Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Geranium (Pelargonium spp.), particularly Pelargonium sidoides, has been traditionally used in South African herbal medicine to treat various infections, including those of bacterial origin. The roots of Pelargonium sidoides are the basis for the herbal remedy known as Umckaloabo, which has been used for generations for respiratory tract infections. There is some laboratory evidence suggesting that extracts from certain geranium species possess antibacterial properties, likely due to the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, and essential oils. However, most scientific studies focus on viral and mixed infections, and robust clinical trials directly demonstrating their effectiveness against bacterial infections in humans are limited. The majority of support for using geranium against bacterial infections comes from traditional use and anecdotal reports rather than large-scale, high-quality clinical evidence. While some small studies and in vitro tests indicate possible antibacterial activity, especially against pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, these findings are not sufficient to firmly validate its use. Therefore, while geranium has a history of traditional use for infections, and some preliminary evidence suggests antibacterial effects, the overall quality and quantity of evidence remain modest, justifying a rating of 2 for its use in treating bacterial infections.

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