Pseudostellaria heterophylla, known as "Tai Zi Shen" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use to "support the Spleen," which in TCM theory refers to functions related to digestion, nutrient uptake, and energy production. According to classic texts and modern materia medica, Tai Zi Shen is considered a mild tonic that replenishes Qi (vital energy), particularly Spleen Qi, and is used when there is fatigue, poor appetite, or weakness following illness. The root is often prescribed as a gentler alternative to Panax ginseng, especially for children, the elderly, or those with weaker constitutions.

The traditional rationale is based on centuries of empirical use and inclusion in various herbal formulas. However, the concept of "Spleen" in TCM does not directly correspond to the anatomical spleen in Western medicine, and instead refers to a set of physiological functions. Scientific studies on Pseudostellaria heterophylla show some immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, and adaptogenic effects in preclinical models, but evidence directly validating its efficacy for any specific function analogous to the TCM Spleen system in humans is limited. Therefore, its use is primarily justified by tradition, with some supporting but not definitive scientific evidence.