KALUMA PAIN BALM CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF TRUSTED RELIEF IN GRAND STYLE.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
Nairobi, Kenya – July 17, 2025.
In a momentous celebration held at the luxurious Argyle Grand Hotel, Kaluma Pain Balm, one of Kenya’s most iconic household remedies, marked 100 years of providing healing relief to generations of Kenyans. The centenary event brought together healthcare professionals, long-time customers, company executives, and special guests in honor of a product that has earned a permanent place in local medicine cabinets since its launch in 1925.
Known for its signature yellow balm packed with 15% menthol and 15% wintergreen oil, Kaluma Menthol Balm has become a go-to solution for relieving muscle pain, joint stiffness, nasal congestion, and headaches. Its enduring popularity was a central theme during the celebration, with testimonials underscoring its trusted role in everyday family care.
Speaking at the event, a Shalina Healthcare representative—producers of Kaluma—described the milestone as “a century of consistency, quality, and community trust.” Guests were treated to a walk-through exhibition of Kaluma’s history, from its early packaging in the 1920s to the expanded product line now including herbal caplets and menthol-eucalyptus lozenges.
“For many Kenyans, Kaluma isn’t just a balm—it’s a family tradition,” said one speaker. “Whether used for chest rubs during colds or steam therapy for congestion, it remains a symbol of simple, effective care passed down through generations.”
Healthcare professionals at the event praised Kaluma’s affordability, accessibility, and ease of use, particularly for rural and low-income households. Pharmacists noted that steam inhalation using Kaluma remains one of the most sought-after home remedies for colds and sinus blockages.
As part of the centenary celebrations, Shalina Healthcare announced new investments in:
Community health programs targeting underserved regions
Modernization of manufacturing facilities to meet growing demand
Sustainable sourcing of menthol and wintergreen oils
An upcoming national awareness campaign on safe use of menthol rubs—especially for young children, in line with global health recommendations
A nostalgic moment during the event came when a Nairobi-based nurse shared her personal memory:
“My grandmother always kept a tin of Kaluma. When I was congested as a child, she would make me inhale its steam—it worked every time.”
The Argyle Grand Hotel celebration concluded with a symbolic unveiling of a limited-edition centenary tin, commemorating the balm’s journey from a simple formulation in colonial-era pharmacies to a household name in modern Kenya.
As Kaluma Menthol Pain enters its second century, it remains a powerful symbol of Kenyan resilience, homegrown solutions, and enduring trust. In the words of one attendee:
“A hundred years on, Kaluma still delivers comfort—one jar at a time.”
