Glehnia littoralis (commonly known as "bei sha shen" in traditional Chinese medicine) has a longstanding history of use in East Asian herbal medicine, particularly within Chinese and Japanese traditions. It is traditionally used to "moisten the lungs" and relieve dry cough, which often accompany or follow respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia. Historical texts and classical materia medica, such as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, describe its application in formulas intended to nourish lung yin and alleviate symptoms like dry throat, cough, and thirst—symptoms that can be present in pneumonia or during recovery from it.

However, scientific validation for the use of Glehnia littoralis specifically for pneumonia is limited. While some laboratory studies have shown that extracts of the plant possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, these studies generally focus on isolated compounds or animal models and do not directly address pneumonia in humans. There is a lack of robust clinical trials or systematic reviews demonstrating efficacy for pneumonia treatment. Consequently, while the herb's use is justified by traditional practices and its pharmacological profile suggests potential respiratory benefits, the strength of evidence supporting its use specifically for pneumonia is low.