Botanical Wellness Bliss: Functional Beverages for Mindful Living
Holistic wellness meets flavor, uncover Functional Herbalism, and unlock a new way to drink your way to mindful living.
What is a functional beverage?
Functional beverages can be described as drinks designed to enhance both mental and physical well-being through the infusion of herbal supplements. While this trend may seem new, herbal-infused drinks have ancient roots we can reference and respect. The resurgence of functional beverages can be attributed to a growing demand for alternatives to traditional stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, reflecting a broader trend of seeking consciousness-altering substances without drawbacks.
Consumers today are increasingly inclined towards beverages that positively impact mood and physical health. This desire for a boost without negative effects has fueled the popularity of functional beverages, positioning them as a healthy alternative. The incorporation of various plants, such as CBD, Cannabis, Kava, and Kratom, aligns with the evolving legal landscape and contributes to the expanding wellness industry.
Functional beverages come in various forms, whether made from concentrates like our products Kava Chai, Brain Food, and Morphic Matcha or purchased as premade drinks in cans. The underlying function of these beverages is to enhance or upgrade certain aspects of being, providing a holistic experience that goes beyond mere refreshment.
Who can benefit from functional beverages?
Functional beverages benefit a wide audience, particularly those seeking alternatives to caffeine and alcohol. The versatility of functional beverages makes them accessible and advantageous for everyone. Whether you're looking for a boosting option for socializing, seeking a nightcap, or aiming to support your mind and body, functional beverages provide a versatile and enjoyable solution for everybody.
I incorporate botanicals with healing energies into my products to maintain a holistic balance within the entire system. My focus is on herbs and mushrooms that enhance mental clarity and nourish the nervous system. These botanicals fall under the category of nervines, a diverse group that spans the spectrum from stimulating to relaxing and tonifying (restorative and invigorating).
Having delved into herbalism for over a decade, I perceive all the ingredients I work with as inherently functional. Their effects extend beyond mere physical benefits, influencing how individuals feel, respond to, and experience life. Embracing the concept of Functional Herbalism, I believe it plays a pivotal role in contributing to a better world. Plants and mushrooms, with their historical role as helpers, act as supportive allies, fortifying mental resilience and physical strength.
What functional ingredients are in Conscious Seed products?
While nootropics and adaptogens offer various benefits, misuse is something to be aware of. Nootropics, with their focus being on brain support and memory optimization, can sometimes lead to heightened caffeine-like effects, causing jitteriness and increased anxiety in some individuals. While my observation that the combination of Ghee and nootropics slows absorption is anecdotal, it's a consideration for those seeking a more gradual release of effects, as reported by users of our Brain Food.
On the other hand, adaptogens support the entire system. They have an intelligence of their own and know where to focus their support. They are widely known to help the body adapt and heal in stressful environments. For example, take Rhodiola, an active ingredient in our Moody Bloom elixir, it thrives in harsh climates and then passes on to us its ability to adapt to stress, among its other benefits. It’s so cool how the nuances of plants and mushrooms are so intelligent- it makes me feel gratitude for the coevolution of humans and plants, as they’ve always offered us diverse ways to promote our own well-being.
What should consumers be aware of when purchasing any adaptogens or nootropics on the market?
Consumers should be aware of the the growing and sustainability practices of the brands they’re purchasing from. Many botanicals, particularly mushrooms and roots used in supplements, take years to mature. Sustainability is a key consideration, especially in an industry where over-harvesting has already contributed to the endangerment of certain plant species. Herbalism is a whole ecosystem. Humans are not the only species to benefit from these precious resources.
In my own practices with Conscious Seed, sustainability is one of our core values. I strive to implement sustainable practices and openly discuss our efforts to support ecology and plant populations. This commitment to sustainability and safe yet effective dosing is a defining feature of our functional beverages and herbal product line.
