--- title: "Pelargonium Root: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Pelargonium (umckaloabo) root extract is traditionally used for common cold symptoms; liver injury has been reported with it." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pelargonium/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) # Pelargonium Root Pelargonium sidoides, Pelargonium reniforme T Traditional use Pelargonium (umckaloabo) root extract is traditionally used for common cold symptoms; liver injury has been reported with it. [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **Caution** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** root **Key constituents:** Coumarins (Umckalin) & Tannins 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 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Pelargonium sidoides DC and/or Pelargonium reniforme Curt., radix – Revision 2](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-pelargonium-sidoides-dc-pelargonium-reniforme-curt-radix-revision-2_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2024 ### Cite This Page Pelargonium Root (Pelargonium sidoides, Pelargonium reniforme). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pelargonium/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Echinacea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/echinacea/) A Strong clinical evidence Echinacea purpurea Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered. [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Ginger](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginger/) A Strong clinical evidence Zingiber officinale Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Willow Bark](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/willow-bark/) A Strong clinical evidence Salix spp. Willow bark extract may help with short-term low back pain. It contains salicylates, so it is unsuitable under 18 and with blood thinners. [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Chamomile](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chamomile/) T Traditional use Matricaria recutita A gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) +2 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Elderflower](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/elderflower/) T Traditional use Sambucus nigra Elderflower tea is traditionally used to relieve early symptoms of the common cold. The assessment covers the flowers only. [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Garlic](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/garlic/) T Traditional use Allium sativum Garlic powder is traditionally used to help prevent hardening of the arteries, and garlic extract to relieve symptoms of the common cold. [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Syrup & Paste) [Syrup & Paste →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ### [Ivy Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ivy-leaf/) A Strong clinical evidence Hedera helix Syrups and drops with standardised ivy leaf extract are used as an expectorant for chesty cough. The leaf itself is not made into tea. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ### [Coconut Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/coconut-oil/) B Limited clinical evidence Cocos nucifera An effective skin moisturiser; small studies found it helpful for children's atopic dermatitis. As a food fat, it is very high in saturated fat. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ### [Bitter Melon in Olive Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/bitter-melon-in-olive-oil/) B Limited clinical evidence Momordica charantia A folk remedy of bitter melon steeped in olive oil. Small studies saw a modest fall in blood sugar; it has not been shown to heal ulcers. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ### [Black Mulberry Syrup](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-mulberry-syrup/) T Traditional use Morus nigra A black mulberry syrup traditionally used in Anatolia for mouth ulcers and sore throats. It is rich in anthocyanins and high in sugar. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.