The use of the Marking Nut Tree (Semecarpus anacardium) for treating bites and stings is primarily justified by traditional medicinal practices, particularly in Ayurveda and other South Asian folk medicine systems. Historically, the nut and its oil have been applied externally as part of remedies for insect bites, scorpion stings, and sometimes snakebites. The rationale in traditional medicine is often based on the nut's irritant and counter-irritant properties, which are believed to draw out toxins or reduce local inflammation and pain. Texts like the Charaka Samhita mention its application for such uses, and ethnobotanical surveys continue to report its inclusion in rural first-aid remedies.

However, scientific validation for these applications is limited. While some in vitro and animal studies have explored the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts of Semecarpus anacardium, there is no direct experimental or clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for bites or stings specifically. Furthermore, the nut is known to be highly irritant and even toxic, which raises significant safety concerns regarding its topical use. In summary, while traditional use is well-documented, current scientific evidence does not robustly support its efficacy or safety for this indication.