Manuka leaf

Latin Name: Leptospermum scoparium

Why we love it: The plant is antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic (reduces anxiety), spasmolytic, astringent and sedative, among other things.

Function: Antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic.

Flavour: A subtle, honeyed pine-like flavour and aroma.

Extraction method: Aqueous extraction

Actives: Beta triketones, sesquiterpenes

The information we provide is for educational purposes and shouldn't be taken as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the EFSA, MHRA or Food and Drug Administration however every care has been taken to use robust, peer reviewed academic papers as reference material. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Koseret

Latin Name: Lippia abyssinica

Why we love it: Koseret is traditionally taken as tea to fight off flu and is a staple of Ethiopian cuisine, especially in celebratory meals.

Function: Antimicrobial.

Flavour: Minty, herbal flavour with hints of sweet basil and oregano.

Extraction method: Aqueous extraction

Actives: Polyphenols

The information we provide is for educational purposes and shouldn't be taken as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the EFSA, MHRA or Food and Drug Administration however every care has been taken to use robust, peer reviewed academic papers as reference material. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Nettle

Latin Name: Urtica dioica

Why we love it: Nettle leaf is a rich source of antioxidants, which are needed for reducing the number of free radicals in your system.

Function: Anti-inflammatory, regulates blood pressure.

Flavour: Green and grassy with a peppery bite.

Extraction method: Ethanolic extraction

Actives: Sclareol

Clary sage

Latin Name: Salvia sclarea

Why we love it: Studies have shown that clary sage contains compounds with anti-depressant and anti-stress effects, likely connected to the hormone dopamine. These effects could make clary sage an effective natural remedy for low moods. It is worth noting that many studies do not involve large groups of humans, however. Clary sage oil has also been shown to lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety, and be a great all-around stress buster. There’s some suggestion that, as a member of the sage family, it may even have a positive impact on memory and mental function.

Function: Stress balancing, combats PMS, antibacterial.

Flavour: Sweet, herbal, soft and green, with elements of lavender and resinous woods.

Extraction method: Ethanolic extraction

Actives: Sclareol

The information we provide is for educational purposes and shouldn't be taken as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the EFSA, MHRA or Food and Drug Administration however every care has been taken to use robust, peer reviewed academic papers as reference material. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

California poppy

Latin Name: Eschscholzia californica 

Why we love it: Proponents claim that these supplements promote relaxation, reduce mild pain and enhance sleep. In fact, the California poppy has long been used in folk medicine for its sedative properties.

Function: Modulates the effects of stress and invigorates the body. 

Flavour: Sweet and warm initially, followed by a gentle alkaloid bitterness.

Extraction method: Ethanolic extraction

Actives: GABA agonists

The information we provide is for educational purposes and shouldn't be taken as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the EFSA, MHRA or Food and Drug Administration however every care has been taken to use robust, peer reviewed academic papers as reference material. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Guayusa

Famed Ecuadorian tribal stimulant

Latin name: Ilex guayusa 

Why we love it: Not enough people know about the superpowers of this Ecuadorian holly plant. Guayusa aids reforestation of the Amazon Rainforest and offers a big hit of euphoric energy without any jitters or crash. A real hidden gem that we’re proud to share in Livener.

Function: Awakens the mind, body, and desire to party

Flavour: Honeyed, grassy and nutty

Actives: Caffeine, chlorogenic acids, rutin

Cacao

The magic ingredient in chocolate that makes you feel good. Cacao has been used therapeutically for thousands of years in shamanic healing ceremonies where the raw paste is drunk during sharing circles, breath work and celebratory dance.⁠ Packed full of theobromine, it is a must-have plant for our dark, rich Social Elixir.

Latin name: Theobroma cacao

Function: Elevates mood, stimulates the mind and protects the body and brain with multiple antioxidants

Flavour: Full-bodied, bitter and dark

Valerian Root

Valerian was always a must-have for Nightcap. The heavyweight champion of indulgent plant remedies. Very relaxing, Valerian is used in many traditional stress relievers and sleep aids.

Latin name: Valeriana officinalis

Function: Relaxes and de-stresses

Flavour: Pungent, fresh and caramel

Schisandra

Latin Name: Schisandra chinensis

One of the original identified adaptogens. Schisandra is a rare, bright red fruit with the power to energise, help fight stress and bring us back to balance. Known as the 'five-flavour berry' there’s evidence it’s been used for hundreds of years to support physical performance. Beyond function, we love this berry for it’s unique, multi-dimensional flavour.

Function: Modulates the effects of stress and invigorates the body. 

Flavour: A red berry sherbet that's 'sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy'

Actives: 

Schisandrins

The information we provide is for educational purposes and shouldn't be taken as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the EFSA, MHRA or Food and Drug Administration however every care has been taken to use robust, peer reviewed academic papers as reference material. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Lion's Mane

This chilled out mushroom contains powerful compounds that promote cognitive function and mood.

Latin name: Hericium erinaceus

Nicknamed the ‘pom pom blanc’, lion’s mane mushroom is a magical wonder of mother nature⁣ with layers of soft cascading spines. It contains powerful compounds that promote cognitive function and mood. A rare delicacy with the flavour of creamy milk chocolate, lion’s mane brings the weird into the Social Elixir.

Function: Improves mood, energy levels and mental health

Flavour: Umami, creamy and chocolate

Actives: Hericenones, erinacines, β-glucans

Mosiac Hops

A modern variant of a calming plant used for thousands of years

Latin name: Humulus lupulus

Why we love it: Part of the cannabis family, the hops have a great, resinous bitter flavour that gives beer its fruity flavours and moreish quality.

Function: Promoting calm and relaxation and anxiety reduction

Flavour: Bright, bittersweet

Guava Leaf

Potent plant powerhouse

Latin name: Psidium guajava

Why we love it: The guava leaf is a superfood packed full of antioxidants and helps to regulate your energy levels throughout the party combating the effects of too much indulgence! A perfect addition to Livener

Function: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Lowers blood sugar levels and nurtures heart health

Flavour: Fresh, bright and sweet

Damiana

Ancient Mexican aphrodisiac

Latin Name: Turnera diffusa

Why we love it: This sexy herb has used for centuries in love potions and health tonics.

Function: Some say it can leave you feeling pretty goddamn frisky… you tell us

Flavour: Zingy floral notes

Lemon Balm

Chilled-out, aromatic herb

Why we love it?: Used in perfumes and calming remedies, the fragrance soothes and the oils provide several compounds known to aid relaxation.

Function: Reduces anxiety and provides calm

Flavour: Gentle, warming citrus aroma

Turmeric

Brightly coloured super-root

Latin name: Curcuma Longa

Why we love it: Turmeric is an unmistakable aromatic that provides relief for the body. We added to Nightcap for its soothing qualities.

Function: Revitalises, fights pain and counteracts imbalance.

Flavour: Fragrant, zesty and rich.

Actives: Curcumin

Panax Ginseng

Latin name: Panax ginseng

Why we love it: Added to the Livener to ignite the senses.

Function: Revered for rejuvenating cognition, regulating cell damage and powering performance.

Flavours: Bittersweet, aromatic

Actives: Ginsenosides

Ashwaganda

Powerful Ayurvedic adaptogen

Latin Name: Withania somnifera

Why we love it: A magical adaptogenic panacea, ashwaganda is revered in Ayurveda and makes its way into Nightcap for its powerful function!

Function: Soothes frazzled minds and relieves stress

Flavour: Subtle, bitter and nutty

Actives: Multiple alkaloids, saponins and lactones

Apple Cider Vinegar

Naturally fermented flavour enhancer.

Latin name: Malus pumila

Why we love it: The mother of drinking vinegars. Delicious, healthy and gives the Livener a well-rounded acidity and texture. 

Function: Feeds and supports natural gut microflora for mind and body benefits.

Flavour: Crisp. vibrant, tart, effervescent.

Actives:  Acetic acid, pectin, vitamin C.

Green Tea

Zen-out with the Asian wonder food

Latin name: Camellia sinensis

Why we love it: Used for centuries in ceremonies, rituals and remedies. Super high in the calming amino acid L-Theanine, it’s found alongside caffeine in Livener for a clean, calm boost and flying solo in Social Elixir where we’ve selected extracts with only trace levels.

Function: Both energising and calming for the body, improves focus, boosts brain function and relaxes the mind. 

Flavour: Grassy, umami, brothy, marine

Actives: L-Theanine

Black Pepper

Piper Nigrum

This bright spice is loved by chefs the world over. It works synergistically with other ingredients in Nightcap to increase potency, and adds a brilliant mouthfeel.

Function: Increases the bioavailability of other beneficial compounds in our formula.

Flavour: Piquant, spicy and hot

Actives: Piperine

Cayenne Chilli

Euphoric culinary firestarter

Latin name: Capsicum annuum

Why we love it: Cayenne brings the heat to the Livener to stimulate the palate and awaken the senses.

Function: Stimulates circulation and increases metabolism.

Flavour: Hot, fruity and spicy.

Why we love it: The aromatic seeds of this white-flowered plant gives Social Elixir some of it’s curious savoury flavours.

Function: Digestion aid. 

Flavour: Aromatic, earthy and peppery.

Actives: Carvone

Sichuan Pepper

Sensational spice famous in Sichuan cooking

Latin name: Zanthoxylum piperitum

Why we love it: This brilliant spice famous in Sichuan cooking gives punchy flavour and sensation to Nightcap. Two fun facts… it gives a gentle electric buzz and it’s part of the citrus family rather than pepper. Now you know!

Function: Stimulates circulation and mood-boosting hormones.

Flavour: Tingly, cooling and numbing citrus.

Actives: Sanshool.

Latin name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Sweet and soothing root

Function: Soothes the stomach and reduces stress

Why we love it: A great digestion aid for after-dinner slow sipping. Worth noting this tastes nothing like liquorice sweets which are flavoured with other spices.

Function: Soothes gastrointestinal problems and reduces stress.

Flavour: Sweet, woody and complex.

Actives: Glycyrrhizic acid.

Maple Syrup

Lush and indulgent, bringing robust body to Nightcap

Latin name: Acer Saccharum

Why we love it: We use the late season sap for its robust flavour. Rich in minerals and natural sugars, it brings pure indulgence to Nightcap.

Function: Provides antioxidants and nutrients that protect the body from free radicals

Flavour: Sweet, woody and spicy

Actives: Sucrose

Vitamin and mineral-packed super-syrup

Latin name: Saccharum officinarum

Why we love it: Molasses gives Social Elixir its rich flavour, body, texture and some natural sweetness.

Function: Provides multiple nutrients to fortify the body.

Flavour: Sweet, rich and spicy.

Agave Nectar

Succulent plant nectar

Latin name: Agave americana

Why we love it: Agave gives Social Elixir its energy, texture and rich substance.

Function: Supercharges energy levels

Flavour: Clean, honeyed and mild

Passionflower

Supremely relaxing flower used across the world

Latin name: Passiflora incarnata

Why we love it: It’s easy to be passionate about this plant - exotic purple flowers, honey-flavoured leaves, rich in active compounds and a tonne of medicinal benefits. Passion Flower is said to settle stomach and promote a deep, restful sleep, so no wonder it’s been used in health tonics for centuries all around the world including Social Elixir!⁠

Function: Reduces stress and relaxes the body and mind.

Flavour: Floral, pungent and medicinal.

Actives: Apigenin, Chrysin, Vitexin

Watermelon

Vibrant and juicy fruit with health benefits. What’s not to love about watermelon?

Latin name: Citrullus lanatus

Why we love it: A fruit for vibrant situations, exotic flavour plus brilliant functionality make it a perfect base to prime your evening.

Function: Improves circulation and increases access to energy reserves in fast-twitch muscle fibres.

Flavour: Juicy, sweet, fresh

Pomegranate Molasses 

Traditionally used in cuisine and remedies - a tangy, intense superfood 

Latin name: Punica granatum

Why we love it: Indulgent pomegranate molasses brings a rich texture and vibrant fruit flavours to Livener.

Function: Boosts the immune system, skin radiance and digestion.

Flavour: Sharp and fruity.

Actives: Polyphenols, B vitamins and Vitamin C.

Hibiscus

Refreshing medicinal flower

Latin name: Hibiscus sabdariffa

Why we love it: Brings brightness and floral zing to the Livener. 

Function: Traditionally used for circulatory health and kidney healing.

Flavour: Tart, tannic and fresh.

Actives: Anthocyanins.

Ginger

Cure-all rhizome with a fiery kick

Latin name: Zingiber officinale

Why we love it: Ginger perks you up and stimulates a bunch of body systems whilst giving a tropical taste and mouthfeel. A flavourful, functional powerhouse that’s at home in the exotic, fiery Livener. 

Function: Metabolic booster that primes you for a big night

Flavour: Lively, hot and green

Actives: Gingerol, Zingerone, Shogaol