Why we don't use certain ingredients?

Summary

Many people suffering from chronic fatigue, irritability, or sleep problems look for natural ways to regulate their cortisol levels. They often come across remedies like ashwagandha, ginseng, or maca—substances advertised as adaptogenic or strengthening. What many don't realize is that these very substances can further activate the stress axis, increase internal tension, and further destabilize the autonomic balance. For this very reason, happī was designed not to activate or dampen—but to finely regulate. Instead of stimulants or nonspecific adaptogens, happī contains targeted, nervous system-friendly active ingredients that gently calm the cortisol axis, strengthen vagal activity, and biologically defuse fatigue—without creating new restlessness.

Ashwagandha – not for sensitive stress axis

Ashwagandha is often recommended for stress – however, it is a very non-specific adaptogen. It can both calm and energize. In people with an already overstimulated HPA axis, sleep disorders, or sensitive adrenal regulation, ashwagandha can trigger paradoxical effects: increased restlessness, chest pressure, palpitations, or emotional instability. Studies show that the effect depends heavily on the individual constitution – and can be rather overwhelming during stress-sensitive phases. Therefore, happī deliberately avoids this active ingredient in favor of gentler, more manageable alternatives.

Ginseng – too stimulating, too unspecific

Ginseng is a classic herbal tonic—but its effect is primarily stimulating. It increases physical performance, activates the sympathetic stress response, and can even temporarily increase cortisol levels. People who already suffer from inner restlessness, exhaustion, or trouble falling asleep often report increased nervousness, tension, or irritability after taking ginseng. Happī doesn't aim for short-term activation—rather, for sustained regulation. Ginseng doesn't fit into this concept.

Maca – hormonally active, but difficult to control

Maca is a root from the Andes that is often used to "strengthen" or promote hormonal balance. The problem: Its effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is imprecise, sometimes fluctuating, and difficult to predict. Especially in sensitive individuals with hormonal imbalances, cycle fluctuations, or states of exhaustion, maca can disrupt the internal rhythm rather than harmonize it. happī therefore relies on precisely regulating, non-hormone-activating plant substances.

CBD – inconsistent, often paradoxical

Cannabidiol (CBD) is often portrayed as an anti-anxiety and calming agent. In reality, however, many users report the opposite: restlessness, sleep problems, nightmares, or emotional sedation. Dosage is difficult to control, the quality of the preparations is often unclear, and the effect on the cortisol system is insufficiently documented. Happī doesn't require sedation—it requires a clear, demonstrable effect on the stress axes. CBD doesn't meet this criterion.

Why happī doesn’t want damping – but regulation

happī was designed not to mask the causes of a cortisol imbalance, but to specifically regulate them. The active ingredients, such as Rhodiola rosea, L-theanine, glycine, magnesium bisglycinate, lemon balm, and essential B vitamins, are selected to act simultaneously on the HPA axis, the autonomic nervous system, and central stimulus processing. Instead of stimulating or sedating the body, happī creates space for vagal relaxation, deeper breathing, and hormonal self-regulation – without numbing, dependence, or overstimulation.

Conclusion: If you want to regulate cortisol, you don’t need stimulating plant power – but sensitive, vagus-active support

Many seemingly natural active ingredients essentially act like a pedal to the metal – thus exacerbating the condition they are actually intended to alleviate. happī deliberately takes a different approach: less pressure, more balance. No aggressive activation, no hormonal manipulation – but rather a deep calming of the stress axes on a biological level. This is not a weakness – this is modern natural medicine.