Using Pelargonium Sidoides For Respiratory Illnesses

Pelargonium sidoides is a plant in the geranium family that grows in South Africa. It has heart-shaped leaves and narrow flowers of deep, saturated red. It has a long history of traditional use in southern Africa for treatment of respiratory problems. The root is the part used medicinally.
An alcohol extract made from Pelargonium sidoides has become popular in Germany as a treatment for various respiratory problems, including acute bronchitis, the common cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), and tonsillitis. Taking this or other natural treatments for cold symptoms can be a great alternative to prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs. Fairly large studies have been performed to substantiate some of these uses.

For example, in one double-blind placebo-controlled study, 468 adults with recent onset of acute bronchitis showed a significantly greater improvement in symptoms in the treatment group who were given pelargonium sikoides as compared to the placebo group.

Given this and other evidence, Pelargonium appears to be effective for acute bronchitis.

Research has also shown Pelargonium as being useful for a nondangerous form of strep throat (technically, non-group A beta hemolytic strep tonsillopharyngitis). (However, only a medical test can distinguish between the relatively nondangerous form of strep throat studied in this trial and strep throat of the potentially very dangerous A form. For this reason, physician supervision is essential. )

Finally, a double-blind study of 133 adults who had just come down with the common cold found that use of a standardized pelargonium extract at a dose of 30 ml three times daily significantly reduced the severity and duration of symptoms as compared to placebo. It is not known how Pelargonium sidoides might work, but its action is hypothesized to involve both direct antibacterial effects and immune function modification.

In clinical trials enrolling a total of over 2,500 adults and children, use of the tested, standardized extract produced few side effects, other than the usual occasional allergic reactions or digestive upset. However, comprehensive safety testing has not been completed. There is no reliable evidence regarding safety in children under the age of 6, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease.

A typical adult dose of the tested standardized root extract is 30 drops three times daily. For children 6-11, this dose is typically reduced to 20 drops three times daily. However, other products beside the tested formulation may vary in strength. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the instructions from your practitioner.

By: Jennifer Hill

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