Do Kalms contain St. John’s Wort?

In this guide, we will discuss ‘Do Kalms contain St. John’s Wort?’, what is St. John’s Wort, who should refrain from using it, possible interactions with other medicines, what is anxiety and how Klams helps to relieve the symptoms, types of Kalms and additional considerations.

Do Kalms contain St. John’s Wort?

Kalms does not contain St. John’s Wort (Hypericum kalmianum), also known as Kalm’s St. John Wort, Kalm’s hypericum, Kalms St. John wort or Kalm’s Saint Johnwort. Instead, Kalms contains its main active ingredient as Valerian root. 

You may be looking at options to relieve your anxiety, which is actually one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, alongside depression.

However, anytime we would like to take herbal remedies and other over the counter medications, we need to consider whether we have any medical condition where we have been prescribed or we have been taking other medications since they may interact.

Moreover, there are many herbal remedies out there that can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and even depression.

Among them, you can find rescue remedy, beach flower remedies, herbal teas, and of course Kalms and St John’s Wort.

However, consider Kalms as a natural option to relieve mild anxiety symptoms, periods of irritability, stress and as a sleeping aid, and St. John’s Wort for depression, nervousness, tiredness, poor appetite, and even trouble sleeping.

Here at Holland & Barrett you will find the Best Herbal Remedies.

What is St. John’s Wort?

As indicated by Mind.org.uk, “St John’s wort is a herbal remedy that has been used for hundreds of years to treat mental health problems. Today it is mainly used as an over-the-counter remedy to treat mild and moderate depression, and sometimes seasonal affective disorder (SAD), mild anxiety, and sleep problems.” 

In addition, St. John’s Wort is said to work similarly as any standard antidepressant medication, increasing the activity of neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline that have been associated with regulating our mood.

Some people have even started taking SSRIs (antidepressant medication) and have experienced many side effects, changing over to St. John’s Wort as an alternative reporting fewer side effects.

However, if you are already taking SSRIs do not attempt to stop it abruptly, consult with your doctor first.

Refrain from using St. John’s Wort if you without consulting with your doctor first if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding since there is limited evidence or information about side effects or safety.
• Have bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder or schizophrenia.
• Are under the age of 18, since there is little to no information on safety.
• Are taking prescribed medication, contraceptives such as the pill or other common over the counter medications.

Can I combine St. John’s Wort with other antidepressants?

No, St. John’s Wort is not recommended to be used simultaneously with antidepressants since it can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called Serotonin Syndrome.

Some of the symptoms include agitation, diarrhea, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, increased body temperature, among others. 

Moreover, it can weaken many prescription medicines such as:

• Cyclosporine, used to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted  organs
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Aminolevulinic acid
• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Flenfluramine (Pondimin)
• Digoxin, a heart  medication
• Oxycodone, a pain medicine
• Some HIV drugs, including indinavir
• Some cancer medications, including irinotecan
• Warfarin, an anticoagulant (blood thinner).

This list does not include all the possible drug interactions, for more information consult with your physician before you attempt to take St. John’s Wort.

St. John’s Wort: common Side effects

According to WebMD, “It can cause some side effects such as trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, difficulty sitting still, nervousness, irritability, stomach upset, tiredness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, skin rash, diarrhea, and skin tingling. Take St. John’s wort in the morning or take a lower the dose if it seems to be causing sleep problems.”

Moreover, some research suggests it can be taken for up to 12 weeks and safely for over one year only.

Do not attempt to take more than the recommended dose or for longer periods of time.

Consult with your doctor if you have additional questions or if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned previously.

What is anxiety?

Even though anxiety is considered normal and part of our lives, experiencing it at higher levels

than usual or feeling too overwhelmed or unable to cope with it can actually result in a

significant impact on our daily activities.

Anxiety can have different root causes which can vary from one person to the other, but here

are some of the most common:

• Your current life situation or certain specific events you have gone through recently.
• Childhood experiences such as trauma, being abused, a death in the family.
• Having a medical condition or suffering from chronic illnesses.
• Having a mental health illness such as depression or having phobias.
• Certain medications and substances can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

How can Kalms help to relieve anxiety?

First of all, it is important to say how Kalms is only intended to be used for short periods of time and not as a long-term treatment.

According to the patient leaflet “Kalms contains Hops, Valerian root, and Gentian root and is a

traditional herbal medicinal product used for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with

stress such as mild anxiety and irritability including symptoms associated with menopause

such as flushings and cold sweats and for the temporary relief of sleep disturbances, based on

traditional use only.

However, before you decide to take Kalms consider the following:

• If you are allergic or you suspect you may be allergic to any of the ingredients we have
• mentioned, do not take Kalms and talk to your physician.
• Do not take Kalms if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are under the age of 18.
• If you are taking medicine for sleep and/or anxiety avoid using Kalms.

Types of Kalms

There are a variety of Kalms products such as:

• Kalms Night One-A-Night
• Kalms Night
• Kalms Day
• Kalms Lavender One-A-Day Capsules

Consequently, depending on the type of Kalms tablets you are considering taking, ingredients

may vary but the main active component (Valerian Root) stays the same.

Here is a list of the best Kalms range of products for anxiety.

However, the Kalms Lavender One-A-Day capsules is the only type that has Lavender instead of Valerian as the main component. If you like lavender, you should try the best lavender teas for anxiety.

If you don’t like pills or capsules, you can check out the Best Syrups for anxiety, plant extracts rich in adaptogens.

Can I combine Kalms while using other medicine?

It is not recommended to start taking Kalms if you are taking prescribed or over the counter

medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacists first if you have started or you have been taking

other medicines.

Moreover, it is important to consider that Kalms contains sucrose and if you have been told by

your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, consult with them before starting to

take the tablets.

How to take Kalms Tablets

For the temporary relief of the symptoms of stress, mild anxiety, and irritability including

symptoms associated with menopause such as flushings, cold sweats, and even as a sleeping aid.

For instance, Kalms Night is recommended to be taken as (according to the patient’s leaflet):

“Swallow 4 tablets 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. If necessary, on subsequent evenings, swallow 4 additional tablets earlier during the evening.”

The tablets should be swallowed whole with some water or other liquid, also the use in children

and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended. The maximum daily dose is 6

tablets and as the effects of this product may not occur immediately, the tablets should be

taken continuously for 2-4 weeks. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 4 weeks, a

a doctor or a qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted.

In addition, consider that the specifications on how to take Kalms may vary from one

presentation to the other so make sure you check the box or the leaflet included for additional instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

If you take too many tablets at once or more than the recommended amount, consult with your doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner as soon as possible.

In addition, if you forget to take one dose, do not attempt to take two at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

Valerian possible side effects

Everyone can react differently to the use of Kalms and especially to the main ingredient,

Valerian Root, but it is important to consider the possible side effects. Here are some of them:

• Headaches
• Upset stomach
• Thinking problems
• Dry mouth
• Feeling excited or uneasy
• Strange dreams
• Daytime drowsiness

Even though not everyone gets to experience the side effects, be aware you might and if it is

the case, pay attention to them. If the symptoms get worse seek immediate medical attention.

Why is this blog about Do Kalms contain St. John’s Wort important?

As we discussed, Kalms does not contain St. John’s Wort. Moreover, Kalms and St. John’s Wort are two different herbal remedies.

The first is used to relieve mild anxiety, stress, periods of irritability, and even as a sleeping aid.

In contrast, St. John’s Wort is used for depression, nervousness, tiredness, poor appetite, and even trouble sleeping. 

Remember, even if both are regarded as natural herbal remedies, they need to be used carefully.

Consult with your doctor first, before starting the intake and keep in mind the possible side effects.

Please feel free to leave any comments or thoughts about the content of this article!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Do Kalms contain St. John’s Wort

References 

Mortonarb.org: “Kalm’s St. John’s wort”

Mind.org.uk: “St John’s wort – Hypericum perforatum”

Myanxietycompanion.com: “Remedies”

Chemistdirect.co.uk: “How to Calm your Anxiety?”

Patient Information Leaflet (can be found here)

Kalmsrange.com: “Kalms Night”

Everydayhealth.com: “What Is Valerian Root?”

Nccih.nih.gov: “St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth”