Pelargonium Root
Pelargonium sidoides, Pelargonium reniforme
T Traditional usePelargonium (umckaloabo) root extract is traditionally used for common cold symptoms; liver injury has been reported with it.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA classes extracts of Pelargonium sidoides and P. reniforme roots as a traditional herbal medicine for common cold symptoms. Use it as ready-made syrups, drops or tablets with standardised extract. Liver injury and hepatitis have been reported, so stop at once if liver symptoms appear.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve symptoms of the common cold. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Use only a ready-made standardised extract product as labelled (e.g. over 12: 20 mg three times daily).
Amount: 3 times daily
Duration limit: See a doctor if no better within 1 week
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 3 years
- Stop at once and see a doctor if you get liver symptoms such as yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or abdominal pain.
- Not recommended under 3; under 6 use liquid forms only.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Rash, itching, hives, angioedema, rarely anaphylaxis
- Diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, gum bleeding, nosebleed
- Liver injury, hepatitis (frequency unknown)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Pelargonium extract is assessed by the EMA for colds from age 3. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does pelargonium help colds?
The EMA accepts pelargonium root extract as a traditional remedy for common cold symptoms.
Can children take pelargonium?
Children over 3 may use an age-appropriate dose; under 6 only liquid forms are suitable.
Can pelargonium harm the liver?
Liver injury and hepatitis have been reported. Stop at once if you notice yellowing or dark urine.
Is it the same as garden geraniums?
No. The assessment covers roots of the South African Pelargonium sidoides and P. reniforme.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Pelargonium sidoides DC and/or Pelargonium reniforme Curt., radix – Revision 2EMA HMPC · 2024
Cite This Page
Pelargonium Root (Pelargonium sidoides, Pelargonium reniforme). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pelargonium/
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