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Pelargonium Sidoides EPs 7630 — SacredBod supplement bottle (illustrative)
Supplement · Respiratory & Lung Health

Pelargonium Sidoides EPs 7630

20 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 20 caps

Acute bronchitisProductive coughCommon coldSore throatHoarsenessChest pain during cough LungsBronchiUpper respiratory tract
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Overview Stacks Timing Related Research FAQs

What it is

EPs 7630 is a standardised ethanolic extract (1:8–10) from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides, a South African geranium known as Umckaloabo. It is the most extensively studied herbal preparation for acute bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections, with multiple RCTs, meta-analyses, and Cochrane reviews supporting its efficacy.

How it works

EPs 7630 exerts antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects. It stimulates non-specific immune defence (macrophage activation, increased ciliary beat frequency) and inhibits bacterial adhesion to respiratory mucosa. The extract also reduces inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) in the airways, shortening illness duration.

Who should take it

Adults and children over 6 with acute bronchitis, common cold, or upper respiratory tract infection; individuals seeking an evidence-based herbal alternative to antibiotics for viral respiratory infections.

Avoid / careful

Pregnant or breastfeeding women; individuals with severe liver or kidney disease; those with known allergy to Pelargonium sidoides. Side effects: Very well tolerated. Rare mild gastrointestinal upset, allergic skin reactions, or increased heart rate. No serious adverse events reported in clinical trials.

When to take it

Morning
Noon
Evening
Night

How to take it

With food
Empty stomach
Before food

FAQs

Frequently asked

How quickly does it work?
Symptom improvement begins within 2–3 days. The landmark meta-analysis showed that 88.7% of adults with acute bronchitis achieved ≥50% cough reduction by day 7 with EPs 7630 vs 47.6% with placebo. Sick days were reduced by an average of 1.73 days compared to placebo.
Can children take it?
Yes. EPs 7630 is approved for children ≥6 years in Europe. Paediatric trials (ages 6–18) showed significant cough remission and safety. A syrup formulation is available for younger children in some markets.
Does it replace antibiotics?
For uncomplicated acute bronchitis (which is usually viral), EPs 7630 can reduce antibiotic need. A German real-world study showed reduced antibiotic prescriptions when EPs 7630 was used as first-line treatment. However, if bacterial infection is suspected (high fever, purulent sputum, chest X-ray changes), antibiotics may still be necessary.

In plain English

A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.

Key citations: PMID 18222667 (Systematic review & meta-analysis of EPs 7630 for acute bronchitis), PMID 10355130 (Meta-analysis on sick days and return to work), PMID 22459264 (complementary Ginkgo evidence)

Editorial notes

SacredBod's longer take on Pelargonium Sidoides EPs 7630 — context the structured blocks above don't capture.

What Pelargonium Sidoides EPs 7630 Is

Pelargonium sidoides, commonly called Umckaloabo or South African Geranium, is a medicinal plant native to South Africa and Lesotho. Its roots have been used in Zulu traditional medicine for centuries to treat coughs, colds, and respiratory infections. Modern pharmaceutical extraction has produced EPs 7630 — a standardised ethanolic root extract (drug extract ratio 1:8–10, 11% ethanol) manufactured by Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH in Germany.

EPs 7630 is one of the few herbal medicines with Grade A evidence for respiratory infections. It is approved as a licensed medicine in Germany, Switzerland, and several EU countries for acute bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. In India, it is not widely known but represents a powerful evidence-based option for those seeking alternatives to antibiotics for viral respiratory illness.

How It Works

  1. Immunomodulation — EPs 7630 activates macrophages and increases ciliary beat frequency in the respiratory epithelium, enhancing the body’s natural defence against pathogens.
  2. Antiviral & antibacterial — The extract inhibits bacterial adhesion to mucosal surfaces and shows antiviral activity against respiratory viruses including coronaviruses (in vitro data against SARS-CoV-2 variants).
  3. Anti-inflammatory — Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) in the airways, decreasing cough severity, chest pain, and dyspnoea.
  4. Mucolytic & secretolytic — Improves mucociliary clearance without drying secretions, making coughs more productive and less painful.

Who Benefits Most

  • Adults with acute bronchitis — The largest meta-analysis (n=1,011) showed EPs 7630 reduced sick days by 1.73 days and increased the proportion of patients able to return to work from 41–55% (placebo) to 14–19% (EPs 7630).
  • Common cold sufferers — RCTs demonstrate faster symptom resolution, with cough remission occurring 2 days earlier than placebo.
  • Parents of school-age children — Paediatric trials (ages 6–18) confirm safety and efficacy for acute bronchitis in children.
  • Antibiotic stewardship advocates — EPs 7630 is a validated first-line option that can reduce unnecessary antibiotic use for viral respiratory infections.

Dosage Guide

FormulationDoseDuration
Tablets (20 mg)1 tablet 3× daily7–14 days
Liquid solution30 drops 3× daily7–14 days
Children (syrup)Per paediatric label7 days

Take with food to minimise any stomach upset. Begin at first sign of respiratory symptoms for best results.

Safety & Interactions

  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Not recommended due to insufficient safety data.
  • Liver/kidney disease: Use caution; no safety data in severe impairment.
  • Anticoagulants: Theoretical increased bleeding risk; monitor if on warfarin.
  • Allergies: Rare allergic reactions in those sensitive to geranium family plants.

India-Specific Context

  • Availability: EPs 7630 is not available on Amazon.in as of May 2026. It is sold under brand names Kaloba and Umckaloabo in European pharmacies. Indian users may need to import via iHerb, Amazon.de, or pharmacy import services.
  • Regulatory status: Not approved by CDSCO as a drug in India. It falls under the dietary supplement grey area if imported for personal use.
  • Ayurvedic parallel: While not in classical Ayurvedic texts, EPs 7630’s mechanism aligns with the Ayurvedic concept of Kapha reduction and Pranavaha Srotas (respiratory channel) cleansing. It can be conceptually paired with Tulsi and Vasa in integrative protocols.
  • Cost: Imported EPs 7630 tablets cost approximately €15–20 for 20 tablets (roughly ₹1,300–1,800) plus shipping and customs.
  • Climate relevance: India’s high burden of acute respiratory infections (due to air pollution, seasonal variation, and crowded urban environments) makes effective natural respiratory therapeutics particularly valuable.
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