Pelargonium sidoides might work by killing bacteria or preventing bacteria from attaching to surfaces within the body.
People use Pelargonium sidoides for bronchitis, common cold, COPD, sore throat, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Pelargonium sidoides is sometimes called geranium. Don’t confuse Pelargonium sidoides with rose geranium oil or spotted geranium. These are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Effective for
- Short-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (acute bronchitis). Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract ((EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth within 48 hours of feeling sick seems to help speed up recovery from bronchitis.
- A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth along with standard treatment seems to reduce the number of COPD flares in people with moderate or severe COPD. It might also reduce the need for antibiotics.
- Common cold. Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth might help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery from a cold.
There is interest in using Pelargonium sidoides for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Pelargonium sidoides is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: A specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) is possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to one week. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken for longer periods of time.
Diseases of the immune system such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Pelargonium sidoides might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of these diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using Pelargonium sidoides.
Surgery: Pelargonium sidoides might slow blood clotting. It might increase the risk for bleeding during surgical procedures. Stop using Pelargonium sidoides at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
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Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with Pelargonium sidoides
Pelargonium sidoides can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking Pelargonium sidoides along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
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Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Pelargonium sidoides
Pelargonium sidoides might slow blood clotting. Taking Pelargonium sidoides along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Dosing
