What are Kalms and what are they used for?
Kalms is a brand of traditional herbal medicinal products, primarily available in the UK, designed to offer relief for symptoms of mild stress, anxiety, and to aid sleep. The product range includes Kalms Day for daytime anxiety and stress and Kalms Night for sleep support. Its formulations are based on long-standing use of herbal ingredients rather than extensive clinical trials, a key difference from conventional pharmaceuticals.
The active ingredients and how they work
The primary active component across many Kalms products is valerian root extract (Valeriana officinalis). Kalms Day also includes hops powder (Humulus lupulus) and gentian root (Gentiana lutea L.). The proposed mechanism for valerian's effect is an interaction with the brain's gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which are responsible for calming nervous activity, similar to how benzodiazepine medications work. Hops also have mild sedative properties that can enhance valerian's calming effect. Gentian root is a bitter herb that has been traditionally used to stimulate digestion.
Is taking kalms bad for you? Understanding the risks
While generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately, taking Kalms is not without risks. The phrase 'natural' does not equate to 'safe,' and a careful understanding of potential side effects and drug interactions is crucial before beginning a course of treatment.
Common side effects
Some users report mild, temporary side effects when taking Kalms, which can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nightmares or vivid dreams (particularly with Kalms Night)
- Feelings of grogginess the next day (especially at higher doses of valerian)
Drug interactions
Significant risks arise when Kalms is combined with other substances due to its sedative effects. It is critical to avoid:
- Alcohol: Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of Kalms, leading to excessive drowsiness and impaired coordination.
- Other sedatives: Taking Kalms with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as other sleep aids, benzodiazepines, or certain antihistamines, can lead to dangerous levels of sedation.
- Antidepressants: It is not recommended to take Kalms with prescription medication for stress, anxiety, or depression without consulting a doctor first.
Rare but serious concerns
Valerian, a key ingredient, has been implicated in rare instances of liver injury, particularly when combined with other herbal supplements. Although the risk is low, individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should be particularly cautious or avoid products containing valerian.
Long-term use and dependence
Robust, long-term studies on the safety of valerian are limited, so the full extent of health risks from regular, prolonged use is not yet known. Some users report that continued high-dose usage of valerian might be associated with a higher incidence of side effects like headaches or changes in mood. It is important to remember that as a herbal remedy, the quality and potency of different batches and products can vary.
Who should avoid taking Kalms?
Specific groups of people should avoid taking Kalms without explicit medical advice. This includes:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Safety has not been established for this group.
- Children and adolescents: The products are not recommended for individuals under 18 (and sometimes 12 for Kalms Day).
- Individuals with liver disease: Due to potential liver injury concerns associated with valerian.
- Those taking other medications: Especially sedatives, antidepressants, or sleep aids.
- Anyone planning to drive or operate machinery: Due to the risk of drowsiness.
Kalms vs. Other Anxiety Relief Options
When considering treatment for stress, anxiety, or sleep issues, it's helpful to understand how Kalms compares to other options. This table highlights some key differences:
| Feature | Kalms (Herbal Remedy) | Prescription Antidepressants | Other Natural Remedies (e.g., Chamomile, Ashwagandha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Believed to interact with GABA receptors (Valerian). | Modifies neurotransmitter levels (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine). | Varied mechanisms; Chamomile has mild sedative properties, Ashwagandha helps regulate stress hormones. |
| Regulation | Regulated as a traditional herbal medicinal product, less stringent than drugs. | Highly regulated by drug agencies (e.g., FDA, MHRA). | Varies widely; often unregulated supplements. |
| Efficacy | Subjective, mixed evidence from studies; potential placebo effect. | Clinically proven for moderate to severe conditions. | Anecdotal evidence; some studies but often inconsistent results. |
| Side Effects | Generally mild (nausea, dizziness) but can include drowsiness. | Can include nausea, headaches, sexual dysfunction; depends on type. | Typically mild, depends on the herb; some, like Kava, have severe risks. |
| Drug Interactions | Significant interaction with alcohol and other sedatives. | Numerous known interactions with other medications. | Vary widely, require research for each herb. |
| Professional Oversight | Often taken without medical consultation, though advised. | Requires prescription and medical monitoring. | Can be taken without oversight, but caution is recommended. |
Expert consensus on herbal remedies
Healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies emphasize caution with herbal remedies. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, for instance, offers only a weak recommendation for certain herbal sleep aids, and experts stress that 'natural' doesn't automatically mean 'safe'. Always consult with a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any new herbal supplement, especially if you have an underlying medical condition, are pregnant, or are taking other medicines. A doctor can help determine if Kalms is appropriate and safe for your specific situation. The MHRA's Yellow Card Scheme in the UK is also an important avenue for reporting any side effects from herbal products.
Conclusion
The answer to the question, "Is taking kalms bad for you?" is not a simple yes or no. For many, Kalms may offer a mild, temporary sense of calm or help with sleep, based on the traditional use of its herbal ingredients. However, it is not a risk-free option. Potential side effects like drowsiness and stomach issues, combined with dangerous interactions with alcohol and other medications, mean that it must be used with caution. Its lack of stringent clinical evidence for efficacy and safety, particularly for long-term use, contrasts with conventional treatments. Ultimately, while Kalms can be part of a wellness strategy for mild issues, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it is the right and safe choice for you. Ignoring these precautions can lead to unnecessary risks, proving that even a herbal remedy can sometimes be bad for you if not used correctly.
How to report side effects
If you experience any side effects while using Kalms, you can report them via the MHRA's Yellow Card Scheme, which helps provide more information on the safety of medicines, including traditional herbal products.
Sources
Kalms Day Stress Relief Tablets - The Independent Pharmacy - https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/anxiety/kalms-day-stress-relief-tablets Valerian: A safe and effective herbal sleep aid? - Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/valerian/faq-20057875 Valerian Root Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions ... - WebMD - https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-649/valerian-root-oral/details Kalms Day Film-Coated Tablets Valerian Root Extract - HPRA - https://assets.hpra.ie/products/Human/34840/e8c0a723-dc1e-458e-b085-d5d92d27841c.pdf 4 Potential Side Effects of Valerian Root - Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/valerian-root-side-effects Valerian - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548255/ Kalms Day - 168 Tablets - Boots - https://www.boots.com/kalms-day-valerian-root-extract-25-99mg-tablets-168-tablets-10334613 Kalms Day Valerians, 168 Tablets - VictoriaHealth - https://victoriahealth.com/kalms-day/ 3000-07 Kalms Day Leaflet.indd - Kalms - https://www.kalmsrange.com/userfiles/file/3000-07-kalms-day-pil.pdf
