7 Best Benefits Of Pelargonium Sidoides
Pelargonium sidoides, also known as Umckaloabo, is a plant species native to South Africa, belonging to the Geraniaceae family.
Its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and phenolic glycosides, have been found to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant has been traditionally used to heal respiratory infections, such as the common cold and flu, by decreasing the frequency and severity of coughs, as well as reducing fever.
The bioactive compounds in Pelargonium sidoides have been shown to inhibit the replication of viruses and bacteria, making it an effective remedy for respiratory tract infections.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Pelargonium sidoides.
Table of Contents
1. Heals respiratory infections
Pelargonium sidoides heals respiratory infections, which refers to the plant's ability to alleviate and treat various infections affecting the lungs and airways.
This benefit is crucial as respiratory infections, such as the common cold and bronchitis, can lead to severe symptoms like coughing, congestion, and difficulty breathing, which can be debilitating and even life-threatening for vulnerable individuals like the elderly and young children.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, are responsible for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which enable it to combat respiratory infections effectively.
To harness this benefit, Pelargonium sidoides can be consumed in the form of herbal preparations like teas, tinctures, and capsules, which can be taken in accordance with the recommended dosages and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Umz-001
- Eps 7630
The following table displays the major constituents of Pelargonium sidoides and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Heals respiratory infections.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Catechin | Bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis |
| Rosmarinic acid | Sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis |
| Ursolic acid | Common cold, influenza, respiratory tract infections |
2. Decreases cough
Pelargonium sidoides decreases cough, which refers to the reduction or alleviation of a cough, typically associated with respiratory tract infections.
This benefit is important as a persistent cough can lead to fatigue, disrupted sleep, and decreased quality of life, hindering daily activities and overall well-being.
The plant's ability to decrease cough is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
To utilize Pelargonium sidoides for its cough-decreasing properties, it is best to consume it in the form of standardized herbal preparations, such as tablets or lozenges, that contain a fixed amount of the plant's active compounds, specifically 1.5% polyphenols.
Top Preparations:
- Coldcure
- Umzack
- Upa
The following table displays the major constituents of Pelargonium sidoides and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Decreases cough.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ursolic acid | Acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, dry cough |
| Rosmarinic acid | Asthma, coughing up blood, pneumonia |
| Catechin | Croup, laryngitis, whooping cough |
3. Reduces fever
Pelargonium sidoides reduces fever by lowering the body's temperature, thereby alleviating the discomfort and pain associated with fever.
This benefit is important as fever can lead to severe consequences, such as dehydration, organ damage, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children.
The plant's ability to reduce fever is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and saponins, which possess anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.
To harness this benefit, Pelargonium sidoides can be used in herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures, typically in dosages of 1-2 grams of the plant's root per day.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract
- Umzali ( capsules)
- Tea
- Capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Pelargonium sidoides and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces fever.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ursolic acid | Malaria, typhoid fever, feverish cold |
| Rosmarinic acid | Fever, influenza, pneumonia |
| Geraniol | Fever, malaria, typhoid fever |
4. Relieves sore throat
Pelargonium sidoides relieves sore throat by providing temporary relief from throat irritation and discomfort.
This benefit is important because a sore throat can be a debilitating symptom of various infections, such as the common cold and flu, making it difficult to swallow, speak, and perform daily activities.
The plant's ability to relieve sore throat is due to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and glycosides, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
To reap this benefit, Pelargonium sidoides can be consumed as a herbal preparation, such as a syrup or tablet, after consulting with a healthcare professional, allowing for the optimal relief from sore throat discomfort.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Elixir
- Umckaloabo syrup
- Extract tonic
The following table displays the major constituents of Pelargonium sidoides and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves sore throat.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ursolic acid | Sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis |
| Rosmarinic acid | Sore throat, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis |
| Catechin | Sore throat, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, strep throat |
| Caffeic acid | Sore throat, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, influenza |
5. Reduces congestion
Pelargonium sidoides reduces congestion by relieving the blockage of nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier to breathe.
This benefit is crucial as congestion can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and even exacerbate conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The plant's bioactive constituents, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, contribute to its decongestant properties by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and promoting the clearance of mucus.
To harness the decongestant properties of Pelargonium sidoides, it is best used in herbal preparations such as tea or tincture, typically in doses of 10-20 milligrams of the extract per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract drops
- Umzack syrup
- Throat spray
- Liquid extract
- Syrup
The following table displays the major constituents of Pelargonium sidoides and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces congestion.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Catalpol | Nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis |
| Ursolic acid | Asthma, chronic cough, allergic rhinitis |
| Rosmarinic acid | Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis |
6. Improves immune system
Pelargonium sidoides improves immune system by enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms, specifically by stimulating the production of white blood cells and activating immune cells to fight off invading pathogens.
This benefit is crucial as it helps protect against a range of illnesses, including respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and flu, as well as other infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
The plant's immune-enhancing properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
To harness the immune-boosting benefits of Pelargonium sidoides, it is best to consume it in the form of standardized herbal extracts or teas, which can be obtained from reputable manufacturers or health food stores.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Umckaloabo
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Pelargonium sidoides and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ursolic acid | Common cold, influenza, upper respiratory tract infections |
| Rosmarinic acid | Bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis |
| Caffeic acid | Fever, sore throat, mild flu |
| Quercetin | Allergic rhinitis, asthma, hay fever |
7. Antimicrobial properties
Pelargonium sidoides antimicrobial properties refer to the plant's ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, thereby preventing infections and diseases.
This benefit is crucial as it helps to prevent various health issues, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and wounds that are prone to infection.
Pelargonium sidoides contains bioactive constituents such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which are responsible for its antimicrobial properties.
To harness the antimicrobial benefits of Pelargonium sidoides, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or capsules, which can be taken orally or applied topically to affected areas.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Pelargonium sidoides and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Antimicrobial properties.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ursolic acid | Gingivitis, bad breath, mouth ulcers |
| Rosmarinic acid | Gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, skin infections |
| Pelargonidin | Wound infections, respiratory tract infections, otitis media |