What Are Nootropic and Adaptogen Drinks?
Nootropic drinks are beverages that contain compounds aimed at enhancing brain function—memory, focus, clarity, and motivation. Some are synthetic, but most drinks in today’s functional category rely on natural nootropics like caffeine, ginseng, and ginkgo. Even that morning cup of coffee qualifies as a nootropic.
Adaptogen drinks, on the other hand, are designed to help your body adapt to stress. These botanicals have long histories in traditional medicine, and many are associated with calming, energising, or balancing effects depending on the context.
Together, these compounds form the backbone of functional drinks—beverages designed not just to taste good, but to do something.
SENTIA, however, sits in a unique niche. Unlike many products on the market, SENTIA’s range of functional spirits is engineered to enhance the brain’s GABA system, which is central to relaxation, connection, and sociability. This isn’t about vague stress relief. It’s about precise neurochemical support.
Are These Drinks Safe?
Short answer: For most healthy adults, yes—when made by reputable brands and consumed as intended.
But that doesn't mean all adaptogen or nootropic drinks are equal. Safety depends on:
- Ingredients used
- Quality and sourcing
- Your individual health circumstances
All botanicals used in SENTIA are classified as food-safe, and our formulations are backed by neuroscience, not just marketing trends. Our founder, Professor David Nutt, is a globally recognised expert in psychopharmacology, ensuring every drop of SENTIA is crafted with safety, science, and sociability in mind.
Quick Answers to Your Top Questions
Do adaptogen or nootropic drinks get you high?
No. SENTIA’s effects work by enhancing GABA—the neurotransmitter linked to calm and sociability.
How long do they take to kick in?
With SENTIA, you’ll likely feel the effects within 5–10 minutes.
Are they safe for sober people?
Yes. There’s no alcohol in SENTIA.
Will they show up on a drug test?
No. Our ingredients are 100% legal and food-safe
Can I drink as much as I want?
No. Functional drinks are effective in small, specific doses—more doesn’t equal better.
When You Should Be Cautious
There are times when you should avoid adaptogen or nootropic drinks:
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Avoid SENTIA.
On medication? Check with your doctor—some botanicals can interact with common drugs.
Driving? For GABA Red (our most relaxing blend), we recommend waiting 45 minutes before operating machinery or getting behind the wheel.
The Science of SENTIA: A Better Way to Drink
Rather than cobbling together trendy herbs and calling it a day, SENTIA is built on a scientific understanding of the GABA system, targeting the receptors that alcohol hits—without the damage alcohol causes.
Functional Ingredients That Work (with a Brain)
Each of our blends is tuned to elicit specific effects, with ingredients that do more than just sound nice on a label:
GABA Red:
Ashwagandha: Contains withanolides and sitoindosides; supports mental clarity and stress resilience.
Passion Flower: Contains anti-oxidants and supports healthy sleep.
Magnolia Bark: Supports rest, relaxation, and gut health.
GABA Black:
Ginseng: Rich in ginsenosides, which help to maintain and support cognitive performance
Ginkgo Biloba: Contains flavonoids and terpenoids; which help to maintain focus and mental clarity.
GABA Gold:
Hops: a rich source of anti-oxidants that sooths and promotes sleep
Lemon Balm: also contains anti-oxidants, supports relaxation and stress relief.
Schisandra: Contains schisandrins, providing a healthy response to stress.
