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Pelargonium Sidoides (EPs 7630)
A standardized root extract (EPs 7630) of the South African geranium, best evidenced for shortening symptom duration and severity in acute bronchitis and other upper-respiratory infections. The Cochrane review found the liquid preparation effective for acute bronchitis but rated overall evidence quality as low to very low.
What the evidence says
Most Pelargonium Sidoides studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from medium-quality randomised trials published 2010–2013.
Based on 4 studies · 2 RCTs
Confidence
LowBy outcome
Pelargonium Sidoides has an evidence score of 5/10 — moderate evidence based on 4 indexed studies, including 1 meta-analysis. A standardized root extract (EPs 7630) of the South African geranium, best evidenced for shortening symptom duration and severity in acute bronchitis and other upper-respiratory infections. The Cochrane review found the liquid preparation effective for acute bronchitis but rated overall evidence quality as low to very low. Representative study: PMID 24146345.
The commonly studied dose of Pelargonium Sidoides is Liquid EPs 7630: 30 drops three times daily for adults during an acute infection. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
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Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 4 studies · how we score
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Pelargonium sidoides is a medicinal geranium native to South Africa whose root yields the standardized extract EPs 7630 (marketed as Umckaloabo). It is used as a short-course remedy for acute, mostly viral, respiratory infections — acute bronchitis, the common cold, sinusitis, and sore throat. Proposed mechanisms include mild antibacterial/antiviral activity, interference with bacterial adhesion to mucosa, and immunomodulation (stimulation of interferon and other innate-immune signals). The clinical evidence is real but modest: a 2013 Cochrane systematic review of acute respiratory tract infections concluded the liquid preparation is probably effective at relieving symptoms of acute bronchitis in adults and children, while tablets were not clearly effective, and graded the overall evidence as low to very low quality. Multiple placebo-controlled RCTs (mostly from the manufacturer-linked German research groups using the Bronchitis Severity Score) show faster symptom resolution versus placebo. It is not a cure and does not replace antibiotics where bacterial infection is confirmed; its role is symptom relief and shorter illness duration in self-limiting infections.
EPs 7630 shows weak direct antimicrobial effects and interferes with bacterial adhesion to respiratory mucosa in vitro.
Stimulates interferon and other innate-immune signaling, which may speed clearance of respiratory viruses.
Proposed enhancement of ciliary beat frequency and mucus clearance, aiding symptom resolution.
How Pelargonium Sidoides works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
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Liquid EPs 7630: 30 drops three times daily for adults during an acute infection
Can be taken without food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💧Liquid extract (EPs 7630) | Recommended |
| 💊Film-coated tablets | Alternative |
Use a standardized EPs 7630 preparation; the liquid form has the best trial support.
Minimum: 1 weeks
Optimal: 1 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Three divided doses per day for a short course (about 7 days) at the start of an acute respiratory infection.
Dose-response data unavailable. The current published research for Pelargonium Sidoides does not provide sufficient dose-specific outcome data to generate reliable dose-response curves.
Refer to the Dosage & Timing section above for recommended dose ranges based on available evidence.
RCTs show greater Bronchitis Severity Score reduction versus placebo, particularly for cough.
Modest evidence for shorter, milder common-cold and sinusitis symptoms.
Mostly mild GI complaints; the Cochrane review noted adverse events were more common than placebo though none serious.
Use caution and consult a clinician given coumarin content.
Avoid — rare hepatotoxicity has been reported in regulatory pharmacovigilance.
RCT-supported in children with age-adjusted liquid dosing; check product age limits.
Insufficient safety data — avoid.
Pelargonium contains coumarin-type constituents; a theoretical additive bleeding risk warrants caution with blood thinners.
Tip: Take with food or reduce dose
Tip: Discontinue if rash or hypersensitivity occurs
Tip: Avoid with pre-existing liver disease; stop if jaundice or dark urine develops
Both are herbal extracts with RCT support for shortening upper-respiratory infection symptoms via different mechanisms.
Layered acute respiratory symptom relief from two independently-evidenced herbs.
Elderberry is studied for cold/flu symptom duration; pairs conceptually with Pelargonium's broader URTI support.
Complementary short-course immune/respiratory symptom support.
The best time to take Pelargonium Sidoides is in split doses through the day. It can be taken on an empty stomach. Taken three times daily at the onset of acute respiratory symptoms; typically a 7-day course.
Pelargonium Sidoides is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. The most commonly reported side effects are mild GI upset (nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain), allergic skin reactions, rare hepatotoxicity (case reports). Use caution if any of these apply to you: Known liver disease (rare hepatotoxicity reports); Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use (theoretical); Pregnancy/breastfeeding (insufficient data).
Reduces cold risk and shortens infection duration — most effective when started at first sign of symptoms.