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Herb library · Herb · Pelargonium sidoides (also P. reniforme)

Pelargonium (umckaloabo)

A plant native to South Africa whose root extract is sold, mostly in Europe, for colds, coughs and bronchitis. Trials suggest it may ease acute bronchitis symptoms, but the evidence is low quality and doubt remains; liver problems have been reported.

Traditional use

Native to South Africa. A remedy made from its roots, umckaloabo, was first sold in Britain in 1897 for tuberculosis and faded with the arrival of antibiotics. It returned in the 2000s: Germany approved a liquid form for acute bronchitis in 2005, and the EU now registers it as a traditional herbal medicine for the symptoms of the common cold in people aged 6 and over. Andrew Smith (1895), writing from the Eastern Cape, recorded P. reniforme under the local name i-Yeza lezikali, its boiled leaves used to seal and protect wounds.

What studies show

  • Limited

    Acute bronchitis: a 2013 Cochrane review of trials in adults and children found the liquid extract may relieve symptoms, but not the tablets, and rated the evidence low quality. All trials were run by investigators linked to the product, and the reviewers suspected publication bias.

  • Insufficient

    Common cold and sinusitis: single small studies with very low-quality evidence. Cochrane says it may help adults but doubt exists; the EU accepts the cold use on traditional grounds only.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • ConditionLiver injury and hepatitis have been reported with pelargonium root medicines (frequency not known). If signs of liver trouble appear, stop taking it at once and see a doctor.
  • NoteSide effects in trials were more common than with placebo but none were serious. Reported effects include diarrhea, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and allergic reactions including rash, hives and swelling.
  • ConditionNot recommended by mouth for children under 3. See a doctor if symptoms last more than a week or get worse.
  • PregnancySafety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and use is not recommended.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, have liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.

From the old books

What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.

“The leaves when boiled yield a mucilage which is made use of to keep the air out of a wound, and also to prevent the eggs from being deposited, which produce maggots.”
Andrew Smith, A Contribution to South African Materia Medica (1895), p. 81. See the page of A Contribution to South African Materia Medica, p. 81 (opens in a new tab) · Read the full passage from A Contribution to South African Materia Medica, p. 81

Sources

  1. Pelargonii radix - herbal medicinal product (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
  2. European Union herbal monograph on Pelargonium sidoides DC; Pelargonium reniforme Curt., radix (EMA/HMPC/648100/2022) (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
  3. Pelargonium sidoides extract for treating acute respiratory tract infections (Cochrane, 2013) (opens in a new tab) · Cochrane · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.