The African geranium, scientifically known as Pelargonium sidoides, is a plant native to South Africa with beautiful, bright flowers and velvety leaves. This species of geranium has been used for centuries in Zulu medicine and is now gaining recognition as an herbal remedy for various ailments, particularly respiratory infections.
Historical Context
The powerful healing properties of the African geranium were first discovered in South Africa. In 1897, an Englishman named Charles Stevens sought treatment for tuberculosis in South Africa. He consulted with a tribal healer who administered a medicine made from a local plant. After fully recovering, Stevens presented the African Geranium to the English Medical College as an effective remedy for tuberculosis.
Medicinal Uses and Benefits
Today, geranium root is used as a natural alternative to antibiotics and to treat symptoms of upper respiratory infections such as colds, coughs, and sore throats. It is believed to prevent the development of bronchitis and may be an effective treatment for a variety of bacterial and viral infections. It is also used for disorders in the gastrointestinal tract and has an analgesic effect, relieving the symptoms of a sore throat.
Scientists claim that African geranium is effective in fighting upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and the common cold. Research indicates that people with acute bronchitis can recover completely without antibiotics in just a week. The herb extract has been clinically proven to reduce the duration and severity of irritation in the nose, throat, and chest, as well as relieve coughs.
Key Benefits of Pelargonium Sidoides:
- Treatment of Respiratory Infections: Effective against bronchitis, sinusitis, and the common cold.
- Immune System Stimulation: Activates immunity, accelerates recovery, and protects against repeated infections.
- Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties: Stops the spread of bacteria in the respiratory system and prevents infection.
- Symptom Relief: Clinically proven to reduce the duration and severity of irritation in the nose, throat, and chest, and relieve coughs.
What to Do with Leggy Pelargoniums | How to Take Pelargonium Cuttings | How to Care for Pelargoniums
Scientific Evidence
Several studies support the efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides in treating respiratory infections. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial by Lizogub VG, Riley DS, and Heger M. demonstrated the efficacy of a Pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold.
Read also: Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority
Patient Characteristics in the Study:
- Patients were recruited from outpatient departments in Ukraine.
- The study included 207 eligible patients.
- Two-thirds of the participants were women, and all were Caucasian.
- Patients in the treatment and placebo groups were similar in terms of recurrent disease, prior use of medication for the common cold, smoking, and alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Treatment Regimen:
- Patients were assigned to take 30 drops of either the herbal preparation or a placebo three times daily, at least 30 minutes before or after a meal, from day 1 to day 10.
- The investigational medication was a preparation of the roots of P. sidoides, with an extraction solution of ethanol 11% (1:8-10) (wt/wt).
- The placebo was matched for color, smell, taste, and viscosity.
Primary Endpoint:
- Severity of cold symptoms was evaluated using the Cold Intensity Score (CIS), a validated scale derived from the sum of scores for 10 cold-related symptoms.
- At baseline, the mean total CIS was comparable in both treatment and placebo groups (17.8±4.0 vs 16.9±3.4).
Secondary Endpoints:
- The number of patients achieving clinical cure (defined by CIS ≤1) by day 10 was significantly higher in the treatment group (78.8% vs 31.4%, P<.0001).
- The mean duration of days absent from work was significantly lower in the treatment group (6.9±1.8 vs 8.2±2.1, P<.0003), as was the number of days with less than 100% usual activity level (7.1±1.5 vs 8.7±1.3, P<.0001).
| Endpoint | Treatment Group | Placebo Group | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Cure (CIS ≤1) by Day 10 | 78.8% | 31.4% | P<.0001 |
| Mean Duration of Days Absent from Work | 6.9±1.8 | 8.2±2.1 | P<.0003 |
| Days with Less Than 100% Usual Activity Level | 7.1±1.5 | 8.7±1.3 | P<.0001 |
Data for both the primary and secondary endpoints were evaluated according to an intention-to-treat analysis.
Read also: Discover Thula Thula
Safety and Tolerability
Patients in the low-dose arm experienced three nonserious adverse events, and one experienced mild epistaxis. Two additional patients (one in the treatment and one in the placebo group) experienced moderate to severe tracheitis, not attributable to the study medication. Tolerability was rated slightly better in the treatment than the placebo group on day 5.
However, the Uppsala Monitoring Centre, in conjunction with the World Health Organization international pharmacovigilance program, received 34 case reports between 2002 and 2006 of allergic reactions to ethanolic herbal extract of Pelargonium root, two of which involved life-threatening circulatory collapse requiring emergency medical attention. Contact dermatitis to Pelargonium houseplants has also been reported.
As a result, product information will be added to product packaging, warning of common reactions of gastrointestinal complaints (gastric pain, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea) as well as the potential for serious allergic reaction.
Availability
While the German preparation used in some studies may not be readily available in the United States, a similar preparation containing extract of the root of P. sidoides is distributed by Nature’s Way under the name Umcka Coldcare. Umcka Coldcare appears to be readily available for purchase, both online and through local health food stores.
Additional Benefits and Uses
Beyond its use in treating respiratory infections, geranium oil, extracted from Pelargonium graveolens, offers a range of health benefits:
Read also: Traditional South African Bread
- Skin Care: Regulates sebum production, helping to treat acne and dermatitis. Its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate skin irritation.
- Mental Well-being: Calming fragrance reduces stress, anxiety, and depression in aromatherapy.
- Natural Antiseptic: Antimicrobial properties make it an effective wound-healing agent, preventing infection in minor cuts.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Geranium oil production is a significant economic driver in African regions, providing vital employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Cultivating geraniums for oil production is a friendly practice due to their ability to thrive with minimal water and adapt to different soil types.
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. Side effects might include stomach upset, and allergic reactions are possible.
Special Precautions:
- Pregnancy and Breast-feeding: Avoid use due to a lack of reliable information.
- Children: Possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to one week.
- Diseases of the Immune System: Avoid use as it might increase symptoms.
- Surgery: Stop using at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery due to potential blood-clotting effects.
Interactions
Pelargonium sidoides can interact with certain medications:
- Immunosuppressants: May decrease the effects of these medications.
- Anticoagulants: May increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Dosage
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.
