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Herb

Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo)

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Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo). South African geranium root for acute bronchitis and URIs.

How it works. Antiviral and antibacterial; enhances phagocytosis and ciliary beat frequency.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces severity and duration of acute bronchitis (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 30 drops tid / 20 mg tid.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin D3 + K2, Zinc.

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo). South African geranium root for acute bronchitis and URIs.

Key compound: umckalinC11H10O5 · 222.19 g/mol

What it is

South African geranium root for acute bronchitis and URIs.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Immune Function

How it works

Antiviral and antibacterial; enhances phagocytosis and ciliary beat frequency.

Pathways

  • Antiviral
  • antibacterial
  • enhances phagocytosis
  • ciliary beat frequency

Effects

  • ↓severity and duration of acute bronchitis decreases

What the research supports

Reduces severity and duration of acute bronchitisstrong

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
30 drops tid / 20 mg tid
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith meals
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.
  • ZincRequired cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) — Reduces severity and duration of acute bronchitis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) and "Reduces severity and duration of acute bronchitis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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