Comparisons
Echinacea or Pelargonium?
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and pelargonium root (Pelargonium sidoides) are two herbs often found in cold remedies. Their evidence is limited and their conditions of use differ. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | EchinaceaEchinacea purpurea | Pelargonium RootPelargonium sidoides, Pelargonium reniforme |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | B Limited clinical evidence | B Limited clinical evidence |
| Needs | Immunity, Skin & Hair | Immunity, Respiratory, Throat & Mouth |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Syrup & Paste |
| How to use | Pressed-juice preparation: 1.5–4.5 ml per dose; start at the first signs of a cold. | Use only a ready-made standardised extract product as labelled (e.g. over 12: 20 mg three times daily). |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 12 | From age 3 |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | Max 10 days | See a doctor if no better within 1 week |
Which one, when?
Echinacea
Some preparations may slightly lower the chance of catching a cold; whether they shorten it is unclear. Start at the first symptoms and use for up to 10 days; not recommended under 12.
Full card →Pelargonium Root
Its liquid extract may ease symptoms of acute bronchitis (low-quality evidence); its effect on colds is doubtful. As a ready-made product from age 3, and only in liquid form under 6.
Full card →Good to know
- Echinacea is not recommended with autoimmune disease, immune deficiency, immunosuppressive treatment or daisy-family allergy.
- Stop pelargonium and see a doctor if yellowing skin, dark urine or abdominal pain appears.
- Neither is recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, herba recensEMA HMPC · 2014 · MonographSource accessed:
- European Union herbal monograph on Pelargonium sidoides DC and/or Pelargonium reniforme Curt., radix – Revision 2EMA HMPC · 2024 · MonographSource accessed:
- Echinacea: Usefulness and SafetyNIH NCCIH · 2024 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- Pelargonium sidoides extract for treating acute respiratory tract infectionsCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2013 · Systematic reviewSource accessed: