Rosemary often steals the headlines when it comes to strengthening hair health and stimulating hair growth. For decades, this aromatic herb has received praise for its ability to thicken hair and ward off thinning. And while rosemary certainly gets its due, there may be another herb that stands a better chance of improving hair health: ginseng. This age-old root is prized for its widespread benefits for health but has become part of the hair care regimen as a result of its strong influences on encouraging hair growth and scalp wellness.

For ages, ginseng is used as an effective adaptogen: this plant enhances general wellness, decreases stress, and boosts mental functioning. Newer research has shown another excellent advantage of ginseng: its promotion of hair growth. Most people have heard of ginseng in the Chinese traditional healing practices, but only over the last decade have researchers started to analyze it on a deeper level and look into its hair-related impacts. As it turns out, this humble root may hold the key to not just healthier hair, but more voluminous, thicker locks.

While genetics undeniably play a significant role in hair loss and thinning, factors such as stress, diet, scalp health, and circulation are all contributing elements that can exacerbate these conditions. This is where ginseng comes into play. It enhances the circulation of blood on its scalp, hence becomes fundamental in hair development and stimulating healthy growth in nourishing the scalp. That more blood flows into it thus enables the strong transport nutrients to the follicle site.

Recent studies have proven that ginseng is a potent herb that promotes hair growth. Red ginseng extract may significantly enhance hair growth, according to a study conducted in the Journal of Medicinal Food. It is crucial for those individuals who experience hair thinning or alopecia because such a discovery opens up a new window of possibilities through natural, herbal interventions.

Active ingredients of ginseng, especially ginsenosides, are considered to play a crucial role in this process. Ginsenosides enhance blood circulation towards the scalp, thereby stimulating hair follicles and increasing keratin production. The latter is a protein responsible for hair strength and structure. Moreover, the mentioned compounds inhibit the action of 5-alpha reductase, which causes male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. This helps ginseng in reducing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that is responsible for hair loss.

Also Read: This Surprising Chilled Item Can Give You Shiny, Smooth Hair

Other Benefits of Ginseng for Hair Health

Aside from promoting hair growth, ginseng also offers a variety of other benefits that can help in creating a healthier scalp and stronger hair. Here are some reasons why ginseng should be part of your hair care routine:

1. Antioxidant Protection

Ginseng is full of antioxidants, which protect your hair from free radicals with harmful oxidative effects. In other words, these little molecules bring about oxidative damage, hair breakage and thinning, and unnatural aging of hair. All these problems are neutralized by powerful antioxidants in Ginseng from the inside hair cells outwards.

2. Keeps the Scalp Healthy

Ginseng has natural antimicrobial properties that keep the scalp clean and healthy. This is important in keeping conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and folliculitis away from the scalp, thus impeding hair growth. A clean and balanced scalp ensures that hair follicles are not obstructed to create an optimal environment for hair to grow.

3. Hydration and Nourishment

Another property that is being provided by ginseng is to balance the scalp's natural oils. With fatty acids, it hydrates the scalp without getting greasy, making it ideal for people with both dry and oily scalps. This moisture balance will prevent hair breakage and split ends.

4. Stress Reduction

Stress is one of the most significant causes of hair loss, and ginseng is known to have an adaptogenic property. That is, it will make your body capable of resisting the effects of stress much more effectively. Ginseng would indirectly lead to a healthy scalp, as less stress would impact the body. This indirectly minimizes the chances of hair thinning due to the effect of stress factors.

How to Use Ginseng for Hair Health

If you want to add ginseng to your hair care process, then there are different ways through which you can do that. Many companies now create hair care products with added ginseng extract: shampoos, conditioners, hair masks- all of it. Thus, you'll be using ginseng without doing much.

Others prefer direct application of the ginseng-infused oils right on the scalp. However, pure ginseng oil can be quite strong, and blending it with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil is suggested for the best results. Just apply this mixture to the scalp and massage it very gently to stimulate blood circulation and nourish the roots of the hair. The oil should be kept for an hour before it should be washed off the oily hair.

Another option is to create a nourishing ginseng hair mask. Combine ginseng powder with olive oil to create a mask that you can apply to your scalp. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This mask not only nourishes the scalp but also helps to repair damaged strands and improve overall hair health.

As with any hair care regimen, consistency is key when using ginseng for hair growth. To see the best results, these ginseng-based products should be used two or three times a week. One must be patient while using ginseng; hair growth is slow and gradual. If one suffers from hair thinning and scalp problems even after consuming ginseng, a visit to a dermatologist or trichologist to determine the underlying conditions will be advisable.

Whereas rosemary has long been the darling of herb enthusiasts claiming to help your hair grow, ginseng has emerged as one of the most powerful tools in the quest for healthy, thick hair. Through its properties of enhancing circulation, feeding the scalp with nutrients, and stimulating growth, ginseng proves to be an excellent remedy for people looking to get healthier-looking hair. Whether you use a commercially available product or make your own DIY treatments, you can enjoy great long-term benefits from ginseng when added to your hair care routine. The good news? It's completely natural and very effective as it supports the overall health of your scalp while fostering thicker, fuller hair.

Active ginseng components in cognitive impairment. Oncotarget. 2018

Antifatigue effects of Panax ginseng. PLoS One. 2013

Delhi was ranked the world's most polluted major city on Saturday morning, November 7, 2026, by Swiss air-quality technology company, IQAir. The national capital has been grappling with worsening pollution ahead of Diwali.

IQAir placed Delhi at the top of its live global ranking at 10:35 am, with an air quality index (AQI) reading of 581. The AQI was more than twice that of Lahore in Pakistan, which recorded an AQI of 285 at the time.

However, India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported different readings as it uses different scales than IQAir to calculate AQI. According to CPCB, Delhi's AQI was 363 at 10 am on Saturday, placing the city under 'very poor' category. According to reports, Friday's air quality was the worst recorded before Diwali in eight years.

Why Delhi Grapples With Severe Air Pollution Every Year?

Also read: High AQI and High Blood Pressure: Is There a Connection People Often Overlook?

Several north Indian states including Delhi choke due to severe air pollution ahead of and during winter due to several reasons. Cold, dense air and slow winds can trap pollutants close to the ground, fueling rising AQI. Vehicular emissions, stubble burning, construction dust, and firecracker smoke from Diwali celebrations only compound to the hazardous environmental crisis.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) introduced restrictions as pollution levels have increased drastically. Schools in and around Delhi have been directed to switch to online classes, while residents have been encouraged to work from home. Authorities have also asked local governments to consider allowing half of public- and private-sector employees to work remotely.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa warned that weather conditions could worsen further. “From tomorrow, the weather is going to become worse, winds will completely stop, which will worsen the AQI,” he said, according to Reuters.

Experts Recommend Precautions Amid Severe Air Pollution In Delhi

Also read: Delhi Air Pollution: Should You Move Your Morning Walk And Jog Indoors As AQI Nears 400?

PM2.5, fine particulate matter, is a major health concern because its tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Exposure to these pollutants can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions like COPD and bronchitis, irritate the eyes and airways, and increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

In an X post, Dr. Sudhir Kr. Gupta (MD, Resp. MED), Senior Consultant Chest Physician & Bronchoscopist at Kailash Healthcare said, “Those who struggle with such respiratory problems should strictly avoid going out, especially when pollution levels are severe.”

The effects are not limited to people with existing health conditions. Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with heart or lung diseases may be particularly vulnerable.

As pollution levels remain high, health experts advise limiting strenuous outdoor activity, especially during periods of severe air quality. People who need to go outside can use a well-fitting N95 or N99 respirator.

Dr Viny Kantroo, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, told HealthandMe, “A well-fitted N95 mask filters at least 95% of airborne particles under standard testing conditions and can reduce exposure to PM2.5. Its protection depends on how closely it fits the face. There is no fixed number of hours for which it can be worn. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and replace it if it becomes wet, dirty, damaged or difficult to breathe through. A disposable N95 should not be washed.”

Also read: With Delhi AQI Nearing 400, Pollution & Flu Loom Ahead Of Diwali: What Happens When Both Hit Your Lungs?

Many opt for cloth masks while stepping. The doctor explained if cloth masks are as effective as N95 or N99 masks to protect yourself from toxic air.

She added, “Cloth masks offer limited and inconsistent protection against PM2.5. Their effectiveness depends on the fabric, number of layers and fit, but they generally do not filter fine particles as reliably as an N95. A well-fitted N95 or equivalent respirator is a better choice when stepping outdoors during severe pollution. Even then, reducing time outdoors remains important.”

Dr. Jeenam Shah, Consultant Pulmonology, Wockhard Hospital, Mumbai Central told HealthandMe that scarves, handkerchiefs and loose-fitting surgical masks are also not adequate substitutes for a properly fitted N95 or equivalent respirator. He said, "During severe pollution, an N95 mask is a better option when outdoor exposure is unavoidable."

She also recommended not wearing masks for long hours and disposing them off when they get soiled.

She said, “An N95 can be worn for several hours if it remains dry, clean, undamaged and fits properly. Replace it if breathing becomes difficult or the mask becomes wet or dirty. Disposable N95 masks should not be washed. If wearing one for long periods, take breaks in a cleaner indoor environment when possible. The mask should fit closely around the nose and mouth, as gaps reduce its effectiveness.”

Indoor exposure can also be reduced by keeping windows closed when outdoor pollution is high, using an appropriately sized HEPA air purifier where available and avoiding indoor sources of smoke.

Dr Kantroo said, “Polluted air can enter through gaps in doors and windows, while cooking fumes, incense, smoking and cleaning products can add to indoor pollution. A HEPA air purifier can reduce fine particles, provided it is suitable for the room size and its filters are maintained. During severe pollution, keep windows closed. Ventilate when outdoor air quality improves, rather than relying on a fixed time of day.”

Dr Gupta also recommended using masks and keeping an air purifier at home to maintain indoor air quality.

Dr Kantroo also spoke about morning walks and outdoor exercise when AQI is severe. She explained, “When AQI is Very Poor or Severe, strenuous outdoor exercise should be avoided."

Dr Shah explained that physical activity increases your breathing rate, which means you inhale more pollutants and expose your lungs to higher levels of harmful particles. He advised, "Instead, opt for indoor exercises in a well-ventilated, air-purified environment. If outdoor activity is unavoidable, keep it brief and avoid high-traffic areas."

Air pollution contributes to several common ailments, such as asthma and allergies. There are many less obvious health issues caused by breathing polluted air, including an increase in blood pressure and long-term cardiovascular damage. High air quality indexes and the corresponding effect on blood pressure should be a point of study, especially in cities where poor air quality is a problem that seems to come and go.

AQI & High Blood Pressure

When we breathe in polluted air, it’s not only about the particulate matter; there is also a variety of gases that come along with it. Especially in the case of fine particulate matter, like PM2.5, it’s possible to inhale particulate matter directly into the lungs and from there, into the blood stream. Pollution that enters the bloodstream has the potential to induce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. The combination of stress and pollution to the body can have a negative impact on blood vessels, potentially even decreasing the flexibility and elasticity of blood vessels, which in turn leads to the heart working overtime, and eventually, increasing blood pressure.

Also read: With Delhi AQI Nearing 400, Pollution & Flu Loom Ahead Of Diwali: What Happens When Both Hit Your Lungs?

Another significant issue is how air pollution interacts with the stress response system. The sympathetic nervous system controls the fight or flight response, and it may cause blood pressure and heart rate to go up temporarily. This can be very harmful to individuals with preexisting conditions like diabetes, hypertension or other heart issues, especially when coupled with recurrent exposure.

The insidious nature of pollution is the biggest concern here. An individual may experience no signs of respiratory health problems but will nonetheless have been exposed to substances that have negatively impacted their overall health. So, bad air quality should not be thought of as a purely respiratory issue.

How To Stay Safe?

Being informed about local air quality forecasts is something people should do more often, especially if there is an increasing trend in AQI levels. Another step people can take to limit exposure is limiting exercise outdoors close to areas with a high amount of traffic, especially if there is a lot of traffic at that time. Other preventive actions can be taking the time to fit N95 masks when it's absolutely necessary to be exposed to air outdoors and keeping all of the windows and doors in their homes closed when air pollution levels become very high and keeping an indoor air purifier turned on.

Individuals should still focus on monitoring their blood pressure and following through with their doctor's orders. If you are mindful of what impacts our health, you may realize how closely linked heart and lung health are.

NBC News producer Susan Kroll, 58, initially attributed her occasional difficulty remembering words to menopause-related brain fog. However, tests revealed an elevated genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease and abnormal amyloid levels in her brain.

Her journey began when she sought a diagnosis for her mother, who had started experiencing memory problems at 75. While helping her mother, Kroll decided to investigate her own risk after learning that Alzheimer’s risk can be genetic, she wrote on Today.com.

Genetic Testing Revealed An Elevated Alzheimer’s Risk

Testing showed that Kroll’s mother carried two copies of a gene called APOE4. Everyone inherits one APOE gene from each parent. The three common variants are APOE2, which may reduce Alzheimer’s risk; APOE3, the most common variant, which has a neutral effect; and APOE4, which increases the risk.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people with two copies of APOE4 are eight to 12 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

To understand her own risk, Kroll took a cheek-swab genetic test in October 2024.

"I had an APOE4 and APOE3 gene, making me two to three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. I was a bit relieved," Kroll wrote.

Also read: Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For

Blood Tests And Brain Scans Revealed More

In May 2025, Kroll took a blood test developed to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, which had recently been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The test measures certain proteins, including a specific form of tau, that can indicate the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain. These protein deposits are considered a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Kroll said her "results were well outside the normal range". She had also noticed occasional difficulty remembering words, which she had initially attributed to menopause-related brain fog.

She was given personalised recommendations covering diet, exercise, supplements and sleep.

Diet, Exercise And Sleep Changes To Support Brain Health

Kroll made several changes to her daily routine.

"I cut out artificial sweeteners and limited fried and processed foods, red meat, cheese, sweets and alcohol. Every day, I started eating leafy greens, whole grains, veggies and fruit, and every week multiple servings of fish, walnuts, almonds, avocado and berries."

She also intensified her workouts, doing 45–60 minutes of cardio three to four days a week, alongside strength training. She focused on three muscle groups, completing three sets of each exercise with eight to 10 repetitions. She also started going to bed earlier.

Read More: India Gets Its First Alzheimer’s Drug: Know All About Eli Lilly’s Lormalzi

Kisunla Infusions Reduced Amyloid Levels In Her Brain

In December 2025, Kroll began treatment with Kisunla, an anti-amyloid infusion approved by the FDA in 2024.

A previous brain scan had shown elevated amyloid levels in every quadrant of her brain. Clinical trials have shown that Kisunla can slow cognitive and functional decline in eligible patients.

After six infusions, Kroll underwent another brain scan in May 2026 to assess her progress.

Her amyloid score dropped from 86 to four. The radiologist noted, "The amyloid issue has resolved."

Further blood tests showed that her tau levels were normal. Kroll suggested that her dietary changes may have contributed to this result.

Does She Still Have An Elevated Alzheimer’s Risk?

Kroll currently has neither Alzheimer’s disease nor mild cognitive impairment. However, she continues to have positive biomarkers and an elevated genetic risk. She believes the "early interventions helped slow down or potentially stop the progression of changes years before they could worsen".

Her journey is far from over. She continues to receive care at the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic, where her blood and biomarkers are monitored monthly.