Pokeroot was first used by the Native Americans who used to call it pogon. This plant was used primarily as a vomit inducer and for skin diseases. The Indians of Delaware used it as stimulant for the heart whereas in Virginia it was considered a strong diarrhetic. Even up to this date woodcutters in the apache mountains chew on the seeds and fruit of pokeroot to treat inflammations of the joints - this being very curious since the fresh plant is very poisonous. Pokeroot reached Europe in the nineteenth century where it is used as a cleanser for the lymph system.

The dried root of pokeroot is the part that is used in preparations. A tincture made of the root is used against congestion of the lymph nodes and glandular fever. The dried root is mixed with purple coneflower. The tincture is added to herbal medications for the treatment of rheumatism and inflammations of the joints. The tincture can also be added to those medications that stimulate the liver or are used to treat stomach ulcers.

Compresses made of dried pokeroot can be applied to the inflamed joints and to hemorrhoids.

The powder of pokeroot can be taken internally in small doses (50 to 250 mg) for inflammations of the breast and the tonsils. A little of the powder can be used for fungal growth and eczema.

Most parts of the fresh pokeroot plant are poisonous; therefore it is advisable not to plant it in a garden where young children play. It is important to avoid using pokeroot during pregnancy as it may cause deformities in the foetus.