Have you ever had trouble winding down after a stressful day? I get it. I usually make a chamomile tea, but I’ve heard a lot about Kalms — a herbal range that promises better sleep and help with daytime stress. I wanted to know if they actually work and whether there are any side effects, so I looked into it. Here’s what I found to help you decide if Kalms might suit you.
Types of Kalms
Kalms comes in different formulas for different needs. Here’s a quick guide:
Kalms Day
– Made for short-term anxiety relief, Kalms Day includes Valerian Root Extract and Hops.
– Not for under 18s, pregnant or breastfeeding people.
– If you’re on other medicines, check with a doctor — it can cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or using machinery if you feel sleepy.
– Dose: 2 tablets, three times a day after meals.
Kalms Night and Kalms Night One-A-Night
– Meant to help with sleep.
– Kalms Night: contains Valerian Root; take 4 tablets about an hour before bed.
– Kalms Night One-A-Night: stronger Valerian dose; take 1 tablet an hour before bed.
– Not for under 18s, pregnant or breastfeeding people. Avoid alcohol and check with a doctor if you’re on other medicines, especially those that cause drowsiness.
Kalms Lavender One-A-Day Capsules
– Contain lavender oil for mild anxiety relief during stressful moments.
– Not for under 18s, pregnant or breastfeeding people, or anyone allergic to lavender. If you’re taking other sleep or anxiety meds, talk to your doctor first.
How Kalms Work
Kalms mainly use Valerian Root, a herb known for calming effects. Valerian appears to raise GABA levels in the brain — a chemical that helps you feel relaxed. Some research supports its role in easing anxiety and improving sleep, so Kalms offer a natural option for calming the mind.
Do Kalms Work Right Away?
No — they don’t usually work instantly. Valerian often needs time to build up in your system. Some people feel mild relaxation within an hour, but full effects can take regular use over a few weeks. Results vary, and some immediate benefits may come from the placebo effect, according to sources like Healthline and Mount Sinai.
Do Kalms Help with Anxiety?
Yes, Kalms, especially the daytime versions, can help with mild anxiety and stress. Valerian has calming properties supported by some studies, but responses differ between people.
Which Kalms Are Best for Anxiety?
– Kalms Lavender One-A-Day is aimed at temporary anxiety thanks to lavender oil.
– If you want help with both stress and anxiety, daytime Kalms with Valerian may be helpful.
Can Kalms Make Anxiety Worse?
Usually no, but some people might feel worse if they’re sensitive to Valerian or lavender. Interactions with other anxiety medicines or health conditions can also cause problems. If you notice increased anxiety after taking Kalms, stop and speak to a healthcare professional.
Kalms and Sleep
Can they help you sleep?
Yes — Kalms Night and Kalms Night One-A-Night are made to support sleep, with Valerian as the main calming ingredient. Kalms Day contains Valerian too, but it’s focused on daytime stress rather than sleep.
Kalms Day vs Kalms Night
Both may include Valerian, but they’re for different times: Kalms Day (with hops) is for daytime stress relief, while Kalms Night products are for promoting sleep.
Possible Side Effects
Though herbal, Kalms can cause side effects in some people:
– Palpitations (rare)
– Stomach upset, mild nausea, or in rare cases diarrhea and vomiting
– No clear direct effect on blood pressure, but check with your doctor if you’re on medication
Mixing Kalms with Other Medicines
– Paracetamol usually mixes safely with Kalms, but always check before combining with other drugs.
– Be careful with medications for anxiety, sleep, blood pressure, or antidepressants — Valerian can increase sedative effects. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you’re on any prescription medicines.
Mixing with Alcohol
Avoid alcohol with Kalms — the combination can boost drowsiness and sedation, which can be dangerous if you need to be alert.
Who Shouldn’t Take Kalms?
– Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid Kalms unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
– If you have surgery planned, stop taking Kalms a couple of weeks beforehand because they may affect anesthesia.
– Don’t take them if you’re allergic to any ingredients.
Alternatives to Kalms
If Kalms don’t suit you, there are other options for stress, anxiety, and sleep:
St. John’s Wort
– Traditionally used for mood support.
– May help mild to moderate depression, but it interacts with many drugs (including antidepressants and birth control) and can make you more sensitive to sunlight.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
– From the cannabis plant, CBD may calm and reduce inflammation without a “high.”
– Some studies show it helps anxiety and sleep, but results aren’t consistent and more research is needed. Choose reputable brands and check legality where you live.
Nytol
– An over-the-counter sleep aid available in different forms.
– Original Nytol contains diphenhydramine (an antihistamine that causes drowsiness). Nytol Herbal uses hops, valerian, and passionflower.
– Both Nytol and Kalms have herbal options with valerian, but Nytol focuses on sleep.
Ashwagandha
– An adaptogen believed to help the body handle stress.
– Might also help brain function and mood; some people get digestive upset or allergic reactions.
Valerian (pure)
– The main herb in Kalms. Pure valerian supplements give a more concentrated dose if you prefer a single-ingredient option.
Bach Rescue Remedy
– A blend of flower essences made to support emotional balance. Variants include Rescue (everyday stress) and Rescue Sleep (helps when your mind won’t switch off).
– It’s alcohol-free and often used for emotional calm rather than directly inducing sleep.
Always check with a healthcare professional before switching or adding new remedies.
Other Practical Points
Are Kalms addictive?
Herbal Kalms aren’t known to be habit-forming, but you shouldn’t rely on them long-term without medical advice.
How do Kalms compare for stress?
Daytime Kalms and Kalms Lavender aim to reduce stress, but Lavender focuses more on the calming effects of lavender oil. Which works best depends on what your body responds to.
Benefits of Kalms
Kalms provide a natural approach to easing stress, mild anxiety, and sleep problems. The blend of ingredients is designed for specific needs — daytime calm or nighttime rest — but results vary from person to person.
Long-term use
Kalms are meant for short-term use. If symptoms don’t improve after four weeks, see a doctor. Don’t use them long-term without medical guidance.
Are Kalms safe for diabetics?
Kalms contain sugars, so people with diabetes should be cautious and consult their healthcare professional before using them.
Conclusion
Finding the right natural remedy for stress, anxiety, or sleep can be confusing. Kalms, centered on Valerian Root, offer a gentle, herbal option many people find helpful for daytime calm and better sleep. Research suggests valerian may aid anxiety and sleep, but effects differ by person and can take time to appear. Always weigh alternatives like St. John’s Wort, CBD, Nytol, Ashwagandha, pure valerian, or Rescue Remedy, and talk to a healthcare professional if you’re on other medications, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have ongoing symptoms. Here’s hoping you find what helps you rest and relax.