Supplement Scholar
Herb

Pelargonium Sidoides

Buy on Amazon ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Pelargonium Sidoides. South African geranium for bronchitis.

How it works. Antiviral and immunomodulatory.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces acute bronchitis duration (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 30 drops 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. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Pelargonium Sidoides. South African geranium for bronchitis.

Key compound: umckalinC11H10O5 · 222.19 g/mol

What it is

South African geranium for bronchitis.

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 immunomodulatory.

Pathways

  • Antiviral
  • immunomodulatory

Effects

  • ↓acute bronchitis duration decreases

What the research supports

Reduces acute bronchitis durationmoderate

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
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
Shop Pelargonium Sidoides on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Look for USP, NSF or Informed Sport seals before you buy.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Pelargonium Sidoides 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 — Reduces acute bronchitis duration ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Pelargonium Sidoides and "Reduces acute bronchitis duration". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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

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

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

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

Discussion

Loading discussion…