Pelargonium is an herb packed with antibacterial, antiviral, immune enhancing, and expectorant properties. These properties make pelargonium a valuable treatment for respiratory infections; especially colds and coughs. Because of its success rate (90%) in treating such infections, pelargonium has earned the name umckaloabo; which is thought to mean "heavy cough" in Zulu.
History & Folklore
Pelargonium has been utilized for centuries by South African healers, and garnered the attention of Europeans in the early 1900's. Traditionally, Pelargonium was used by healers to treat respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and tuberculosis.
Habitat & Cultivation
Pelargonium is an evergreen herb growing up to a foot high its native eastern South Africa. The plant forms a rosette of long-stalked, clover-like leaves with striking deep purple flowers. In herbal medicine, only the root of the pelargonium is used to make extracts, tinctures, and tablets. High demand for this herb has caused increased commercial cultivation of the plant, and is commonly found in health stores and pharmacies. The root is harvested at the end of the growing season to be sliced and kiln dried.
Uses
Respiratory Infections Commonly available in pharmacies and health stores it is considered a front-line defense against upper respiratory issues and chest infections
Traditional African Remedy used to treat respiratory issues, tuberculosis, period pains, liver disease, and gastroenteritis
Antimicrobial extracts contain strong activity against a wide range of bacteria especially in the ear, nose, throat, and chest; also been shown to act against herpes viruses
Children's Remedy safe for children from 1+ year(s) old to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, and sinus problems, fluid extract is best for children with upper respiratory tract infections
Parts used
Root sliced and dried before use, Pelargonium has strong antimicrobial activity
Key Actions
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Immune Enhancing
Expectorant
Constituents
Polyphenols (including high levels of proanthocyanidins)
Coumarins
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 120.
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