Avens (Geum urbanum) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially in Europe, where it has been employed for a variety of ailments including gastrointestinal complaints, sore throats, and as a wound-healing agent. Its use in the treatment of carbuncles—painful clusters of boils caused by bacterial infection—stems from its reputation as a general astringent and anti-inflammatory herb. Traditional herbal texts sometimes recommend Avens as a topical wash or poultice to promote healing of skin infections and to reduce inflammation, but these recommendations are largely anecdotal and have not been rigorously assessed in clinical studies.

Scientifically, there is a lack of robust evidence to support the efficacy of Avens in treating carbuncles. While some laboratory studies have indicated that Avens possesses mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties due to its tannins and other phytochemicals, these findings are preliminary and not specific to carbuncles. There are no controlled human trials or substantial pharmacological investigations validating its effectiveness for this condition. Thus, the use of Avens for carbuncles remains primarily rooted in traditional herbal practice rather than scientific validation.