Can geranium be used to treat colds?
Apr 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, geranium (Geranium wilfordii) can be used as an auxiliary treatment for the common cold, but it is not the primary medication for treating colds. Geranium is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb that has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and reducing swelling. It can lower body temperature and alleviate symptoms caused by colds, such as fever and sore throat. It should be used correctly under the guidance of a physician.
Generally speaking, geranium can be used as an adjunct to help treat colds, but it is not considered the primary medication for treating the common cold. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Geranium is a common traditional Chinese herb that has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and reducing swelling. It can help reduce internal body heat and alleviate symptoms such as fever and sore throat caused by the common cold. Additionally, its diuretic effect helps eliminate excess water and toxins from the body, thereby reducing the body's burden and aiding in recovery from a cold. It should be used correctly under the guidance of a physician.
However, the therapeutic effect of geranium is limited. When treating a cold, it should be combined with other medications and treatment methods for comprehensive management. Patients with special constitutions, such as those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, pregnant women, or children, should consult a qualified TCM practitioner before using geranium to avoid self-medicating blindly and ensure its effectiveness and safety. Furthermore, if the cold is accompanied by serious symptoms such as persistent high fever, prolonged coughing, or difficulty breathing, immediate medical attention is necessary rather than self-treatment with geranium or other traditional Chinese medicines, to avoid delaying proper treatment.
During treatment, it is recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as getting sufficient rest, eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water, which can help enhance the body's resistance and promote recovery.
