Petiveria alliacea, commonly known as "guinea hen weed" or "anamu," has a long history of use in traditional medicine practices throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. In folk medicine, Petiveria is often employed to address conditions involving "swollen glands," which commonly refers to enlarged lymph nodes. Herbalists and traditional healers use decoctions or infusions of the roots and leaves to "cleanse the blood" and support the lymphatic system, particularly in cases of infection, inflammation, or immune challenges.

The rationale for its use is based largely on the plant's reputed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, as noted in ethnobotanical surveys and traditional pharmacopoeias. For example, in Jamaica and parts of Brazil, Petiveria is administered to people with swollen lymph nodes, boils, or other signs of infection, reflecting a belief in its ability to help the body "remove toxins" and reduce swelling.

However, while laboratory studies have shown that Petiveria alliacea contains compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, there is no direct clinical evidence supporting its efficacy specifically for lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) in humans. Thus, its usage for this purpose remains primarily traditional, with only preliminary scientific support for general immune and anti-inflammatory activities.