Pseudostellaria heterophylla, known as "Tai Zi Shen" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for supporting respiratory health, including conditions characterized by chronic cough, shortness of breath, weakness, and phlegm—symptoms overlapping with those seen in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In TCM, it is classified as a tonic herb used to "nourish the lungs and replenish Qi," and is often included in herbal formulas intended for lung deficiency, fatigue, and recovery from illness.

However, direct scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of Pseudostellaria heterophylla for COPD is limited. While a few in vitro and animal studies suggest immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, these are preliminary and not COPD-specific. The majority of evidence for its use in COPD comes from traditional practice and historical texts, rather than modern clinical trials. As such, its application in COPD is justified primarily by traditional use and expert consensus within TCM, not by strong scientific validation.

Therefore, while Pseudostellaria heterophylla is traditionally used for symptoms similar to those found in COPD, high-quality clinical studies are lacking, and its efficacy for this specific condition remains unproven in the context of modern biomedical research.