Overview

Pelargonium sidoides is a flowering plant native to South Africa. It's used as medicine by the native populations of South Africa.

Pelargonium sidoides might work by killing bacteria or preventing bacteria from attaching to surfaces within the body.

People use Pelargonium sidoides for bronchitis, common cold, COPD, sore throat, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Pelargonium sidoides is sometimes called geranium. Don't confuse Pelargonium sidoides with rose geranium oil or spotted geranium. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Short-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (acute bronchitis). Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract ((EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth within 48 hours of feeling sick seems to help speed up recovery from bronchitis.
  • A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth along with standard treatment seems to reduce the number of COPD flares in people with moderate or severe COPD. It might also reduce the need for antibiotics.
  • Common cold. Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth might help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery from a cold.
There is interest in using Pelargonium sidoides for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: A specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) is likely safe when used for up to 24 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken for longer periods of time. Side effects might include stomach upset. Allergic reactions are also possible.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: A specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) is likely safe when used for up to 24 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken for longer periods of time. Side effects might include stomach upset. Allergic reactions are also possible.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Pelargonium sidoides is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: A specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) is possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to one week. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken for longer periods of time.

Diseases of the immune system such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Pelargonium sidoides might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of these diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using Pelargonium sidoides.

Surgery: Pelargonium sidoides might slow blood clotting. It might increase the risk for bleeding during surgical procedures. Stop using Pelargonium sidoides at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES

    Pelargonium sidoides can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking Pelargonium sidoides along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES

    Pelargonium sidoides might slow blood clotting. Taking Pelargonium sidoides along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

A specific Pelargonium sidoides root extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) has most often been used by adults as 30-60 drops of solution (1.5-3 mL) taken by mouth three times daily for 7-10 days. It's also available in tablets. In children, dosing depends on age. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.