Pelargonium
Pelargonium sidoides
Herbs & Roots. African and Western & European.
Also called Umckaloabo, South African geranium, Pelargonium root
Ask a doctor firstA root from South Africa, made into European cough and cold products.
Did you know? The plants people call geraniums in gardens belong to the genus Pelargonium, the same genus as this South African root.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Breathing & asthma. A Cochrane review found some benefit for symptoms of acute bronchitis, but the evidence is rated low quality. Most studies used one maker's extract.Early proof
- Colds, flu & immunity. Some trials in colds and other upper airway infections suggest small benefits. Results are mixed, and the trials are small.Early proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
South African healers used the root for chest and throat problems. European companies later made standardized liquid extracts from it.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Expectorant, Antimicrobial, Immune booster. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
The best-studied product is a liquid extract called EPs 7630, usually taken as 30 drops three times a day for adults, following the label.
Tablet, syrup and tincture.
Where to get it
Grows wild in South Africa, in grassland and rocky hills. Roots are harvested and extracted, and products are sold in Europe as drops, tablets, and syrups. Wild harvest has been heavy, so ask about sustainable sourcing.
Be careful
Usually well tolerated. Side effects can include stomach upset, headache, and rare allergic reactions. Few drug interaction studies exist, so tell your doctor about all medicines, and people with autoimmune disease should get medical advice first.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; autoimmune disease.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are sold for colds and coughs. Combined use is common, with limited proof.
- Works well together
Both are used in cold-season products. Human proof is limited.
The honest take
Pelargonium has some trial support for easing bronchitis symptoms, but the evidence is rated low quality. The strongest trials used one maker's liquid extract, so results may not carry over to other products. Evidence for colds and other upper airway infections is mixed.