A relaxation drink is a non-alcoholic beverage containing calming ingredients normally found in nature. It is a functional beverage which serves to calm a person but unlike other calming beverages such as tea, relaxation drinks almost universally contain more than one active ingredient. Relaxation drinks may be served chilled and carbonated. Others have now been introduced in shot-form.
History
The concept of relaxation drink first emerged from Japan in 2005 when a group of products were introduced to the market enriched with gamma-aminobutyric acid. In 2007, a couple group of kitesurfers from Kāneʻohe Bay and Lanikai beach of O'ahu Hawai'i developed a drink which they dubbed the relaxation drink with their own formula containing gamma-aminobutyric acid, L-Theanine and L-Threonine providing similar calming effects found in kava or valerian roots which later became known as lanilai. Lani is a common Hawaiian word meaning 'sky' or 'heaven' and lai means 'calm after the storm', and hence Lanilai carries the meaning of 'heavenly calm'. Kava roots are well known in the Pacific Islands and mostly grown in Tonga and Fiji. Kava is known to be used for social rituals and celebrations. Melatonin is another major ingredients found in relaxation drinks which also carry some controversy due to negative effects from long term use. Relaxation drinks have been known to contain other natural ingredients. Common ingredients in relaxation drinks may contain kava root, melatonin, valerian root, gamma-aminobutyric acid, Chamomile, Melissa officinalis, L-Theanine, L-Threonine, 5-Hydroxytryptophan or Passiflora. Relaxation drinks are usually free of caffeine and alcohol but some have claimed to contain marijuana.
Function
Relaxation drinks are formulated to help reduce stress, anxiety, improve focus, and promote better sleep. Relaxation drinks can be considered the anti-energy drink and have found a niche alongside energy drinks. Some relaxation shots, particularly those with L-theanine, have been known to be used alongside coffee as a way to counter some of the jittery-feeling caffeine can produce.
Uses
In many scenarios, people use relaxation drinks for dealing with stressful situations, after a work day, after strenuous exercise or before bed time. Further uses have also included aiding anxiety relief. Studies have found that ingredients found in relaxation drinks can help promote alpha wavebrain wave patterns to improve focus. Depending on the formulation, relaxation drinks may promote Rapid eye movement sleep sleep. Relaxation drinks have been known to reduce stress, anxiety and calm nervousness due to their calming effects on the nervous system. People who are allergic to alcohol, recovering from alcohol abuse or have liver problems have resorted to drinking relaxation drinks because its ability to calm nerves and provides what people call a "buzz" however it is alcohol free which does not bring about the well known hangover. This is all dependent on the nutritional content which varies from one relaxation drink to another. There are reports of melatonin causing this next-day grogginess feeling. People with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have been known to use relaxation drinks to substitute for Dexedrine because of the properties to help focus thoughts. Some relaxation drinks can cause drowsiness and should not be taken while driving or operating heavy machinery.
