For centuries, people have looked to the earth to provide wellness support from nature. Plants have a myriad of uses and powers; they can help purify the air and brighten a room with vibrant color, not to mention feed the world, but they can also be used to enhance and complement your wellness journey and routine.

One such plant is the Pelargonium sidoides, commonly known as the South African geranium. It's so much more than just a pretty flower; its roots have been used for wellness purposes for hundreds of years!

If you're looking for ways to feel your best during the winter season and are interested in plant-powered options to add to your routine, you'll want to know everything there is to know about South African Geranium root and how it can help you get back to your life faster.

What is the South African Geranium?

The South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) is native to South Africa and is a member of the geranium family. The plant has beautiful dark purple and red buds and velvety leaves. Over 300 varieties of the plant exist.

The root may be referred to as black geranium, Cape Pelargonium, or Pelargonium root. The root grows for three years before being harvested at peak maturity.

The history of the South African Geranium

The plant's powerful properties were first discovered in South Africa, where it was used to help support respiratory and digestive health.

The plant gained popularity in Europe and the United States when a man named Charles Stevens traveled to South Africa looking to support his respiratory health; he hoped the climate would help.¹ He met a healer who gave him a remedy made from the South African geranium and, when it worked, he returned to England to share what he had found.

The benefits of South African Geranium root extract

Some preparations of this extract are clinically proven to reduce the duration and severity of minor nasal, throat, and chest irritations and occasional coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants.* This is primarily why it has become a popular herbal supplement taken at the first sign of respiratory irritations.*

How to add it to your wellness routine

If South African Geranium root extract sounds perfect for your unique wellness routine, you can find it in Sambucus Relief. Our proprietary South African Geranium root extract (EPs 7630®) is the only clinically proven South African Geranium root extract backed by 30 years of research to be safe and effective. Research indicates that children and adults taking South African Geranium root extract at the first sign are half as likely to need antibiotic treatment later.+

Sambucus Relief was designed to unite two unique ingredients, South African Geranium root extract and black elderberry extract, to support your wellness journey. Try the gummies for adults and kids if that's your go-to format or grab a bottle of Sambucus Relief Cough Syrup to soothe occasional coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants.*

Curious about South African Geranium Root? This trusted, time-honored ingredient may be just the thing you’re looking for this season and beyond.

‡‡South African Geranium Root Extract reduces the duration and severity of minor nasal, throat, and chest irritations and occasional coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants*

±Based on a 2020 retrospective analysis of the IMS® Disease Analyzer database; use of South African Geranium root extract (EPs 7630) was significantly associated with reduced antibiotic prescriptions in the further course of illness in children and adults and fewer sick leaves >7 days in adults.

SOURCES

1. Street, R.A. et al. Journal of Chemistry. 2013;