Pokeweed has many purported benefits but little science to back them up. In traditional folk medicine, pokeweed stimulates the bowels and induces vomiting. In homeopathic medicine, pokeweed is used to treat tonsillitis. It is also used to treat psoriasis and eczema and suppress inflammatory immune responses. Pokeweed is also rumored to prevent or treat cancer and boost immunity in people with HIV. However, there is little to no research to support any health benefits of pokeweed.