The Functional Alternative - Let’s Talk Adaptogens & Nootropics
Mushrooms, Amino Acids, Herbs, Roots & More
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?
At Sèchey, I sectioned the store out by category and make sure that we reserved at least four, if not six shelves just for our Functional selection and it was always the first thing our customers saw when walking in the door.
Brands like, Kin Euphorics are brightly branded and eye-catching to those walking by the street, and it was easy to lure them in with a well-known brand (thanks to Bella Hadid). However, they were always so surprised and excited to find so many other brands available and couldn’t wait to hear all about the different effects and health benefits they offered.
I have always believed that education is imperative to growth whether you are learning about yourself, the environment or the products that we are consuming everyday. We need to know what’s up. So, I was always the first to jump in and start teaching customers about the brands and their super cool ingredients.
Kin Euphorics, for example, has different products with different hopeful side effects. Bella Hadid helped make this brand popular and, from my experience, helped boost the category in general. They have a line of drinks that do everything from give you a boost of energy, calm your nerves, supercharge your immunity, or even help you sleep.
They’re tasty and they make you feel good? For most of us, that’s a big ol’ “Hell yes”!
Kin may be the brand drawing the customers in, but it’s the rest of the amazing selection, and the education that comes with, that motivates them to stay.
Two big things you need to consider before taking adaptogens:
What medications you are taking.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Adaptogens are not a permanent solution.
We love adaptogens, and I’m not knocking them! I have found them to be wildly beneficial for myself, and I highly recommend trying different products to experience the effects for yourself.
Everyone is looking for a way to relieve stress as so many of us are struggling with it. Adaptogens and Nootropics are amazing when taken regularly.
However, stress requires a holistic approach. If you are struggling with incredible stress, anxiety or depression and not sure how to break away from it, reach out to me on Instagram or my website. Let’s chat.
My Favorite Brands
Rasāsvāda Restorative Spirits
Rasāsvāda is a Sanskrit word used in traditional Indian philosophy and means “appreciation” or even “the enjoyment of pleasure”. The founder and CEO of the company, Conner Godfrey, started his company with a mission to help our society slow down and be more present for the precious moments that life brings.
For me, Rasāsvāda stands as the perfect example of what our Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry hopes for. We want to mindful; we want to slow down and experience elevated moments when we are enjoying drinks, food, and our company with true intention. With our health in mind, Godfrey and his team made sure to include only the best and most useful plants in his drinks without using sugars or harmful preservatives.
He also took extra special care to ensure that his ingredients were being extracted in the proper way which makes a HUGE difference.
Three different products with varying ingredients and incredible benefits:
Black Ginger: Probably the most popular of the three, Black Ginger makes an incredible espresso martini and pairs well with coffee, pineapple, or ginger among other easy to find ingredients.
Ingredients include Angelica Sinesis which treats a variety of blood-related ailments, Black Ginger (also known as ‘the fountain of youth’) is used to boost the body’s metabolism and promotes physical fitness, muscular endurance, and more. Burdock Root has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and blood purifier. The ancient Cardamom is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel is high in potassium, fiber, vitamin c and vitamin b6. Reishi mushroom is believed to boost libido and cognitive function.
Ruby Artemisia: Imagine an elegant and complex aromatized wine with benefits including anti-aging, beauty, metabolism and menstrual support. I love it simply with chilled sparkling water but it also pairs incredibly well with a little lime and agave syrup.
Ingredients: Chrysanthemum is said to reduce inflammation and calm nerves. Cinchona Bark is known for digestive support. Wild Maqui Berry is a powerful antioxidant. Oriental Raisin has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known for fighting eczema and other body ailments. It also includes Schisandra Berry and other healthy and useful ingredients like Native American wormwood, artichoke, ume plum, and red wine grape skins, yunnan pu’er tea, Roman Chamomile, Lemon, and Kurokoji green tea.
Rose Bergamot: Floral, citrus, and bitter-sweet, the Rose Bergamot makes my favorite summer cocktail when mixed with sparkling water, grapefruit, and lime juice but also makes the absolutely delicious Thai Desire - a alcohol-free cocktail that mixes yuzu juice and thai chili agave.
Some of its ingredients include: Angelica Archandgelica - used to fight blood-related ailments. Bergamot citrus essential oil - a powerful digestive with antibacterial and anti fungal properties. Hibiscus - a known treatment of heart and nerve diseases. Lemongrass - Used for colds and congestion, and Orange Peel - filled with immunity support. It also contains Schisandra Berry, White Ginseng, Yuzu Peel, Grapefruit, Cinchona Bark, and Quince.
Rock Grace
My sweet tooth is cured with zero calories, zero sugar, zero preservatives, and zero guilt. Rock Grace uses ingredients meant to naturally fight off stress, anxiety, and fatigue. It includes ingredients such as Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Schisandra berry, Lemon balm, and organic Dandelion.
This delicate alternative is light, refreshing and comes either still or sparkling. Beyond having adaptogenic ingredients Rock Grace is described as a Crystal Elixir for its spiritual healing benefits. Founder, Anne Hulett, infused her products with crystal energy to encourage vibrational alignment and stimulate strength, beauty, grace, and love.
Health, wellness, and beauty in a bottle, Rock Grace is a full on moment to enjoy.
Rock Grace comes in four different styles:
Original - I love a good Rock Grace detox with the Rock Grace Original. An organic replacement to my still rosè wine, it includes all the best of the adaptogens and is bright, light, and well-balanced.
Ruby Reserve - With a lovely light-bodied palate, the Ruby Reserve adds a fresh hint of organic vanilla, dandelion, and lemon balm extracts to the mix. The lightest on adaptogenic ingredients, but for me, the most flavorful of all her products.
Sparkling - The Original with bubbles, Rock Grace Sparkling is elegant and contains fresh and all organic ingredients that include raspberry and rose with rhodiola extract, schisandra berry and eleuthero.
RGLOW - Infused with the rarest of crystals, RGLOW provides a divine twist on the Rock Grace Sparkling by delivering even more beauty and wellness benefits. It was made with particular care to enhance and optimize the adaptogenic ingredients for premium potency.
Sarilla Sparkling Teas
L-theanine please! Sarilla tea’s are ethically-sourced and made with regeneratively grown ingredients sourced on a healing garden farm in Rwanda. Not only is their products delicious and good for you, but the Sarilla story is one worth reading. Some of Sarilla’s main ingredients include Hibiscus, Rooibos, Honeybush, Tulsi Holy Basil, Lemon Grass, and Chamomile.
Sarilla encourages those looking for L-theanine to pay attention to where and how their green tea extract is being sourced.
Sarilla comes in 7 different delicious flavors:
Lemon Black Tea, Apple Black Tea, Hibiscus Green Tea, Ginger White Tea, Tulsi Lime Infusion, Vanilla Rooibos Infusion.
The names speak for themselves! My favorites vary by season. Hibiscus Green Tea or Tulsi Lime for spring and summer. Apple Black Tea or Ginger White for autumn and winter. I also have come to love Sarilla as a mixer with some of my favorite alternative spirits. Vanilla Rooibos goes great when mixed with non-alcoholic whiskey!
All the Bitter Alcohol-Free Bitters
Easy, convenient for on the go, and an alternative to rely on, All the Bitter is an absolute MUST for any NA bar. It also travels very nicely in my purse and adds reliable and trust-worthy flavor to water when alternatives are scarce.
Some classic bitters for better and more flavorful mindful drinking, All the Bitter is 0% ABV and made with all organic and wild ingredients that do more than just elevate your cocktail but also aid digestion and clean the liver with herbs like the Gentian Root, Dandelion Root, Burdock Root, Milk Thistle Seed, Holy Basil, Schisandra Berry, Yellow Dock Root, Ginger Root, Fennel Seed, and is also Apple Cider Vinegar-Based.
They currently have four different flavors:
Aromatic - Bold, spicy and packed with both flavor and functional botanicals. The Aromatic Bitters is incredibly multi-purpose and easy to use.
Orange - Citrus and Spice makes everything nice plus cardamom, coriander, and lemon balm. Packed with organic functional ingredients the Orange Bitters is a great addition to an NA wheat beer among several cocktails.
New Orleans - Bright anise, tart cherry, hibiscus, and rose hips, New Orleans bitters are perfect in a traditional Sazerac or as a lovely addition to an NA red wine.
Lavender - Last but not least, Lavender is their newest addition and making my drinks extra delicious. With the addition of Ashwaganda, Skullcap, and Passionflower, I love this either in my Chamomile tea or simply mixed with club soda and lemon.
Sol Bru
Maybe you’re looking for a little extra mushroom power? Sol Bru, created by Leanne Kisil in Canada, carries a line of apple-cider vinegar based products that are infused with mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Cordecyps, Turkey Tail, and Reishi Mushroom. One a mission to reduce the negative effects of alcohol on our health and wellbeing a portion of the Sol Bru profits go to recovery programs. Going beyond the mushrooms, Sol Bru also includes several amazing adaptogenic ingredients that help our bodies and minds thrive.
They have four incredible different products, each highlighting a different mushroom type.
Balance & Connect - With Turkey Tail Mushroom, Hibiscus, Lime and Rosehip, Balance & Connect is both bittersweet and tart with herbaceous citrusy notes that mix well with grape or pineapple juice and soda water.
Focus & Inspire - With Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Chamomile, Lavender, and Clove, Focus & Inspire is smooth and soothing. I love it mixed with chamomile tea and even an extra dash of All the Bitter Lavender bitters or Orange bitters.
Elevate & Perform with Cordyceps Mushrooms, Lemon Verbena, Peppermint and Rosemary. My go-to mixer for Elevate & Perform is Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit Juice!
Relax & Restore with Reishi Mushroom, Smoky Dandelion Root, Orange and Cardamom. Add All the Bitter Orange Bitters, some sparkling water and lime for a moment to chill out and relax.
We’ve discussed Lion’s Mane and Reishi but, what about Turkey Tail and Cordyceps?
Turkey Tail Mushroom - Taken by some cancer patients to improve their response to chemotherapy, Turkey Tail mushroom is another powerful ingredient packed with antioxidants, immunity boosters, and has been used to treat HPV and improve insulin resistance.
Cordyceps Mushroom - Known for naturally boosting energy levels, balancing blood sugar, supporting athletic and sexual performance, Cordyceps is another miraculous plant-powered ingredient that will do your body and mind.
In Conclusion
Needless to say, any and all of these products are not only good for you, but worthy of our attention and recognition. Our ancestors knew how to use plant-based medicines and I believe whole-heartedly that we should be making more use of what Mother Nature has naturally provided to us to heal and help us thrive.
I may have listed some of my favorites, but there are so many incredible products out there today that are using these ingredients to help us live our best lives. What we need to remember is how they are sourced and make sure that they are being extracted in the right way to ensure that we are properly making use of them.
As an added bonus - a few of my other favorite brands include Recess Sparkling Water which includes the much needed magnesium our bodies need, Parch Agave Cocktails is an incredible alternative for any tequila lovers out there while also including Ashwaganda, American ginseng, GABA and L-theanine, and Curious Elixirs for an incredible selection of ready-made cocktails with a wide variety of adaptogenic ingredients.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and all of this information has come from years of research, tasting and trying, and learning on my own.