Nothing to hide.

What it is. Caffeine is a naturally occurring methylxanthine. Ours is sourced from green tea leaves rather than synthesized, and each strip delivers 50mg, roughly half a standard cup of brewed coffee.

How it works. Throughout the day, a compound called adenosine builds up in the brain and binds to receptors that make you feel tired. Caffeine has a similar shape and occupies those receptors without activating them, so the 'slow down' signal is muted. The downstream effect is greater release of dopamine and norepinephrine, the neurotransmitters linked to alertness and drive.

What the research says. Caffeine is one of the most studied compounds in nutrition science. Reviews by bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority have concluded that doses around 75mg improve attention and alertness, and that up to 400mg per day is generally considered safe for healthy adults. Research in sports science also links moderate caffeine intake to improved endurance and reduced perceived effort.

In every strip. A moderate 50mg keeps the lift noticeable but controlled, and leaves room for your morning coffee if you want it.

What it is. L-Theanine is an amino acid found almost exclusively in tea leaves. It is a big part of why a cup of green tea feels calmer than a cup of coffee with similar caffeine.

How it works. L-Theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and is associated with increased alpha brain wave activity, a pattern linked to relaxed but alert attention. It also appears to influence GABA, serotonin and dopamine signaling, which may help smooth out the sharper edges of caffeine.

What the research says. Several randomized, placebo-controlled trials have studied L-Theanine together with caffeine. Combinations in roughly a 1:1 to 2:1 ratio have been shown to improve speed and accuracy on attention-switching tasks and to reduce susceptibility to distraction, compared with caffeine alone. Studies of L-Theanine on its own suggest benefits for perceived stress and relaxation.

In every strip. 30mg of L-Theanine paired with 50mg of caffeine, a ratio chosen for steadier energy and fewer jitters.*

What it is. Vitamin B12 (here as methylcobalamin, an active form) is an essential nutrient your body cannot make on its own. It is found mostly in animal foods, which makes it a common gap for vegans and vegetarians.

How it works. B12 is a cofactor in energy metabolism, helping convert the food you eat into usable cellular energy. It is also required for red blood cell formation and the maintenance of the nervous system.

What the research says. B12 deficiency is well documented as a cause of fatigue and low energy, and public health agencies recognize B12's role in reducing tiredness. Supplementation reliably corrects low B12 status. In people with adequate levels, additional B12 is not shown to provide an extra energy boost, so its job here is to make sure the basics are covered.

In every strip. 1000mcg of methylcobalamin, a form that does not need conversion before your body can use it.

What it is. Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom with a long history of use in traditional East Asian practice. It is easily recognized by its white, cascading spines.

How it works. Lion's Mane contains two families of compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which laboratory studies have linked to the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein involved in the growth and maintenance of neurons.

What the research says. Most of the mechanism research comes from cell and animal studies. A small number of human trials have reported improvements in measures of cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive decline, and in mood and perceived stress in healthy adults. These results are promising but early, and larger trials are still needed.

In every strip. 30mg of Lion's Mane extract, the lead mushroom in the FLOWSTATE blend.*

What it is. Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus traditionally prized in Tibetan and Chinese practice for stamina and vitality.

How it works. Cordyceps contains cordycepin and polysaccharides that researchers believe may support how efficiently cells produce ATP, the molecule your muscles and brain use for energy, and how the body uses oxygen.

What the research says. Some small human studies have reported modest improvements in exercise performance and oxygen uptake, particularly in older adults, while others have found no significant effect in trained athletes. The evidence is mixed and evolving, which is why we describe Cordyceps as traditionally used for stamina rather than proven to boost it.

In every strip. 25mg of Cordyceps for afternoon stamina alongside the mental clarity side of the blend.*

What it is. Maitake (Grifola frondosa), sometimes called 'hen of the woods', is a culinary mushroom that grows in clusters at the base of trees.

How it works. Maitake is rich in beta-glucans, a type of fiber-like polysaccharide that interacts with immune cells in the gut. It also contains antioxidant compounds.

What the research says. Research on maitake beta-glucans, mostly in lab and animal models with some early human work, has explored their role in supporting normal immune function and metabolic balance. Like most functional mushrooms, the human evidence base is still developing.

In every strip. 25mg of Maitake for antioxidant and whole-body support.*

What it is. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is one of the most widely eaten mushrooms in the world, valued in cooking and in traditional practice.

How it works. Shiitake provides beta-glucans such as lentinan, along with B vitamins, copper and other micronutrients involved in energy metabolism.

What the research says. A four-week human study found that eating shiitake daily was associated with markers of improved immune activity. Broader research supports the nutritional value of shiitake, while specific supplement effects are still being studied.

In every strip. 20mg of Shiitake to round out the blend with daily vitality support.*

What it is. Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces in the pineal gland as it gets dark. It is the signal that tells your internal clock it is night.

How it works. Melatonin binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain's master clock. Rather than sedating you, it shifts your body into 'night mode', lowering alertness and helping time the onset of sleep.

What the research says. Meta-analyses of clinical trials show that melatonin can modestly shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and is particularly helpful for circadian disruption such as jet lag or shift work. Research also suggests that lower doses can be as effective as higher ones, and melatonin is not considered habit-forming.

In every strip. 1mg (1000mcg), a modest dose in the range studies support, rather than the high doses common on store shelves.*

What it is. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant whose root has been used to support rest since ancient Greece and Rome.

How it works. Valerian contains valerenic acid and related compounds that appear to interact with GABA, the brain's primary calming neurotransmitter, which may promote relaxation.

What the research says. Clinical trials on valerian have produced mixed results. Some systematic reviews report improvements in subjective sleep quality, while others find the effect small or inconsistent. It has a long safety record and is often combined with other calming botanicals.

In every strip. 50mg of Valerian root extract as the backbone of the botanical blend.*

What it is. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an aromatic herb known for its calming scent and long history in relaxation rituals.

How it works. Lavender's main compounds, linalool and linalyl acetate, have been studied for their effects on the nervous system, including possible influence on calming pathways.

What the research says. Human studies, particularly with oral lavender oil preparations, have reported reductions in feelings of restlessness and anxiousness, and improvements in sleep quality in some populations. Aromatherapy research points the same direction.

In every strip. 20mg of Lavender extract to help you unwind.*

What it is. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the daisy-like flower behind one of the world's most popular bedtime teas.

How it works. Chamomile contains apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which may explain its mild calming properties.

What the research says. Small clinical trials have reported improved sleep quality in older adults and postpartum women taking chamomile, along with reduced feelings of anxiousness. It is widely regarded as gentle and well tolerated.

In every strip. 10mg of Chamomile extract for a settled mind before bed.*

What it is. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a tart, deep red flower used in teas around the world.

How it works. Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols, plant compounds with antioxidant activity.

What the research says. Hibiscus has been studied mainly for its antioxidant properties and its role in cardiovascular wellness. In DREAMSTATE it is included for overall wellness rather than as a direct sleep agent.

In every strip. 10mg of Hibiscus extract for antioxidant support.*