Synopsis

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

Geranium (Pelargonium spp.), particularly Pelargonium sidoides, has a long history of traditional use in southern African herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory infections and other ailments. The root extract, commonly referred to as Umckaloabo, is especially prominent in traditional remedies for coughs, colds, and bronchitis, conditions which are often of viral origin. While there is some laboratory evidence suggesting that Pelargonium extracts have antiviral properties—such as inhibition of certain respiratory viruses—most of the available scientific studies focus on bacterial infections or on the symptomatic relief of respiratory tract symptoms rather than direct antiviral action.

Clinical trials and systematic reviews generally conclude that Pelargonium extract can modestly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms in acute bronchitis and the common cold, but the exact antiviral mechanism remains poorly defined. Much of the support for its use against viral infection is thus rooted in traditional practice and indirect clinical effects rather than robust, direct scientific validation of antiviral efficacy. Therefore, while geranium has a strong traditional reputation for supporting viral infection recovery, the evidence is limited and not definitive by modern scientific standards.

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