Pelargonium

Medical herbalist Dee Atkinson tells us why she loves pelargonium

Pelargonium  (Pelargonium sidoides) is used in South Africa as a natural antibiotic. Known as ‘Umckaloabo’, it has been used for thousands of years by the Zulu, Basuto, Xhosa and Mfenfi people and is especially valued for its action on upper respiratory tract infections, coughs and ear, nose and throat infections and for its ability to encourage rapid recovery from colds and flu. In 1897 Charles Stevens an Englishman was given pelargonium to treat tuberculosis. Fully recovered, Stevens took his remedy back to Europe and the herb gained in popularity.

The science

Pelargonium has been well researched using randomised double blind, placebo - controlled trials for use in acute bronchitis and has been shown to be as effective as using treatments involving antibiotics. Studies have also shown that pelargonium sisoides extracts are effective in treating tonsillopharyngitis in children between the ages of six and ten years. It seems to be especially helpful in treating those who have not responded well to antibiotics.

A Cochrane Database of Systematic review published in July 2008 concluded that Pelargonium sisoides may be effective in alleviating symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis and common cold in adults.

How it works

Herbalists usually use pelargonium as an antibacterial and antiviral herb. It has become popular because of the positive results in clinical trials. It is used to treat flu, bronchitis and tonsillitis. Its expectorant action helps the body to expel mucus and speeds up the rate of recovery. This three-fold action of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and expectorant attacks acute infection at its root, helping to balance the immune system and prevent the cycle of infection taking hold. Pelargonium is commonly prescribed in Europe for upper respiratory infections.

How to take it

If you have symptoms of a cold or the flu, or have developed a chest infection then pelargonium extracts are certainly worth trying. They help to stop bacteria from attaching to cell membranes, preventing the bacterial from multiplying. Similarly viruses are prevented from attaching to the mucus membranes, which also prevents multiplying.

To treat colds and viral infections, start treatment as soon as you start to experience any symptoms. I have used pelargonium tablets as a preventive with patients who come in contact with other flu sufferers.

Top tip

Pelargonium can be combined with other herbs such as with a tea made from dried sage, which will help to raise your body temperature and in a good old-fashioned way will help you to sweat out the bug.

Dee Atkinson MCPP, Medical Herbalist, Napiers the Herbalists 

Pelargonium can be found in Kaloba.