Adaptogens: Nature’s Chill Pills (and the drinks who love them)
If you’ve spent any time in our shop, or—let’s be honest—scrolling through Instagram, you may have bumped into the word “adaptogen.” Maybe you’ve seen it splashed across a bottle of a mysterious elixir promising to make you less stressed, more focused, and possibly able to leap tall buildings in a single bound (results may vary). But what are adaptogens, which herbs are the real MVPs, and why are drinks like Dromme and Sentia suddenly taking up space on our shelves? We'll talk about these later on!
So, What the Heck Is an Adaptogen?
The term “adaptogen” comes from the idea that certain plants and fungi can help your body adapt to stress—physical, chemical, emotional, or the existential dread of reading the news—without the side effects of drugs, alcohol or binge drinking caffeine. The concept was systematized in the 20th century by scientists Brekhman and Dardymov, who basically decided that some plants deserve a gold star for helping us keep our cool when life gets spicy.
Adaptogens work by supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (science speak for your body’s stress-response system), helping to balance hormones and keep your internal engine humming along. Think of adaptogens as your body’s pit crew, tuning you up so you can keep racing—even if you hit a few potholes.
The All-Star Adaptogenic Herbs
Let’s meet the herbs that have been making humans more resilient (and less likely to throw themselves out a window) for centuries:
- Panax Ginseng: The OG adaptogen, ginseng is famed for boosting energy, improving memory, and making you feel like you’ve finally gotten a full night’s sleep.
- Rhodiola Rosea: Sometimes called “golden root,” this herb is beloved by students, athletes, and anyone with a to-do list longer than their arm. It’s linked to improved endurance, mood, and cognitive function.
- Schisandra Chinensis: These tart little berries are used to support liver function, boost physical performance, and generally help you feel less frazzled.
- Eleutherococcus Senticosus (Siberian Ginseng): Not technically a ginseng, but it’s still a heavy hitter for immune support and stamina.
- Rhaponticum Carthamoides (Leuzea): Used in Russia and Mongolia to treat weakness and boost endurance, this plant’s extracts have even been shown to help athletes increase muscle mass and physical performance—without turning you into a Marvel superhero, but close.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): A staple in Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi is cherished for calming the mind and supporting the immune system.
- Ashwagandha: The stress-busting superstar of Ayurveda, ashwagandha is known for its calming effects and ability to help you handle whatever life throws at you (including, but not limited to, your inbox).
Other notable herbs making a name for themselves are:
- Astragalus root
- Licorice root
- Maca root
- Bacopa monnieri
- Gotu kola
- Reishi mushroom
- Chaga mushroom
- Lion’s mane mushroom
- Maitake mushroom
- Turmeric
- Amla
- Shatavari
- Jiaogulan
- Ashitaba
- Lemon balm
- Rehmannia
- Guduchi
Why Are They Called Adaptogens?
The name isn’t just clever branding. Adaptogens must meet three criteria:
- They’re non-toxic at normal doses (so you won’t sprout extra limbs).
- They help your body resist a wide range of stressors—not just one specific thing.
- They help normalize your body’s systems, nudging you back to balance whether you’re running on empty or bouncing off the walls. If you're low, they'll work to bring you up, if you're up they'll work to bring your feet back down to earth.
From Herb to Happy Hour: Dromme and Sentia
Now, let’s talk about the new wave of adaptogen-infused drinks, specifically Dromme and Sentia. We have quite a few options on our shelves at Soberish. However, these concentrated "spirits" are part of a growing trend: non-alcoholic, mood-enhancing beverages offering better ways to help you unwind, focus, and socialize fostering moments of connection.
Dromme: Calm in a Bottle
Dromme Calm Zero Proof Elixir is a non-alcoholic spirit that swaps the booze for a blend of adaptogenic herbs, spices, and botanicals. The goal? To help you relax and reset—without the hangover. Dromme’s formula leans on classic adaptogens like ashwagandha and holy basil, along with calming herbs like chamomile and lemon balm. It’s designed for those moments when you want to wind down, but don’t want to reach for a glass of wine.
Sentia: Science-Backed Social Sipping
Sentia takes a slightly different approach. Developed by a team of neuroscientists and botanists, Sentia is a “GABA spirit”—meaning it’s crafted to activate the same calming brain pathways as alcohol, but without the downsides. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, Sentia’s creators have shared that it’s packed with adaptogenic extracts and botanicals designed to help you relax and socialize, including passion flower which has been historically used as a mild sedative.
Sentia was developed as a response to the search for healthier alternatives to alcohol, especially for people who want to unwind or be social without the negative effects. Early research and user feedback suggest that Sentia can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm, with some studies indicating measurable changes in brainwave activity and subjective relaxation. (Just don’t expect it to replace your therapist.)
Do They Really Work?
Here’s the honest scoop: while adaptogens have been used for centuries and show promise in studies for reducing fatigue, improving cognitive function, and supporting the immune system, the research is still catching up to the hype. Most experts agree that adaptogens are generally safe for most people and can be a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle—justdon’t expect them to solve all your problems overnight (or turn you into a Zen master by next Tuesday).
I drank Sentia on Canada Day, specifically to see if I could feel its effects. I was skeptical. But after my fourth mixed beverage of the day, I can say that my social anxiety had noticeably decreased, and I was feeling a heady euphoria comparable to the start of an alcohol buzz. By evening I was very mellowed out.
The Bottom Line
Adaptogenic herbs are nature’s way of giving us a little nudge toward balance, resilience, and good vibes. Whether you’re sipping a Dromme elixir after a long day or raising a glass of Sentia at your next social gathering, these drinks are a fun and flavorful way to explore the world of adaptogens—no wizardry required.
Check back for an upcoming post on Nootropics. Another term making a mark in the world of functional beverages!