Adapto-What?

There’s a new(ish) buzz in the drinks world, but what the heck is an adaptogen, anyways?

WORDS Lauren Buzzeo

Plenty of drinks are making a name for themselves by being marketed as better-for-you refreshment options. Now, some of these offerings are largely just that, marketing magic at its best—I’m looking at you, non-defined “clean” wine—while others find themselves embracing ancient traditions and non-alcoholic formats to populate a new functional beverage category.

The key to many of these selections? Adaptogens. But what exactly is an adaptogen, and what is it doing in our drinks?

While hard to comprehensively define, as it continues to evolve thanks to improved understanding of molecular makeups and pharmacological use, adaptogens are essentially non-toxic plant-based substances, often herbs or mushrooms, that can enhance the body’s resilience to stress and promote balance. When consumed, adaptogens can help ease the effects of stressful stimuli by activating defense systems or regulating the release of hormones such as cortisol and corticotropin- or gonadotropin-releasing hormones.

“Adaptogens have a varied effect that is often more balancing between stimulant and nervine, and helps the body reach a homeostatic balance,” says Bevin Clare, professor and program director for clinical herbal medicine at Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Translation? They can help you CTFO, which is why some makers are turning to a social beverage format sans alcohol to employ these zen ingredients.

“We live in a very exciting time in the evolution of drinks culture: 21st-century consumers are looking for conscious alternative modalities to relax and celebrate beyond alcohol,” says Morgan Mclachlan, cofounder and chief product officer of De Soi. “For centuries, alcohol has been the de rigueur socially accepted mood-altering substance. It allows neural pathways to circumvent the prefrontal cortex, creating the experience of relaxation and disinhibition. Adaptogens also produce this effect, and my goal of incorporating them into De Soi was to create an empowering, enjoyable option for individuals who make the choice to skip alcohol, where they don’t have to give up the ritual of enjoying a sophisticated adult beverage.”

The term adaptogen, derived from the physiological process of adaptation that these substances may encourage in living organisms, was introduced into scientific lexicon in the mid-20th century, though their use can be traced back thousands of years to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda practices.

Like many other supplements, adaptogens are regulated as food, not drugs, by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not known to treat, cure or prevent any known ailments or diseases, and any statements about their use are not intended as medical advice, so it’s recommended to consult with your physician before incorporating adaptogens into your routine.

“I’d place adaptogen drinks in the category of ‘functional foods,’ which are foods that are enhanced with health-giving substances,” says Clare. “People have been interested in these sorts of beverages for decades, especially in iced teas on the market. Most ‘enhanced’ beverages on the market don’t have enough of any of the additives to be therapeutic and it can be more of a marketing gimmick than anything. However, it’s not difficult to get a daily therapeutic dose of an adaptogen into a drink, so there is a lot of possibility.”

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic practices. Some clinical studies have found that the shrub helps to reduce cortisol levels, lessening anxiety and stress.

“For a long time, my favorite adaptogen has been ashwagandha,” says Mclachlan. “It balances the endocrinological system and supports stress-relief without causing impairment. I take it every day and think of it as a sort of a fortifier: Whatever I’m feeling—tired, stressed, overstimulated—it brings me back to a state of grace.”

While L-theanine is technically an amino acid, its adaptogenic properties have made it another sought-after addition to a functional lineup. Commonly extracted from green tea, it offers an array of potential benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety by increasing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels, which in turn triggers the production and release of serotonin and dopamine, to raising alpha brain waves for improved mental agility and focus.

Ashwagandha and L-theanine are featured as primary adaptogenic ingredients in drinks from Hiyo and Moment as well as De Soi’s Purple Lune. Curious Elixirs’ No. 3 bottling features ashwagandha in a brisk, citrusy pour, while Aplós adds L-theanine to a proprietary blend of adaptogens for its Arise bottling.

In the mushroom world, both reishi and lion’s mane are common additions to functional drinks. Reishi, long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is regarded for its high levels of healthy beta-glucans, or soluble fibers, and ability to help keep your immune system strong. Lion’s mane, which can be considered a nootropic as it acts as a brain booster of sorts, can increase nerve growth factor, which is central to maintaining healthy brain cells. In addition to promoting clarity and focus, it also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

To get down with both of these fungi, check out the sparkling tonic lineup from Rowdy Mermaid, which includes 200 mg of both reishi and lion’s mane mushroom extract in each flavor. For a straight reishi fix, turn to selections from Little Saints, Droplet and De Soi’s Champignon Dreams, while lion’s mane stars in sips from Hiyo and Three Spirit.