South African Geranium

We heard about this native South African remedy from an herbalist friend, who said it was being investigated as a possible treatment for the new Coronavirus and its complications.

In our research, we found that this Geranium has a long history of use for infectious respiratory diseases. Its Zulu name, “umckaloabo”, means “heavy cough”, and it was used against the tuberculosis outbreaks of the early 1900’s, as well as for less-serious lung infections and ailments.

South African Geranium has not been widely studied, but it has shown fever reducing properties, and also benefit in nausea and appetite loss associated with illness.

Recent research has focused on its antiviral properties, which seem to be related to its boosting of cellular resistance to viral attack, along with stimulation of the body’s immune defense mechanisms against viruses and bacteria. This effect connects to its traditional use against respiratory infections, but may also be of benefit in bacterial infections of the digestive system, as well as herpes virus.