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Moderate evidenceImmunity

Pelargonium (Umcka)

Pelargonium sidoides root extract (EPs 7630, sold as Umcka) is one of the better-supported cold and bronchitis remedies, with a Cochrane review finding it probably shortens symptoms — but every trial comes from a single manufacturer and the evidence quality is rated low. Liver-injury reports keep it off the 'take freely' list.

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What the science says

  • Shortens acute bronchitis symptoms in adults Moderate evidence

    The 2013 Cochrane review pooled 10 trials in 2,657 patients and concluded the liquid preparation may be effective for resolving bronchitis symptoms in adults and children, with more patients symptom-free or much improved by day 7. An earlier meta-analysis of six trials reached the same direction. Cochrane graded the overall evidence low quality, noting all included trials came from one manufacturer and most had high or unclear risk of bias.

  • Reduces common cold duration Moderate evidence

    Placebo-controlled trials of EPs 7630 in the common cold report symptom scores improving about 1-2 days faster than placebo and more patients returning to work sooner. The effect is real but small in absolute terms, and colds resolve on their own within a week regardless.

  • Helps acute sinusitis and sore throat Limited evidence

    A single randomized trial in acute rhinosinusitis showed benefit for EPs 7630, and a systematic review of phytotherapy for acute rhinosinusitis identified it as one of only a few options with any controlled data. One trial is not a body of evidence, and tonsillopharyngitis data in children are similarly thin.

  • Direct antibacterial or antiviral killing Limited evidence

    Marketing often implies Pelargonium kills the pathogen. In vitro it mostly acts indirectly — blocking bacterial adhesion to epithelium, stimulating interferon and ciliary beat frequency — rather than acting as a bactericide, and it does not reduce antibiotic need in any outcome trial. It is a symptom-duration remedy, not an anti-infective.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseAdults: 30 drops (about 1.5 mL) of the EPs 7630 liquid extract three times daily, or 20 mg film-coated tablets three times daily, for up to 7-10 days. Children 6-12 years: 20 drops three times daily; under 6: 10 drops three times daily per label. Trials treated for 7 days; continuous long-term use has not been studied.
SafetyCommon adverse effects are gastrointestinal upset and, notably, minor bleeding events — nosebleeds and gum bleeding — reported more often than with placebo. Rare hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema occur. European regulators reviewed a cluster of hepatobiliary case reports and, while causality was judged unclear or unlikely in most, required liver warnings on EU products: stop and seek care with jaundice, dark urine, or right-upper-quadrant pain. Do not use in liver disease. Caution with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs given the bleeding signal, and avoid in pregnancy and lactation for lack of data. Not prohibited in sport. Products vary widely — only EPs 7630 has the trial data; generic 'umcka' or root powder capsules do not inherit it.

How to take it

TimingThree times daily during the acute illness, for up to 7-10 days.
With food?Either way.
Worth knowingOnly EPs 7630 carries the trial data — generic "umcka" or root powder capsules do not inherit it.

Interactions

With medications

  • anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs

    Minor bleeding events — nosebleeds and gum bleeding — were reported more often than with placebo. avoid, or stop at any sign of bleeding

  • hepatotoxic medication

    EU products carry liver warnings after a cluster of hepatobiliary case reports. do not use in liver disease, and stop for jaundice, dark urine or right-upper-quadrant pain

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does pelargonium (Umcka) work for bronchitis?

Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 (Umcka) probably helps resolve acute bronchitis symptoms: a 2013 Cochrane review of 10 trials in 2,657 patients found more people symptom-free or much improved by day 7 (moderate evidence). Cochrane rated the evidence low quality because all trials came from one manufacturer.

Does Umcka shorten a cold?

In placebo-controlled trials, pelargonium extract EPs 7630 improved common cold symptoms about 1-2 days faster than placebo (moderate evidence). The effect is real but small, and colds resolve on their own within a week regardless.

How much pelargonium should I take?

Adults took 30 drops (about 1.5 mL) of the EPs 7630 pelargonium liquid extract or 20 mg tablets three times daily, for up to 7-10 days; long-term use has not been studied. Only EPs 7630 carries the trial data, so generic umcka or root powder capsules do not inherit it.

What are the side effects of pelargonium?

Pelargonium can cause stomach upset and minor bleeding such as nosebleeds and gum bleeding more often than placebo, so avoid it or stop at any sign of bleeding if you take anticoagulants. EU products carry liver warnings after hepatobiliary case reports, so do not use it in liver disease and stop for jaundice or dark urine.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Nature's Way, Umcka®, Cold Relief Chewables, Ages 6+, Cherry, 20 Tablets

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