Pearl (also known as Zhen Zhu, 珍珠) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is believed to calm the spirit, anchor yang, and nourish yin. In the context of "Heart weakness," a TCM term that may refer to symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, or restlessness, pearl is sometimes used to "settle the heart" and promote emotional balance. The idea is not that pearl directly strengthens the anatomical heart, but rather that it soothes the mind and spirit, which in TCM are closely associated with Heart function.

Scientifically, pearl consists primarily of calcium carbonate and trace minerals. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that pearl powder may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but rigorous clinical trials confirming its efficacy for heart-related symptoms or cardiovascular health in humans are lacking. There is no strong scientific evidence to support the use of pearl for treating heart disease or heart weakness as defined in modern medicine. Thus, its use for this purpose remains primarily traditional, based on historical practices rather than validated clinical research.