The present invention relates to a process for the extraction of plants, especially roots, of the plant genus Pelargonium, characterised in that the plants are extracted with an ethanol-free solvent or a mixture of ethanol-free solvents, selected from the group consisting of water and at least one monohydric alcohol with at least three carbon atoms, water and at least one polyhydric alcohol, water and at least one inorganic, organic, monoprotic or polyprotic acid or a derivative thereof, at least one vegetable oil and carbon dioxide.