Thatch screw-pine (Pandanus tectorius) has a history of use in traditional medicine across various regions of Asia and the Pacific Islands. In ethnobotanical records, different parts of the plant—such as leaves, roots, and fruit—have been used to treat a range of ailments, including skin conditions. Specifically, traditional healers in some cultures have used preparations made from Pandanus tectorius to treat boils and similar skin infections. The typical mode of application involves using poultices or topical preparations derived from the leaves or roots applied directly to the affected area.

However, scientific validation for the effectiveness of Thatch screw-pine in treating boils is limited. While some laboratory studies have investigated the antimicrobial properties of extracts from Pandanus tectorius, the evidence is sparse, and there is no direct clinical research demonstrating efficacy for boils specifically. Most available data come from traditional knowledge and anecdotal use rather than controlled scientific trials. Therefore, the use of Thatch screw-pine for boils is primarily justified by traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation.