Siler root, also known as Fang Feng in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is primarily used based on historical and traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. For centuries, siler root (Saposhnikovia divaricata) has been described in classical TCM texts as an herb that dispels "wind" and is used to treat conditions associated with wind-cold-dampness, such as headaches, body aches, and certain types of weakness or debility. Its application for "debility" is rooted in the broader traditional understanding of restoring balance and strengthening the body, especially when debility is thought to be due to external pathogenic factors or an imbalance in the body’s energy (Qi).

Historical materia medica, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing, lists siler root as beneficial for improving resilience against illness and for replenishing energy in people who are weakened. In TCM, debility is a generalized term that may overlap with fatigue, weakness, and convalescence, and siler root is one of several herbs combined in formulas to support these states.

However, modern scientific evidence specifically supporting siler root for treating or supporting debility is minimal. Some preliminary pharmacological studies suggest anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and adaptogenic properties, but these findings are insufficient to justify its use for general debility by Western medical standards. Thus, its use for debility is primarily justified by traditional rather than scientific evidence.