Balloon-Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine, especially in China, Korea, and Japan, to support the bronchial and respiratory systems. Its root, known as "jie geng" in Chinese medicine, has been employed for centuries to aid in the relief of coughs, sore throats, and conditions involving phlegm and congestion. The traditional use is well-documented in classical herbal texts, where it is often included in formulas for bronchitis and other respiratory ailments.

The mechanism of action, according to traditional sources, involves "opening up" the lungs and facilitating the movement of mucus. Some modern pharmacological studies have explored its saponin content, which may exhibit expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in animal models. However, robust clinical trials in humans are limited, and the majority of the evidence supporting its use for bronchial health remains rooted in traditional practice rather than confirmed by high-quality scientific research. Thus, while there is some preliminary biological plausibility, the justification for its use is primarily traditional, with moderate support from early scientific investigation.