African Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides)

African Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) is a member of the Geraniaceae family, native to South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for decoctions, infusions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and expectorant actions, and has a long history of use in african traditional medicine, european herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

African Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — African Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	African Geranium
Scientific Name	Pelargonium sidoides
Plant Family	Geraniaceae
Genus	Pelargonium
Species	sidoides
Native Range	South Africa, Namibia, Botswana
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Expectorant
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Pelargonium sidoides
Common Name: African Geranium
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common African Geranium, South African Geranium, Pelargonium Sidoides
Plant Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Pelargonium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Smooth, broadly ovate leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are racemose with flowers having five petals arranged in a whorl, each petal bearing a distinct midvein, and sepals that are ovate and persist through fruit development.
Stems: Elongated, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth, glabrous surface, and nodes bearing adventitious root scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Tincture
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a moderate anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Antispasmodic: Traditionally described as a soothing antispasmodic, in muscle-related contexts.
Expectorant: In herbal texts, considered a calming expectorant, for airway-related applications.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Saponin: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant families.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.