Do You Really Know What’s in Your Drink?

A Guide to Adaptogens, Nootropics, and Nervines

At Botanika, we love a cute can with pastel fonts as much as the next person—but let’s be honest: half the “functional” drinks out there are riding on buzzwords. Adaptogen this, nootropic that, nervine sprinkled in for good measure. Sounds impressive. But what do these terms actually mean—and are they even safe for you?

Spoiler: sometimes yes, sometimes very much no.

Adaptogens: The Chill Builders

Ashwagandha, tulsi, rhodiola… the whole “keep calm and carry on” crew. Adaptogens help your body handle stress without flatlining your energy.

Heads up: if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain meds, adaptogens aren’t always your friend. “Natural” doesn’t equal “universal.”

Nootropics: The Brain Hype Squad

Lion’s mane, L-theanine, ginseng. These are your focus boosters, memory supporters, and brain-fog fighters. They can help you lock in when your to-do list is longer than your grocery receipt.

Caution: take too much and you might trade clarity for jitters—or insomnia. Balance is everything.

Nervines: The Nervous System Whisperers

Chamomile, lemon balm, skullcap. Nervines calm your nerves (literally) and can range from “ahhh, relaxing tea” to “oops, I just passed out at 7 PM.”

Reality check: stronger nervines plus alcohol, prescriptions, or pregnancy? Not a great cocktail.

Context Is Everything

The same herb can act differently depending on:

• How much you take (micro-dose vs. mega-scoop). Uh, are you taking shooters of kava? 

• How you take it (tea, tincture, botanical spirit)

• When you take it (morning = productivity, bedtime = regret, morning = groggy, bedtime = great)

• What’s going on in your body right now

The Bottom Line ...

Functional drinks aren’t just harmless add-ons. They have real effects on your system. That’s the good news (they work!) and the caution (they’re not for everyone).

So before you down your next “focus elixir,” ask: what is this actually doing for me? If the label can’t tell you, that’s a red flag.

At Botanika, we’re here to help you sip smarter—because your wellness shouldn’t be a guessing game. We also expect you, the consumer, to know what’s best for your situation. Translation: if you’re pregnant, on meds, or just experimenting with every powdered mushroom TikTok throws at you—pause, read the label, and maybe phone a professional before you sip. Plants are powerful, which is why we love them, but they’re not one-size-fits-all.