Sanicle (Sanicula europaea), also known as wood sanicle or European sanicle, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe. Its use for abscesses is primarily based on folk traditions rather than modern scientific validation. Historical records and herbal texts from the Middle Ages through the 19th century reference sanicle as a plant with wound-healing and "drawing out" properties. It was often applied topically as a poultice or wash to support the healing of abscesses, ulcers, and other skin eruptions. The plant was valued for its purported ability to "cleanse" wounds and encourage the expulsion of pus, which was a common approach in pre-modern medicine for managing abscesses.

The rationale behind its use likely stemmed from its astringent qualities, attributed to its content of tannins and saponins, which can help tighten tissue and may reduce local inflammation. However, there is a lack of modern clinical research directly investigating sanicle’s efficacy for abscesses. The available evidence is mostly anecdotal and based on traditional herbal practice, as noted in sources such as Maud Grieve's A Modern Herbal and various ethnobotanical surveys. To date, there are no high-quality, peer-reviewed studies confirming its effectiveness or safety for treating abscesses.