Anti-Anxiety 'Chill-Out Drinks' Are Storming The Market. Are They Safe?

In a world that rarely slows down, a new wave of "functional beverages" is promising to help us do exactly that.

So-called "chill-out drinks", marketed as natural stress relievers, are appearing in supermarkets and online stores as a calming alternative to caffeinated energy drinks or alcohol.

But do they work and are they safe?

These drinks typically combine herbal extracts, amino acids, and adaptogens – compounds believed to help the body cope with stress. Popular ingredients include L-theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid in green tea, ashwagandha, lion's mane mushroom, and CBD (cannabidiol). Each has a different scientific story.

L-theanine has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress without causing drowsiness. Research suggests it influences brain chemicals su