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

From Independence Day and Janmashtami to Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, Eid, Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas and New Year, the period from August to January means celebrations across the country. However, some can also suffer from stress, loneliness and worsening of pre-existing mental health symptoms.

In India, festivals can provide connection, cultural continuity and family bonding. However, celebration is not positive for everyone. For some, the period can lead to issues such as social pressure, loneliness, grief, financial concerns and even interpersonal conflict. Festive periods can be challenging for the general population, while people with pre-existing mental health conditions may be vulnerable to worsening symptoms, increased sensitivities or relapse.

Festivals carry an expectation that everyone should be happy. People are expected to participate, dress up, attend gatherings and appear enthusiastic. Though some may experience anxiety, burnout, depression or emotional exhaustion, maintaining this expected level of participation can become another source of stress. Emotional wellbeing does not automatically change because it is a festival. Recognising this can reduce guilt and self-criticism.

Family Gatherings And Emotional Sensitivities

Festivals frequently bring extended families together. While this can strengthen relationships, it can also reactivate longstanding interpersonal dynamics. Questions about marriage, children, career, finances, appearance or personal choices can become uncomfortable, particularly when they touch existing vulnerabilities.

For someone who has experienced criticism or comparison within the family, a seemingly casual festive comment may carry considerably more emotional weight because of the history attached to it. The festive setting can therefore bring individuals into closer contact with relationships or unresolved issues that they may otherwise have greater distance from.

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Why Clinical Populations May Be More Vulnerable

For individuals already living with a mental health condition, the festive season can introduce several stressors simultaneously. Travel, disrupted sleep, irregular meals, increased social stimulation, financial pressure, family conflict and interruptions to established treatment routines can place additional demands on psychological functioning.

People with conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, eating disorders or other psychiatric difficulties may be more sensitive to these changes.

In individuals with a history of recurrent episodes, significant disruption may also contribute to relapse. Festivals themselves do not necessarily cause relapse. Rather, the accumulation of environmental, interpersonal and behavioural stressors can increase vulnerability in someone already at risk.

Changes from an individual's usual baseline such as significant alterations in sleep, appetite, mood, anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, social withdrawal or functioning can therefore be important early warning signs.

Grief Can Become More Visible

Many traditions are built around shared experiences: preparing food, decorating homes, travelling to family members, exchanging gifts or gathering for meals. When someone important is no longer present, familiar rituals can make their absence more noticeable.

This can occur during religious festivals as well as occasions such as Independence Day or New Year, when people naturally reflect on their lives and relationships. Participating in a celebration does not mean grief has disappeared, just as sadness during a celebration does not eliminate the capacity for joy.

The festive season can also place pressure on household finances. Clothing, gifts, travel, home decoration and social events can increase expenditure over several months. For those already experiencing financial uncertainty, this can create considerable stress.

People living alone, those estranged from family, individuals experiencing relationship difficulties, older adults and people who have recently relocated may become more conscious of social isolation during this period. New Year can be particularly challenging because social expectations around parties, relationships and celebration become highly visible.

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Indians Living Abroad: Culture, Belonging and Homesickness

Celebrating Diwali, Eid, Navratri, Onam, Christmas or Gurpurab away from India can provide an important connection with cultural identity and family traditions. At the same time, it can highlight physical distance from parents, siblings and extended family.

A person may attend a community celebration abroad while still missing the food, sounds, neighbourhood atmosphere and family rituals associated with celebrations in India. Those unable to travel home may experience increased homesickness, particularly when several major occasions occur within a short period.

Festivals Can Be Difficult For General Population Too

Feeling tired, overwhelmed, irritated, lonely or emotionally sensitive during a demanding period does not automatically indicate a psychiatric disorder.

Even psychologically healthy individuals can experience festive stress because of travel, social obligations, financial commitments or difficult family interactions.

Making The Festive Season Psychologically Sustainable

• Set boundaries around intrusive questions: “I’d rather not discuss that today” or “We’re comfortable with where things are right now” can end conversations about marriage, children or finances without confrontation.
• Decline invitations without over-explaining.
• A smaller number of meaningful gatherings may be preferable to trying to attend every event.
• Decide spending limits for gifts, travel and celebrations in advance rather than responding to social pressure.

For those receiving mental health care, prescribed medication, therapy and established support systems should not be casually disrupted during the festive period.

Curated festive content represents selected moments, not the entirety of another person's life.

Professional support becomes particularly important when festive stress is accompanied by persistent hopelessness, severe anxiety, substantial social withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, increased substance use, impaired functioning or other marked behavioural changes.

The goal is not to remove complexity from celebration, but to make space for it. Allowing people to experience the festive season without the pressure to feel festive can itself be an important form of psychological care.

By Ms Dhara Ghuntla, Psychologist/Psychotherapist, Sujay Hospital, 7 Hills Hospital & Criticare Hospital

As Delhi wakes up to another spell of deteriorating air quality just days ahead of Diwali, ophthalmologists warn that dust, smoke, particulate matter, and toxic gases can affect children's eyes, triggering redness, itching, burning, excessive watering, and dryness.

On Tuesday, India's national capital's average Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 331 at 7 am, entering the ‘very poor’ category. At the same time, eight monitoring stations recorded readings above 400, falling in the ‘severe’ zone, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

As per data from the CPCB, 33 of the city's 58 monitoring stations recorded AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ category. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology have forecast that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category over the coming days.

“Children’s eyes are more sensitive to irritants in the environment, and exposure to pollutants, particulate matter and toxic gases can irritate the surface of the eye,” Dr Shibal Bhartiya, Clinical Director – Ophthalmology and Program Director – Community Outreach and Wellness at Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS), told HealthandMe.

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How Does Air Pollution Affect Children's Eyes?

The experts warned that exposure to pollutants and particulate matter can irritate the surface of children's eyes, causing redness, itching, burning, excessive tearing and dryness.

Dr Neepa Thacker Dave, Senior Consultant in Paediatric Ophthalmology at SRCC Children's Hospital, told HealthandMe that the eye’s surface is protected by a delicate tear film that provides lubrication, maintains clear vision and helps defend against environmental irritants. Exposure to airborne pollutants can disturb this protective layer and contribute to ocular surface irritation and inflammation.

"Excessive watering does not necessarily mean that the eyes are adequately lubricated. Irritation can trigger reflex tearing even when the tear film is unstable. Consequently, children may experience watering alongside dryness or discomfort," she said.

Further, children with existing allergies or sensitive eyes may notice their symptoms worsening during periods of high pollution.

“Long-term exposure to poor air quality may also worsen pre-existing ocular surface conditions,” Dr Bhartiya said.

How Can Parents Protect Children's Eyes From Air Pollution?

Read More: Rising AQI In Delhi-NCR: Doctors Warn Of Lung And Heart Risks As Pollution Builds

Reducing children's exposure to pollution is important, particularly on days when air quality is poor.

Dr Bhartiya advised parents to:

• Avoid outdoor activities when pollution levels are high.
• Keep windows closed during periods of severe pollution.
• Encourage children to avoid rubbing their eyes.
• Ensure children wash their faces after coming indoors.

Dr Dave also highlighted the importance of greater awareness, reduced exposure and timely medical care in protecting children from pollution-related eye irritation and discomfort.

When Should Children See an Eye Specialist?

Dr Dave said children may not always have the vocabulary to describe eye discomfort. Parents and teachers should watch for frequent eye rubbing, excessive blinking, squinting, watering or reluctance to participate in reading and outdoor activities.

Parents should not dismiss eye irritation in children, particularly when pollution levels are high.

Although mild irritation may improve when exposure is reduced, recurring or persistent symptoms warrant an eye examination. Eye pain, significant sensitivity to light, blurred or reduced vision, marked redness or difficulty opening the eye require prompt medical attention.

Type 2 diabetes is an incurable but manageable metabolic disorder that affects millions worldwide. But a new clinical trial has shown promise in reversing type 2 diabetes in young adults through intensive diet and exercise. It suggests that more than half younger adults with this condition may be able to achieve remission within six months through a structured programme combining a low-calorie diet with supervised aerobic and strength training.

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, found that 54% of participants who followed the intensive lifestyle programme achieved diabetes remission after 24 weeks. In comparison, only 4% of those receiving usual medical care reached the same outcome.

The research, called the RESET for Remission trial, was led by researchers from McGill University in Canada and the University of Leicester in the UK. It focused on adults with early-onset type 2 diabetes, a form of the disease diagnosed before the age of 45.

How Did The Study Test Diet And Exercise For Diabetes Remission?

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The trial enrolled 96 adults aged 18 to 45 who had both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Participants were recruited at research centres in Montreal and Edmonton in Canada, and Leicester in the UK. None of them were using insulin.

Of these, 50 were assigned to the intensive diet-and-exercise programme, while 46 received usual medical care. For the first 12 weeks, participants in the intervention group followed a very low-calorie diet providing 800 to 900 calories a day.

During the first two weeks, they consumed meal-replacement products. From weeks three to 12, they could include one structured meal containing lean protein and vegetables alongside the meal replacements.

The programme also included supervised aerobic and resistance training twice a week, along with one independent exercise session each week. For the next 12 weeks, participants followed a healthy diet designed to maintain their weight loss and continued exercising.

Blood sugar and blood pressure medications were stopped at the beginning of the intervention under medical supervision, according to the study protocol.

To qualify for remission, participants had to maintain an HbA1c level below 6.5% without taking medication for at least 12 weeks. HbA1c is a blood test that reflects average blood sugar levels over approximately three months.

54% Achieved Diabetes Remission After Six Months

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At the end of 24 weeks, 27 of the 50 participants in the intensive lifestyle group had achieved remission, compared to two of the 46 participants receiving usual care.

After considering relevant factors, researchers found that participants following the intensive programme were 21 times more likely to achieve remission than those receiving standard care.

The intervention group also experienced greater weight loss. Participants with available weight data lost an average of 8.4 kg over 24 weeks, compared to 1.2 kg in the usual care group. After adjustment, the difference in weight loss between the groups was approximately 7.5 kg.

The benefits were not just limited to body weight and blood sugar. MRI scans showed that participants in the intervention group lost more than 9% of their liver fat and more than 24% of their visceral fat, which is the fat stored around internal organs.

Their physical fitness improved, grip strength increased, and blood pressure and resting heart rate declined. Participants also reported fewer symptoms of depressed mood, distress and better quality of life.

Importance Of Strength Training

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One of the important aspects of the programme was its focus on preserving muscle during rapid weight loss. Losing weight through severe calorie restriction can reduce both body fat as well as mass, which includes muscle. Researchers wanted to determine whether adding resistance training could help participants lose fat while maintaining muscle.

Lead author Dr Kaberi Dasgupta, professor of medicine and director of the Division of General Internal Medicine at McGill University, told Fox News Digital, "Our study shows that it is possible to combine a low-calorie diet with supervised exercise in young adults with type 2 diabetes," she said.

"There has previously been some concern about combining the two as being too much of a burden for people. However, people in our study stayed in our study."

Explaining the role of exercise in the results, Dasgupta said, "In our study, we think the diet provoked the weight loss, and exercise helped make sure it was [not] from muscle."

She added, "We were happy and surprised that not only did people lose fat from their organs and liver, our MRI studies indicated their muscle did not decrease at all and their handgrip strength went up."

The researchers also focused on muscle preservation. "Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of combining structured aerobic and resistance exercise with a low energy diet in early onset type 2 diabetes, supporting its potential to deliver substantial and holistic health and well-being benefits alongside diabetes remission."

However, the trial did not include a separate group following the low-calorie diet without exercise. Therefore, researchers could not establish how much of the muscle preservation and fitness improvement was specifically due to exercise.

Dasgupta acknowledged this limitation and said, "The main limitation is that we had to compare the diet plus exercise with usual care," she said. "We would have liked to compare diet alone against diet and exercise to perfectly prove the point that the improvements in muscle and fitness were from the exercise."