BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Also known as: No synonyms listed.
Do not use an ornamental geranium; the dossier covers Pelargonium sidoides and reniforme.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
01 · UNDERSTAND
Properties & uses.
Cold symptoms
Traditional use of defined extracts; insufficient evidence to conclude general efficacy against bronchitis.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
02 · UNDERSTAND THE ACTION
How does the plant act?
Cape pelargonium is assessed in the form of root extracts, in a dossier shared by Pelargonium sidoides and P. reniforme. Human studies of respiratory symptoms exist, but the European conclusion remains traditional use for the common cold. Results for a particular extract do not apply to an improvised herbal tea or all geraniums. Laboratory findings or symptom improvement do not prove elimination of an infection.
Constituents to know.
Their presence and quantity depend on the plant part and preparation.
- Phenolic compounds and coumarins
- The report describes proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids and simple coumarins in the roots, among other constituents. This complex composition does not define a single active ingredient.Read the reference
Cold symptoms
The extracts defined in the dossier have a traditional symptomatic use. This status is not equivalent to proven efficacy against all respiratory viruses.
Read the referenceBronchial symptoms studied
Human trials have investigated an effect on symptoms of acute bronchitis. Their existence must be distinguished from the level of evidence recognized for the European indication.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
Prefer an identified root preparation with explicit composition and precautions. The liquid and dry hydroalcoholic extracts in the dossier are not equivalent home recipes.
03 · EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Trials, but a conclusion that remains traditional
- Type of research
- HMPC clinical assessment summarized in the EMA public information.
- Preparation concerned
- Pelargonium root extracts; the preparation used in each study matters.
- Observed results
- Several studies suggested improvement in acute bronchitis symptoms, but the committee identified methodological weaknesses preventing firm conclusions.
- Limitations to consider
- The results do not justify self-treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia or breathlessness; they cannot be attributed separately to each species in the shared dossier.
What can we take from this?
The coumarin profile is not sufficient to infer an anticoagulant effect or particular safety. The dossier does not support claims of general infection prevention or definite immune enhancement.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
04 · CHOOSE A PREPARATION
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
Liquid extractRoot · Route: oral
Controlled hydroalcoholic extraction.
Please note: Follow the product's package leaflet; preparations are not interchangeable.
Read the sourceDry extractRoot · Route: oral
Solid form derived from a defined extract.
Please note: Follow the product's package leaflet; preparations are not interchangeable.
Read the source05 · BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications
- Allergy to pelargonium.
Medicine interactions
- No established interaction is included in this entry; this does not guarantee compatibility with a treatment.
Adverse effects
- Digestive disturbances, nose or gum bleeding, sometimes severe allergies; hepatotoxicity and hepatitis reported, frequencies unknown.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: medicinal use is not recommended because of insufficient data.
Children & adolescents
Recent monograph: certain preparations from 3 years; under 6 years, liquid form only. Have the choice and dose checked by a professional; not recommended under 3 years.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
06 · PUTTING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
Preparations & recipes.
No home recipe is provided in this profile. For an appropriate preparation, refer to the product leaflet and ask your pharmacist for advice.
07 · CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — Pelargonii radix: assessment and documentsAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — monograph or final opinion consultedAccessed on 09/10/2026
- ANSES — summary of precautions for food supplements (June 2023)Accessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — assessment report on the roots of Pelargonium sidoides and P. reniforme, revision 2Accessed on 09/10/2026
Illustration: Photo by and (c)2006 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man ). Location credit to the Chanticleer Garden. · CC BY-SA 3.0. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.
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