The Functional Alternative - Let’s Talk Adaptogens & Nootropics

Mushrooms, Amino Acids, Herbs, Roots & More

Photo by Bluebird Provisions on Unsplash

Since getting into the alcohol-free beverage space, the brands that I have noticed doing particularly well are the functional products. “Functional” is the term we have used to describe the products that include ingredients meant to give you something extra.

Adaptogens are botanical ingredients meant to benefit you. They include roots, herbs, mushrooms and other plant substances and have been used for centuries to treat ailments like anxiety and stress. Most adaptogens are multi-purpose and used for everything from fighting fatigue to inflammation.

Some of the most common adaptogens being used by our NA beverage industry:

• Ashwaganda - An antioxidant that works as an anti-inflammatory, Ashwaganda has positive effects that help to regulate your metabolism and help you decrease your stress-levels.

• Reishi Mushroom - Used to help reduce stress, improve sleep and enhance the immune system, Reishi mushroom has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. Everything from high blood pressure to cancer!

• Rhodiola - Helpful in fighting fatigue, anxiety and depression, Rhodiola Rosea is commonly used for stress management among several other things.

  PLEASE NOTE: Just like with all of these ingredients, when being extracted, Rhodiola is at a high risk of adulteration or having its quality and purity lowered.

• Schisandra Berry - with a long history in Chinese medicine, Schisandra berry has been used to treat liver disease, Alzheimer’s, menopause, and depression but is most well know for its affects on stress!

• American Ginseng - a well-known fighter of stress for relief with physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. (Please also take note that this product is endangered because of its high demand!)

• Asian Ginseng (all the ginseng!) - Ginseng (no matter where it’s from) is a powerful ingredient with another long list of benefits including stress relief. Asian ginseng is commonly used to help aid sleep.

• And more! Reach out if you see something you’re curious about. You will see others below as we go through some popular products.

What About Nootropics?

The difference between nootropics and adaptogens is their focus. Adaptogens are more focused on stress while nootropics are focused on mental-function and cognitive performance. Pretty cool stuff!

Some of the most common nootropics being used:

• Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) - possible health benefits of Eleuthero include immunity boosting, increased energy, and improved cognitive function.

• L-theanine - an amino acid discovered in green tea that helps focus and attention. It is a common supplement for people who struggle with ADD or ADHD.

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom - Lion’s Mane is most commonly used for its help with improving memory. It stimulates the brain sells and protects against degenerative brain diseases such as dementia.

• L-tyrosine - A pretty snazzy amino acid, L-tyrosine is taken to improve alertness, attention and focus but is popular for it ability to improve your mood by giving you a boost of dopamine!

• Vitamin B’s - With a direct impact on brain function, energy levels, and cell health, the different vitamin B’s all have extremely helpful benefits that you won’t want to shy away from.

• Rhodiola (Again? Yes.) Rhodiola is known to help keep your mind clear and keep your cognition in tact under stress. This one’s a two-fer, as many of them are.

So Many Options! Where Should I Start?