Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine among Native American and early settler communities in North America. It was used for a variety of ailments, including as a "blood purifier," for rheumatism (now considered an autoimmune or inflammatory disorder), and for other inflammatory conditions. The plant contains several biologically active compounds, such as phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which are toxic in higher doses. In folk medicine, very small amounts of pokeweed root or berries were sometimes used with the belief that it could stimulate the immune system or modulate inflammatory responses.

However, scientific evidence to support the use of pokeweed for autoimmune disorders is minimal to nonexistent. While some laboratory studies have explored the immunomodulatory effects of pokeweed lectin (a protein found in the plant), these studies are primarily in vitro (test tube) or animal-based, and focus more on immune stimulation than on safe or effective treatment of autoimmune conditions. No well-designed clinical trials have established pokeweed as a safe or effective treatment for autoimmune diseases in humans. Furthermore, the plant is quite toxic and can cause serious adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory depression, and even death if improperly prepared or dosed. As such, the use of pokeweed for autoimmune disorders remains rooted in tradition, not science, and is not recommended due to the risk of poisoning.