Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Herbs

  • How ashwagandha helps manage stress and improve performance in construction professionals

    How ashwagandha helps manage stress and improve performance in construction professionals

    In today’s demanding work environment, trade workers struggle to find work-life balance, leading to mental stress and anxiety that are hard to control. Workers are turning to natural remedies to combat the mental and physical stress of the daily grind. One powerful remedy gaining popularity is ashwagandha, an herb used in traditional medicine for centuries. Whether it’s reducing cortisol or improving sleep, ashwagandha has several powerful effects on the body and mind. Anyone under stress should consider it.

    Quick look

    • High-pressure jobs in construction, engineering, and architecture drain energy, increase stress, and disrupt sleep, leading to burnout and lower performance.
    • Ashwagandha improves sleep, sharpens memory, balances blood sugar, and boosts physical endurance, improving several areas of health.
    • Ashwagandha reduces mental and physical stress, helping construction, engineering, and architecture professionals stay resilient under pressure.
    • Ashwagandha comes in capsules, powders, teas, and gummies, offering a variety of ways to take it.
    • While generally safe for short-term use, long-term consumption is currently not recommended as scientific evidence is lacking for efficacy.

    What is ashwagandha?

    Ashwagandha is a small evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its roots and berries are used to make medicine. In traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, ashwagandha is considered a powerful adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. They work by supporting the adrenal glands, which produce hormones like cortisol that regulate stress responses. By modulating these hormones, adaptogens like ashwagandha can help improve the body’s resilience to stress.

    Health benefits of supplementing with ashwagandha

    Improves athletic performance

    Feeling physically drained or struggling to build endurance can limit athletic performance. Ashwagandha could be your way to improve physical performance in several physical markers. A controlled study found that athletes and active adults who took ashwagandha significantly improved muscle strength, endurance, and recovery. Another study showed increased VO2 max (a measure of cardiovascular fitness), allowing participants to work out harder and recover faster. Whether you’re a professional athlete, working in the trades, or just trying to stay active, fast recovery and increased endurance can help you endure the most challenging weeks. 

    Enhances sexual function

    Low libido and sexual dysfunction can negatively affect relationships and self-confidence. These issues are often linked to stress, hormonal imbalances, or general health concerns.

    Ashwagandha may help improve sexual function in both men and women. Studies show that women who took ashwagandha experienced increased arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction. In men, it has been linked to higher testosterone levels and better sperm quality, supporting fertility and overall sexual health.

    Supports heart health

    Heart health is vital, especially for those with physically demanding jobs or high-stress lifestyles. Poor cardiovascular fitness increases the risk of heart disease and reduces stamina.

    Ashwagandha has been shown to improve heart health by increasing VO2 max levels—the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. Higher VO2 max is linked to better endurance and stronger heart function, helping you stay active and healthy.

    Supports sleep

    Struggling to fall or stay asleep is common, especially for those juggling demanding work and personal responsibilities. Poor sleep or sleep deprivation can affect mood, focus, and physical performance on the job. Ashwagandha may offer a natural solution. In a double-blind, randomized study, participants who took 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily experienced significantly better sleep quality compared to those taking a placebo. They fell asleep faster, slept longer, and woke up feeling more rested. Researchers believe ashwagandha helps by lowering cortisol levels—a stress hormone that can interfere with sleep.

    Enhances memory

    Memory lapses and brain fog can be frustrating, whether you’re trying to stay sharp at work or manage daily tasks. These cognitive struggles often stem from chronic stress or aging.

    Ashwagandha may improve brain function and memory. One study showed that adults taking ashwagandha extract for eight weeks demonstrated significant improvements in memory, attention, and information processing speed compared to a placebo group. These effects are linked to ashwagandha’s antioxidant properties, which help protect nerve cells from damage.

    Promotes blood sugar regulation

    Blood sugar spikes and crashes can drain energy, increase hunger, and, over time, contribute to serious health issues like diabetes. Keeping blood sugar stable is essential for sustained energy and long-term health. Studies suggest that ashwagandha can naturally support blood sugar control. It has shown the ability to lower blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity and boosting insulin production. This makes it a promising supplement for individuals managing diabetes or prediabetes. However, further studies are needed to build on its efficacy. 

    Ashwagandha and stress: Does it work?

    Stress is more than just feeling overwhelmed—it can wear down the body and mind in ways that impact every part of life. This pressure is even greater for people in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). Long hours, tight deadlines, and the constant need to problem-solve create an environment where physical exhaustion and mental fatigue are part of the daily routine. Over time, this nonstop stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical health problems.

    Ashwagandha may offer a natural solution to managing these layers of stress. As an adaptogen, it helps the body handle internal and external stressors by regulating the production of cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone. High cortisol levels over long periods can lead to fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, and even weight gain. In clinical studies, ashwagandha has been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels, helping people feel calmer and more balanced. For those in high-pressure jobs, here are some of the ways ashwagandha can help:

    • Physical stress: Boosts endurance and speeds up muscle recovery, reducing fatigue.
    • Mental stress: Lowers cortisol levels to improve focus and mental clarity.
    • Emotional stress: Calms the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stabilizing mood.

    For AEC professionals, where the physical, mental, and emotional demands are constant, ashwagandha offers a natural way to build resilience across all fronts. However, before taking this natural supplement, it’s important to consider the safety, potential side effects, and frequency protocols.

    Safety and side effects of ashwagandha

    Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for short-term use, but it’s important to understand appropriate dosages, potential side effects, and when to discontinue use. Most recommendations range from 250 mg to 600 mg of ashwagandha extract daily, typically divided into two 300 mg doses daily. Another factor to consider is that ashwagandha is commonly used for only up to three months; the safety of long-term use is not well established.

    Potential side effects

    While many people tolerate ashwagandha well, some may experience side effects, including:

    • Gastrointestinal issues: Stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
    • Drowsiness: Ashwagandha may cause drowsiness in some individuals.
    • Headaches: Some individuals experience headaches, possibly due to changes in hormone levels or blood pressure.
    • Liver concerns: Although rare, there have been reports linking ashwagandha to liver injury if taken in excess and past the three-month mark.
    • Hormonal effects: Due to its impact on hormone regulation, ashwagandha may affect menstrual cycles or fertility in some individuals. It’s generally not recommended to be taken while pregnant.
    • Low blood pressure: Ashwagandha can lower blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or lightheadedness if you already have low blood pressure.

    If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to stop using it and consult a healthcare provider. It’s also recommended that you stop using it after three months and assess your body’s response.

    What’s the best way to take ashwagandha?

    Ashwagandha is available in various forms, each offering unique advantages and considerations.

    • Capsules and tablets: These are convenient and provide a precise dosage, making them popular choices for many users.
    • Powders: Ashwagandha powder can be mixed into beverages or foods, offering flexibility in consumption. However, some may find its taste less palatable.
    • Gummies: Flavored gummies are an alternative for those who prefer a more palatable option, especially if swallowing pills is challenging.
    • Teas: Ashwagandha-infused teas are available for those who enjoy herbal beverages, though the concentration of active compounds may vary.

    The timing of ashwagandha consumption can also impact its effectiveness. For example, taking it in the morning may help improve energy, focus, and mental clarity throughout the day, making it suitable for trade workers with demanding work schedules or management roles with high cognitive workloads. Conversely, consuming ashwagandha in the evening may be better for those looking to relax and improve sleep quality due to its natural calming properties.

    Regardless of the form or timing, ashwagandha is generally recommended with a meal. Consuming it alongside food helps reduce the risk of stomach discomfort and enhances the absorption of its active compounds. Since fat can improve the bioavailability of certain herbal supplements, pairing ashwagandha with a balanced meal that includes healthy fats may maximize its benefits.

    Ultimately, the best way to take ashwagandha depends on your health goals and lifestyle. Choosing a form and timing that fits into your daily routine while paying attention to how your body responds can help you experience its full range of benefits.

    Bottom line

    Whether working hard on the construction site or developing a plan in the office, ashwagandha helps you manage stress, sleep better, and stay focused longer. It’s a powerful adaptogen that helps your body regain control over stress and rebalance. Whether you take it as a capsule, powder, tea, or gummy, pick the form that fits your routine.

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  • Detoxification is important for overall health—here are 8 herbs contractors can use to support it

    Detoxification is important for overall health—here are 8 herbs contractors can use to support it

    The word “detox” is often associated with green juice cleanses and gimmicky laxative products. Our bodies are naturally designed to handle the elimination of bodily toxins, but sometimes processes slow or get stuck. Luckily, “cleanses” and “detox pills” don’t need to be in your repertoire. Burdock root, milk thistle, nettle, and dandelion are natural and effective herbs for detoxification that can safely support your body in eliminating toxins.

    The importance of occasional detoxification

    People often think of detoxing as an answer to the pressures of diet culture and general over-indulgence; it’s a quick fix after nutritional “misbehaving.” 

    Instead of using synthetic detoxification products or binging on juice cleanses that don’t actually support your body’s natural detoxification processes, turn to herbs. Herbal supplements can safely guide our natural processes and support the body’s detoxification pathways. An occasional detox is vital to flush out toxins and ensure the body’s elimination pathways work optimally. Herbalists utilize these methods as an alternative to harsh detoxes that are made to purge and deplete your body of nutrients. 

    Detoxing via herbs is essential in supporting the function of our skin, liver, digestive tract, kidneys, and lymphatic system. These herbs are left as unprocessed as possible, supporting these organs to keep working as intended. These herbs can also help with inflammation, skin health, and liver support.

    Note: Herbal supplements are not intended to serve as a sole method for detoxification. Healthy lifestyle habits like a clean diet, regular exercise, and sleep support your body’s detoxification efforts.

    Top 8 herbs for detoxification

    1. Dandelion 

    Many people know dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) as a pesky weed, but its powerful properties make it one of the best herbs for detoxification. Dandelion is particularly effective in detoxing the liver via its strong diuretic and detoxifying actions, making it an excellent choice for cleansing toxins from the body. By boosting bile production, it helps detox the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and blood and also regulates bowel motions.

    • The science: A 2021 study shows that dandelion can protect your liver from the stress from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. The protection measured in participants aids in liver function and helps protect against constant toxin exposure. 
    • How to incorporate it into your routine: Dandelion roots, leaves, and stems can all be used. Add dandelion to your diet via dried root, tea, or dandelion greens to your salads. 
    • Precautions: Dandelion could increase stomach acid and cause heartburn in some users. People with gallstones, gallbladder issues, or kidney problems should consult a professional before consumption. 

    2. Cilantro

    Cilantro is commonly found in foods like salsa or tacos, but aside from being a delicious garnish, it also acts as a detoxifier for heavy metals that enter the body. 

    • The science: Cilantro naturally detoxifies by chelating heavy metals in the tissues and making them soluble. This process allows the body to flush them out more easily, ridding them of their harmful effects. 
    • How to incorporate it into your routine: Add cilantro to smoothies, salads, and burritos for freshness and detox benefits. You can also try cilantro extract. 
    • Precaution: People with low blood sugar should be mindful of their cilantro intake. Cilantro contains enzymes that lower blood sugar, so it should be eaten in moderation if you have a blood sugar sensitivity.

    Note: Toxicity from heavy metals is increasingly becoming a concern. Contaminated food, water, environmental pollutants, and other personal products could put you at risk for heavy metal exposure. Some metals, like lead, mercury, and aluminum, can accumulate in your body and increase health risks. 

    3. Milk thistle

    Milk thistle is another herb used to promote liver detoxification. Thanks to its active compound, silymarin, it acts as a barrier for substances that often damage the liver, such as alcohol, medications, and pollutants. 

    • The science: Silymarin is a potent antioxidant that has been extensively researched for its protective properties. It strengthens the walls of the liver, making it more difficult for harmful substances to penetrate. A 2000 evidence report shows that milk thistle also promotes liver healing. It repairs damaged cells and encourages the growth of new liver cells after damage occurs. 
    • How to incorporate it into your routine: Milk thistle is often taken in tablet form, but you can also add milk thistle tincture to your tea. 
    • Precautions: Keep in mind that milk thistle puts you at risk of gastrointestinal problems like bloating, flatulence, nausea, and a general change in bowel routine. It could also cause headaches or skin reactions if used topically. 

    4. Turmeric

    Perhaps one of the most common additions to an herbal list, turmeric is a root that’s part of the ginger family and has many powerful health-promoting properties. The main component, curcumin, is an effective phytochemical that gives it a bright yellow color and stimulates bile production by the gallbladder. Bile eliminates toxins and rejuvenates cells in the liver that break down harmful substances. 

    • The science: Curcumin is known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests it may support the detoxification of carcinogens.
    • How to incorporate it into your routine: Turmeric can be used in grains, soups, eggs, pasta, beans, and many sautés and stir-fries. To get the maximum health benefit, you need more than a pinch of turmeric, so use it generously in your cooking or opt for a tablet.
    • Precautions: Turmeric is generally safe, but when taken in large doses in capsules and pills, it can cause stomach ulcers or diarrhea. If you have kidney disease, gallstones, bleeding, or immune disorders, consult your doctor before increasing your turmeric intake. 

    5. Burdock root

    Burdock root (Arctium lappa) is another potent herb used as a blood purifier. It assists the body in eliminating toxins in numerous ways. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects and contains phenolic acids, quercetin, and luteolin—all powerful antioxidants.

    • The science: Research shows that burdock root can unleash stored toxins in the body. When the liver processes toxins and begins removal, burdock spurs the process. It also aids your body in toxic removal via urine. Burdock root also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
    • How to incorporate it into your routine: You can increase your burdock root intake via tea or by adding fresh burdock root to stews and soups. 
    • Precautions: If you have allergies or sensitivities, taking burdock root can cause dehydration, temporary bloating, and irritation. 

    6. Red clover

    Red clover is an equally gentle and powerful herb known for boosting blood circulation and improving your body’s natural toxin elimination pathways. 

    • The science: Red clover increases efficient blood flow to transport toxins to the liver and kidneys. It also improves the lymphatic system, which moves lymph (a fluid containing toxins) throughout the body for elimination. By encouraging adequate lymphatic drainage, red clover helps lower the strain on other detoxification routes in the body. A 2021 study also found that clover can effectively relieve inflammatory menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. 
    • How to incorporate it into your routine: Red clover can be used as a tincture or capsule but is most often consumed through tea. 
    • Precautions: Side effects could include nausea, rash, and headaches.

    7. Stinging nettle

    Like dandelion, the stinging nettle is most commonly regarded as a weed. In reality, nettle can support skin health, joint health, and many other body parts. 

    • The science: Nettle is studied widely and found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-infectious, hypotensive, and anti-ulcer properties. Stinging nettle is known as the mother of spring tonics, and the leaves topical application can provide physical benefits like improved joint health.
    • How to incorporate it into your routine: You can eat the herb in curry or soup or apply it topically. 
    • Precautions: However, you should avoid stinging nettle if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, or have skin sensitivities.

    8. Schisandra

    Schisandra is a berry commonly known as the “five-flavor fruit” or wǔ wèi zi. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it’s the only fruit with all five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, and bitter. It’s commonly used to treat liver conditions and stomach disorders and as a tonic to improve vitality.

    • The science: Each taste has a corresponding therapeutic benefit, and as a whole, it is said to replenish the body’s vital energy. Extensive research also illustrates its liver-supporting properties. A 2019 study also reveals Schisandra as an anti-diabetic and anti-cancer herb.
    • How to incorporate it into your routine: Mix the dried fruit extract in water to create a tincture, or consume up to 3 grams of the berry daily.
    • Precautions: Avoid consuming shisandra if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s said to stimulate the uterus, and the evidence of whether or not it affects your breastmilk is inconclusive. You should also avoid Schisandra if you have GERD, peptic ulcers, or increased pressure in the brain.

    Other ways to support detoxification

    Herbs for detoxification are just one way to support your body’s natural processes. Here are some other methods to incorporate regularly to support your body’s abilities to cleanse and restore balance.

    • Step in the sauna: Sauna detoxification is an effective way to rid the body of toxins. Encouraging sweat production is also said to be good for your immune system, improve your skin, and encourage your organs to release toxins.
    • Sweat: Physical exercise encourages detoxification through sweating and promotes kidney and liver health. It supports the body’s natural defense processes and stimulates regular lymphatic system function.
    • Eat well: Eating a balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals and including foods rich in peptides and prebiotics helps keep your detoxification systems working optimally. Key foods to aid detoxification include leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, berries, and prebiotic-rich foods like artichokes and tomatoes.
    • Hydrate: Proper hydration is one of the most crucial steps for encouraging regular detoxification. Drinking plenty of water promotes healthy organ function and allows your body to detox naturally.

    Bottom line

    Detoxification doesn’t have to be the drastic process people know it to be. There are ways to promote a reasonable detox via herbs that don’t require gimmicks, tricks, or unnecessary force on the body. Talk to your healthcare provider about how herbs like red clover, dandelion, milk thistle, and stinging nettle could improve your body’s natural detoxification processes. You’ll feel lighter and more energetic, and you’ll be doing your body a favor. 

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  • Mental health in construction: How herbal medicine can help

    Mental health in construction: How herbal medicine can help

    Mental health comes with a pressing stigma in the construction industry. Workers are made to feel like they should “toughen up” and bottle emotions, but tradespeople experience the same mental health struggles as any other industry. It’s important to speak with a professional for a proper diagnosis, but if you’re looking for an herbal remedy to lessen the blow, herbs like lavender, linden, passionflower, and St. John’s wort may offer some welcome benefits.

    The mental health dilemma

    The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry. While workplaces have become more open and progressive when it comes to mental health struggles, there’s still a long way to go. In 2021, figures show that almost a fifth (17.9%) of deaths by suicide with a reported industry code were in construction, despite construction workers accounting for a mere 7.4% of the workforce. The construction labor sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom are similar, with suicide rates up to 3.7x higher than their national averages. 

    Companies have begun implementing mental health awareness policies and training to encourage open dialogue on the subject. However, this is often not enough to make a significant impact in a short amount of time. As such, other options for improving mental health should be considered—that’s where herbal medicine comes into play.

    Here’s an overview of some of the best herbal medicines to improve mental health and well-being. That said, it’s important to always consult with your medical professional before adding a new supplement to your regime. 

    Herbs to support better mental health

    St. John’s wort

    What it is: St. John’s wort is a plant with yellow star-shaped flowers native to Europe. It’s mainly known to treat depression in mild cases. The herb works much like an SSRI, acting as a reuptake inhibitor of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Elevated levels of neurotransmitters in the brain are thought to be helpful when treating depression. 

    Benefits for mental health:

    • Eases mild to moderate depression: A 2008 study looked at the efficacy of St. John’s wort for major depression and found that it was more effective than a placebo and as effective as some common prescription anti-depressants in treating depressive symptoms.
    • Improves sleep: A 2007 study published in Planta Medica shows the protective effects of St. John’s wort on sleep deprivation-induced anxiety-like behavior and oxidative damage, as well as its ability to sleep quality and duration.

    Precautions: St. John’s Wort can interact with several medicines, so consult your healthcare professional before taking it. 

    Ashwagandha

    What it is: Ashwagandha is a shrub native to Africa and Asia that’s classified as an adaptogen. Ashwagandha is known to enhance the body’s resilience to stress, improve the body’s defense against disease by bolstering cell-mediated immunity, and possess potent antioxidant properties that protect cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. Thanks to its adaptogenic properties, the herb is often used to relieve stress, induce calmness, lower blood pressure, and improve immunity.

    Benefits for mental health:

    • Lowering cortisol levels: Cortisol is a stress-release hormone, and chronically high cortisol levels can contribute to chronic anxiety. Some research shows that ashwagandha supplements can improve cognitive abilities, lower cortisol levels, and improve self-reported mood, stress, food cravings, and anxiety.
    • Boosting mood: Ashwagandha has been shown to contain mood-enhancing properties, further reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. It is thought to work by increasing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. 
    • Improving sleep: A 2019 study found that participants who took either 250 mg/day or 600mg/day of Ashwagandha significantly improved their sleep quality compared to people taking a placebo.

    Passionflower

    What it is: Passionflower is a climbing vine with white and purple flowers native to the Southeast. It’s believed to work by modulating the GABA system, offering benefits for anxiety or nervousness, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), insomnia, and more.

    Benefits for mental health:

    • Reduced anxiety: Passionflower has anxiolytic effects that help promote relaxation and lessen anxiety with no adverse effects. 
    • Improved sleep: Passionflower has sedative properties that enhance sleep quality and duration. It calms the mind and quiets thoughts, making it easier to relax into sleep.

    Chamomile

    What it is: Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae (sunflower or daisy) family of herbs and is grown up to 3 feet high in countries worldwide. It’s been used as a medicine for thousands of years in cultures in Greece, Rome, and Egypt. It’s widely regarded as a mild sleep-inducer (sedative) due to the presence of the flavonoid apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.

    Benefits for mental health:

    • Calms the nervous system: Chamomile is a nervine, meaning it restores nervous system balance when we feel unsettled and anxious. Its bioflavonoid compound binds to the same receptors as some anxiety medications, helping to reduce anxious feelings. 
    • Increases neurotransmitters: Several studies show that the active component in chamomile may have an antidepressant effect by regulating catecholamines, serotonin (5-HT), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission. 

    Kava

    What it is: Kava kava (or “kava” for short) is made from the root of the Piper methysticum, a plant native to the islands of the Pacific Ocean. It contains kavalactones (kavapyrones) that have similar effects to alcohol on your brain, making you feel relaxed, calm, and happy, mediated by effects on the limbic system. It’s also thought to relieve pain and relax muscles.

    Benefits for mental health:

    Lavender

    What it is: Lavender, a popular mint-family plant, is a genus of roughly 30 plants native to countries bordering the Mediterranean. It’s well-known for creating a relaxing atmosphere and boasts the ability to calm without sedation and reduce anxiety. 

    Benefits for mental health:

    • Improves sleep: Lavender is a popular essential oil and a remedy for insomnia. A randomized controlled trial found that inhaling lavender promotes calm and relaxation and improves sleep quality. 
    • Provides anxiety relief: According to a 2020 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, lavender tea consumption can reduce anxiety and depression scores in elderly participants.

    Motherwort

    What it is: Motherwort, sometimes referred to as lion’s tail, is a native plant in North America with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains numerous plant-based compounds—flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes, and tannins—that protect cells against the harmful effects of free radicals and may ease anxiety.

    Benefits for mental health:

    Fun fact: Motherwort is one of the few plants that has a square stem!

    Linden

    What it is: A common name for trees in the Tilia genus, linden is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Its dried leaf, flower, and wood contain chemicals that have sedative effects and reduce inflammation. 

    Benefits for mental health:

    • Promotes relaxation: Linden (Tilia tomentosa) possesses strong sedative properties; it mimics the action of GABA in the brain, inhibiting excitability in the human nervous system.
    • Fights inflammation: Tiliroside, a potent antioxidant found in linden buds, is a free radical scavenger that protects cells against oxidative damage that can lead to inflammation. 
    • Reduces anxiety: Some research shows that compounds in linden mimic GABA and benzodiazepine agonists, making it an effective sedative and anxiolytic.

    Why herbal medicine?

    Herbal medicines are often chosen as a gentler and healthier option over traditional over-the-counter prescription drugs. While some herbs aren’t as effective as medications, many are science-backed and offer many of the same benefits without the drawbacks. 

    Herbal medicine is used in:

    • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM is a complete medical system that diagnoses, treats, and prevents illnesses. It has been around for over 2,000 years and is rooted in the belief of yin and yang, established as opposing energies, like earth and heaven, winter and summer, and hot and cold.
    • Western Herbal Medicine (WHM): WHM uses naturally occurring plant material or plants with little or no industrial processing to promote health and healing. It can strengthen body systems and support regeneration by restoring vitality and balance to the body.

    Forms of herbal medicine

    Herbal medicine is available in various forms, including: 

    • Tinctures
    • Teas
    • Capsules
    • Powders
    • Syrups
    • Essential oils

    Each form offers its benefits and potency, so speak to a certified herbalist or holistic medicine practitioner about the best option for you.

    Bottom line

    Mental health remains one of the biggest challenges for the construction industry. Workers can use a lower-risk, non-invasive form of care to support mental health and well-being by utilizing herbal medicines such as kava, linden, chamomile, and passionflower.

    Remember, herbal medicine is still a form of medicine that can be dangerous if not used properly. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting your herbal medicine journey, and monitor your symptoms as you engage. You matter, and your mental and physical health does, too. 

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