asia. The plant has been applied topically to treat external ulcerations, wounds, and skin irritations. Ethnobotanical records describe its use as a poultice or wash for skin lesions, citing its purported anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. These effects are attributed to the plant’s phytochemical content, including flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which are known to promote wound healing in general.

However, there is a lack of modern clinical or pharmacological studies directly validating the efficacy of Jessica's Sticktight for external ulcerations. The available evidence is primarily anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge rather than controlled scientific inquiry. Few laboratory studies have explored the antimicrobial or wound-healing properties of Desmodium species, and none specifically address its use for skin ulcerations in humans. Therefore, while its use is justified by historical and traditional practice, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak, warranting a low rating.