South African geranium (Umckaloabo)

• TinctureRootInternalTraditional use

  The root extract is used traditionally to relieve common cold symptoms. The European Medicines Agency (HMPC) classifies this as 'traditional use' – plausible effectiveness with over 30 years of safe use, based on long-standing experience rather than robust clinical trials.

  Preparation & dosage

  The standardised ethanolic root extract EPs 7630 (Umckaloabo) is used. Adults and adolescents from 12 years: 30 drops three times daily (about 1.5 ml of liquid root extract). Use until symptoms subside, generally no longer than 3 weeks. Home-made tinctures do not reach the defined composition of the licensed product; children use age-banded lower doses per the package leaflet.

  Liquid amount

  1.5–1.5 ml

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  3 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — Not for children under 6 years; adult dosing from 12 years (EMA HMPC). Liquid forms may contain ethanol.

  Sources: [1] [4] [5]

• TinctureRootInternalClinical trial

  A Cochrane review (Timmer et al. 2013) assessed controlled trials of EPs 7630 in acute respiratory infections and found an overall positive but inconsistent effect on acute bronchitis symptoms such as cough and sputum. Overall evidence quality was rated low and many trials were manufacturer-funded. The EMA therefore does not recognise bronchitis as an approved indication.

  Preparation & dosage

  For acute bronchitis the special extract EPs 7630 was tested in clinical trials mostly at 30 drops three times daily over about 7 days. Use only after medical assessment; do not self-treat in cases of persistent fever, shortness of breath or bloody sputum.

  Liquid amount

  1.5–1.5 ml

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  3 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — Not for children under 6 years; adult dosing from 12 years (EMA HMPC). Liquid forms may contain ethanol.

  Sources: [2] [3]

Rare cases of liver disorders (hepatotoxicity) have been reported in connection with pelargonium root products; a corresponding warning has been mandatory in the package leaflet since 2014. If signs of liver damage occur (jaundice, dark urine, upper abdominal pain), discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice. Due to the coumarin content, mild bleeding has rarely been observed; use with caution in people with a bleeding tendency or taking anticoagulants. Gastrointestinal complaints and allergic hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Liquid preparations contain ethanol. ASPCA classification (accessed 2026-08-10): toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA classifies the whole genus this way.