WHAT'S INSIDE

Most functional beverages hide behind proprietary blends and vague label claims. CHILLR MODE takes the opposite approach. Below is a complete breakdown of every active ingredient in our formula — what it does, how much we use, and why it earns its place in the bottle.

Kava Root Extract — 150-200mg Kavalactones

Kava (Piper methysticum) is the backbone of the CHILLR MODE formula. We extract exclusively from noble kava root cultivars — the same chemotypes Pacific Islanders have used ceremonially for over 3,000 years. Noble varieties are distinguished by their favorable kavalactone profiles (high kavain, low dihydromethysticin) which produce calm euphoria without next-day heaviness.

At 150-200mg of active kavalactones per serving, the dose aligns with clinical research demonstrating anxiolytic effects through GABA-A receptor modulation. Unlike benzodiazepines, kavalactones enhance GABAergic tone without binding directly to the benzodiazepine site — meaning relaxation without cognitive impairment or dependence risk. Additional mechanisms include sodium channel modulation and MAO-B inhibition, contributing to the multi-dimensional calm that kava drinkers describe.

Learn more about the clinically-studied benefits of kava and how it compares to kratom as a relaxation alternative.

Kanna Extract — 30mg Mesembrine

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a South African succulent with a 400-year history of traditional use for mood enhancement. Our extract is standardized to deliver 30mg of mesembrine — the primary psychoactive alkaloid responsible for kanna's effects.

Mesembrine operates through a dual mechanism: it acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) while simultaneously inhibiting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). The SRI activity elevates synaptic serotonin availability for mood lift, while PDE4 inhibition reduces neuroinflammation and enhances cognitive flexibility. Together, these pathways create a noticeable brightening of mood within 20-40 minutes — fast enough to complement kava's onset.

At 30mg mesembrine, we sit within the clinically-effective range without approaching doses that might cause overstimulation. The result is subtle elevation — you feel present and socially engaged rather than sedated.

L-Theanine — 200mg

L-Theanine is an amino acid found naturally in green tea leaves. At 200mg — roughly ten times what you'd get from a cup of matcha — L-Theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and promotes alpha brain wave activity. Alpha waves are the electrical signature of "relaxed alertness," the state associated with meditation, creative flow, and calm focus.

The anxiolytic mechanism is straightforward: L-Theanine increases GABA, serotonin, and dopamine production while reducing excitatory glutamate activity. It synergizes powerfully with kavalactones — kava calms from the top down via GABA-A, while theanine builds calm from the bottom up via neurotransmitter modulation. EEG studies confirm that 200mg produces measurable alpha-wave increases within 30-40 minutes without drowsiness.

Magnesium Glycinate — 80-100mg

Magnesium deficiency affects an estimated 50% of American adults — and it directly impacts stress response, muscle tension, and sleep quality. We use magnesium glycinate specifically because the glycine chelation provides superior bioavailability compared to oxide or citrate forms, and glycine itself functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

At 80-100mg elemental magnesium, the dose supports three pathways relevant to the CHILLR MODE experience: muscle relaxation via calcium channel regulation, NMDA receptor modulation (reducing excitotoxic stress), and HPA axis normalization. The glycinate form is also exceptionally gentle on the stomach — critical for a kava supplement that people drink socially.

Natural Caffeine — 25-35mg (from Green Tea)

Yes, there's caffeine in CHILLR MODE — but not for the reason you think. At 25-35mg (about one-quarter of a standard coffee), this micro-dose isn't meant to stimulate. It's an onset signal.

Low-dose caffeine accelerates the subjective perception of the formula's effects by mildly increasing alertness during the 10-15 minute window before kavalactones and mesembrine reach peak plasma levels. It tells your brain "something is happening" — bridging the gap between drinking and feeling. Combined with L-Theanine at a 6:1 theanine-to-caffeine ratio, any jittery edge is completely neutralized. You get onset, not stimulation.

Lemon Balm Extract — 100mg (Rosmarinic Acid)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been used in European herbal medicine since the Middle Ages for nervous tension and sleep support. Modern research reveals why: rosmarinic acid — the primary bioactive in lemon balm — inhibits GABA transaminase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down GABA in the synapse. The result is prolonged GABAergic activity that stacks with both kava and L-Theanine's mechanisms.

At 100mg standardized extract, lemon balm also provides mild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Studies show improvements in calmness and reduced anxiety at this dose with no sedative hangover. It's the formula's "extender" — smoothing the tail end of the experience so the comedown is gradual rather than abrupt.

Ingredient Summary

What's NOT Inside

What we leave out matters as much as what we put in. CHILLR MODE contains:

• No Kratom — Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) acts on opioid receptors and carries dependence risk. We formulate with kava instead of kratom because relaxation shouldn't come with withdrawal potential.
• No Alcohol — Zero ethanol. CHILLR MODE is designed as an alcohol alternative for social occasions, not a supplement to drinking.
• No Proprietary Blends — Every ingredient and exact dose is printed on the label. If a brand hides behind "proprietary blend," they're hiding under-dosed ingredients.
• No Artificial Colors — No FD&C dyes, no titanium dioxide, no synthetic coloring agents. The natural amber hue comes from the kava and lemon balm extracts themselves.
• No Artificial Sweeteners — No sucralose, aspartame, or acesulfame potassium. Sweetness comes from monk fruit extract and minimal organic cane sugar.

If you can't explain every ingredient on your label to a stranger in plain English, you shouldn't be selling it.

The Stack Effect

These six ingredients aren't random — they're layered to produce a specific experiential arc:

• Minutes 0-10: Natural caffeine provides subtle alertness. L-Theanine begins alpha-wave modulation.
• Minutes 10-25: Mesembrine reaches effective concentration. Mood lifts. Social inhibition softens.
• Minutes 20-40: Kavalactones hit peak plasma levels. Deep muscular calm. Anxiolytic effect fully online.
• Minutes 40-120: Magnesium glycinate and lemon balm extend the experience. Smooth, gradual return to baseline.

Every ingredient has a job. Every dose is clinically informed. No filler, no fairy-dusting, no marketing fluff.

Learn More

Dive deeper into individual ingredients: What Is Kava? | What Is Kanna? | Kava Benefits | Kava vs Kratom