If you’ve ever googled “best adaptogen for stress” while clutching a mug of chamomile tea and a sense of existential overwhelm, then congratulations - you’re officially part of the modern wellness era.

Reishi and Ashwagandha are everywhere right now. TikTok loves them. Nutritionists swear by them. But despite being spoken about in the same breath, these two adaptogens do very different things for your body.

However, Choosing the wrong one means you won’t feel the mood shift you’re hoping for.

Here we'll break it down the differences in a way that actually helps you decide which your nervous system needs - starting tonight.

Ashwagandha: The Calm-Your-Mind, Drop-Your-Shoulders, Unclench-Your-Jaw Cortisol-Softening One

Ashwagandha is like turning the lights down low, slipping under a weighted blanket, and exhaling after a long day.

Why people love it:

• Reduces cortisol (your stress hormone)
• Helps your mind slow down
• Supports deeper, more restorative sleep
• Balances serotonin
• Softens anxious, wired, overactive thoughts

This is your adaptogen if you’re…
✔ feeling overwhelmed
✔ buzzing with stress
✔ lying awake at night with a brain full of open tabs
✔ craving a calmer, lower-cortisol evening rhythm

Why we use it in Acqua
Acqua is your “reset button in a can.” Ashwagandha is the star because it instantly shifts you into a softer, calmer state, without the meditation & downward dog.

Reishi: The Deep Resilience, Immune-Fortifying, Gut-Brain Harmony One

Reishi doesn’t sedate you. It strengthens you - from the inside out.

Why people love it:

• Enhances immune function
• Supports gut-brain balance (hello, 2026 wellness priority)
• Reduces inflammation
• Helps build emotional & physical resilience
• Calms you without making you sleepy

This is your adaptogen if you’re…
✔ run-down or catching every cold
✔ inflamed, fatigued or foggy
✔ stressed and physically depleted
✔ wanting long-term balance, not a quick fix

Why we use it in Coral
Coral is your “stability drink.” Reishi provides strength, not sedation - making it ideal for daytime calm and resilience. It's a natural, grounding mushroom, not a sleepy one.

So… Which One Do You Need? 

Choose Ashwagandha (Acqua) if you want:

• Lower cortisol
• Better sleep
• Evening calm
• Fewer racing thoughts
• Anxiety reduction

Choose Reishi (Coral) if you want:

• Better immunity
• Gut-brain support
• Daytime calm
• Less inflammation
• Long-term resilience

Choose BOTH if you want:

A nervous system that feels safe and strong.
Many people pair Coral by day with Acqua at night - it’s the 2026 version of self-care, in a can.

Why They Work Better in Drinks Than in Capsules

Your body absorbs liquid actives faster and more effectively than dry powders.
No fillers, no chalky tablets - just functional actives delivered in a delicious, refreshing drink.

And for people who forget to take supplements?
Drinks slot effortlessly into your life:

• your desk ritual
• your evening wind-down
• your gym bag
• your Sunday reset

It’s functional wellness, made beautiful.

Final Takeaway: You’re Not Choosing an Herb - You’re Choosing a Mood

Reishi = Resilience
Ashwagandha = Serentiy

Your body already knows which one it needs - now your mind does too.

If you're interested in adaptogens, nootropics & their benefits, check out our ingredients page here

Or, check out our Mindful Mocktails for recipes to enhance your daily Catalyse  

I hope that helps!

Love Eirian X