Chinese Pine (Pinus tabuliformis) and its close relatives, such as Pinus sylvestris and Pinus massoniana, have a history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) primarily for respiratory health, including supporting the Lungs. In TCM, pine needles, resin, and nuts are sometimes used as remedies for cough, asthma, and bronchial discomfort, based largely on their warming, expectorant, and phlegm-relieving properties. Classical herbal texts reference pine’s ability to "dispel wind and dampness" and its use in formulas aimed at strengthening the Lung system, which is considered critical for overall vitality and resistance to external pathogens in TCM theory.

Scientifically, there is limited validation for these claims. Pine needle extracts do possess some bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and volatile oils, which may have mild anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial effects in vitro. However, there are very few, if any, rigorous human clinical trials directly supporting pine’s use for lung health or treatment of lung diseases. Most available scientific evidence is either preliminary or focused on antioxidant properties rather than direct respiratory benefits.

In summary, the use of Chinese Pine to support the Lungs is rooted in traditional medicine practices rather than established scientific research. The overall evidence rating reflects the reliance on historical use with minimal modern validation.