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About Pelargonium

The natural way to fight colds and sinusitis. Pelargonium is a herb with anti-viral, anti-microbial and immune boosting properties that helps reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections such as coughs, colds, sore throats, sinusitis and prevents secondary infections such as chronic bronchitis.^1-4

Pelargonium Pelargonium sidoides is a member of the Geranium family which forms a rosette-like plant. The long-stalked leaves are mildly aromatic, heart-shaped and velvety. Its distinctive dark, reddish-purple flowers are present throughout the year, but occur mostly from late spring to summer with a peak in mid-summer. Pelargonium sidoides is native to South Africa and grows throughout the eastern Cape.³

Action and uses of Pelargonium

Pelargonium extracts have been shown to have anti-microbial, anti-viral and immune boosting actions that synergistically help to relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and shorten their duration.³ Research demonstrates that Pelargonium extracts may help relieve the symptoms associated with tonsillitis, bronchitis, sinusitis and other upper respiratory tract infections.^1,2,4

Pelargonium extract prevents the adhesion of bacteria and viruses to the respiratory tract epithelial cells and reduces the mucus where bacteria multiply and prevents them penetrating cell walls and spreading infection.³ Pelargonium extract stimulates the immune system and in particular the activation of natural killer cells and stimulation of phagocytosis enabling the body's own defence mechanism to fight more effectively against infections.³ This is particularly valuable in the modern era of increased antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.

How much do you take?

Pelargonium should be taken at the first sign of infection or if the individual is exposed to possible high levels of infection from already infected people. The recommended dose is 20mg dried extract, three times a day. A course of 10 days Pelargonium is recommended to relieve symptoms and shorten infections. An additional course of the herb can be taken if necessary. Pelargonium may also be taken to prevent infections at the same dose.

Side effects/safety

Do not take if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Pelargonium is generally well tolerated and any side effects are rare. However, if for any reason you feel that you have experienced side effects, please consult your pharmacist or doctor.

It is safe to take Pelargonium with other supplements and there is no evidence that it interacts with prescribed medications at the recommended dosage. As a precaution do not take Pelargonium if you have been prescribed warfarin. As with any herbal remedy, if you believe you have a complaint requiring medical treatment, or you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Pelargonium.

1. Seidel,V. and Taylor, P.W., In vitro activity of extracts and constituents of Pelargonium against rapidly growing mycobacteria. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2004 Jun; 23(6):613-9.

2. Bereznoy, V.V., Riley, D.S., Wassmer, G. and Heger, M., Efficacy of extract of Pelargonium sidoides in children with acute non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus tonsillopharyngitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Altern Ther Health Med. 2003 Sep-Oct; 9(5):68-79.

3. Kolodziej, H., Kayser, O., Radtke, O.A., Kiderlen, A.F. and E. Koch, E., Pharmacological profile of extracts of Pelargonium sidoides and their constituents. Phytomedicine. 2003; 10 Suppl 4:18-24.

4. Matthys, H., Eisebitt, R., Seith, B. and Heger M., Efficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2003; 10 Suppl 4:7-17.