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.

Please note: there is no known cure or direct treatment, pharmaceutical or herbal, for the novel Coronavirus, and so what we offer here is support to the systems and organs affected so that they can be as strong and resistant as possible and increase chances of healthy survival of the infection.

The research we cite here is preliminary and not officially supported by any health organization; it’s the best any of us have right now. This information is not a claim of cure or prevention of any disease.

Your best chance remains not catching the virus at all, and we defer to the excellent advice from the CDC on staying healthy, which we are following as if all our lives depend on it, because they do.

If you suspect you have been exposed to the novel Coronavirus, please contact your doctor before starting any treatment. Please also see your doctor before starting this or any preventative regimen, as all herbs have many possible interactions with other herbs, drugs, and health conditions.