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

People troubled by increasing forgetfulness are being advised to have their vitamin levels checked, as a shortage of one essential nutrient can cause symptoms that closely resemble dementia. According to the NHS, a deficiency in a key vitamin may lead to neurological issues that affect the nervous system, including problems with memory.

As per Mirror, Dr Eric Berg, DC, has also drawn attention to what he calls the “leading vitamin deficiency that mimics dementia,” identifying vitamin B12 as a major concern. Adequate levels of this nutrient are vital because it helps form red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body, supports DNA production and regulation, and converts food into usable energy.

Dr Berg, well known for promoting healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, is the author of the bestselling book The Healthy Keto Plan and runs Dr Berg Nutritionals. He has since moved away from clinical practice to focus on sharing health information through online platforms.

Why Is Vitamin B12 Important?

Vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy functioning of the central nervous system and plays a key role in maintaining clear thinking and memory. When levels drop, people may experience weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, nausea, unintended weight loss, irritability, extreme tiredness, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Bones, hair, skin, and nails may also suffer. Dr Berg explains: “Vitamin B12 is essential for normal brain function. Without it, symptoms similar to dementia can develop. This vitamin is mainly found in animal-based foods, although some microbes can produce it. Low intake of animal products is the most common reason for vitamin B12 deficiency.”

Research suggests that low B12 levels can impair nerve function and may contribute to conditions such as dementia, peripheral neuropathy, or subacute combined degeneration. A deficiency can also interfere with DNA synthesis and cause homocysteine levels to rise.

What Does The NHS Say?

On its official website, the NHS states: “Most cases of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency can be treated easily and effectively, so complications are uncommon. However, complications may sometimes occur, particularly if the deficiency has been present for a long time. If neurological problems develop, they can occasionally be permanent.”

The NHS explains that a lack of vitamin B12 may lead to neurological symptoms such as:

• vision problems
• memory loss
• pins and needles
• loss of physical coordination (ataxia), which can affect speech or walking
• damage to parts of the nervous system (peripheral neuropathy), especially in the legs

A study published in 2020 found a “clear association between low vitamin B12 levels and progressive cognitive impairment.” Researchers added that more large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and to see whether correcting the deficiency can slow cognitive decline.

More than one in ten older adults are estimated to have low vitamin B12 levels. In addition to memory problems, a deficiency may cause other neurological and psychological symptoms, including:

• confusion
• difficulty with thinking and reasoning
• tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• poor balance and coordination
• fatigue
• weakness
• vision disturbances
• peripheral neuropathy affecting the nervous system
• depression, anxiety, paranoia, and delusions
• incontinence
• loss of taste and smell

Can A Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be Treated?

If a vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed, treatment usually involves high-dose supplementation, either through injections or oral supplements. GPs may arrange regular blood tests to monitor B12 levels over time.

As per The Mirror, the longer the deficiency goes untreated, the higher the risk of permanent damage. That said, it is often reversible, with many people noticing marked improvement within three to six months. Other signs of vitamin B12 deficiency may include:

• numbness, tingling, and pins and needles in the arms and legs
• pale skin
• unsteady walking or balance problems
• a rapid heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• a swollen tongue

“As we get older, HCL levels naturally decline. They can also drop if you take antacids or medications like Metformin. Interestingly, acid reflux can actually be a sign of low HCL, and antacids may worsen the problem. Betaine hydrochloride is one way to support normal stomach acidity.”

What Else Is Worth Being Aware Of?

Deficiencies in other nutrients may also cause symptoms that resemble dementia. Dr Berg highlights vitamin B1, which is often linked to high sugar and carbohydrate intake. Zinc deficiency, sometimes related to phytic acid found in grains, and low vitamin D levels due to limited sun exposure, may also play a role. “Nutrient deficiencies can shrink the hippocampus, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr Berg said.

The NHS has released fresh guidance on how to manage flu symptoms, setting out four simple steps that could help people recover faster. Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a highly contagious viral illness that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It is marked by a sudden onset of fever, muscle aches, headaches, a persistent dry cough, and extreme tiredness, making it far more serious than the common cold.

Recent data from NHS England shows that in the first week of January, an average of 2,924 hospital beds across England were taken up by patients with flu. This figure reflects a nine per cent increase compared with the previous week.

With flu cases continuing to climb, the NHS has shared several important steps that people can follow to help support a quicker recovery.

NHS Shares Four Steps To Tackle Flu Symptoms 2026

In a recent update, NHS England warned that social gatherings during Christmas and New Year may have led to a resurgence of winter illnesses. NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said: “It is clear that the pressure on the NHS this winter is far from easing, with hospitals once again seeing a rise in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory viruses last week.

“The colder weather is also bringing more vulnerable patients to A&E with breathing difficulties, along with an increase in injuries caused by slips and falls in icy conditions, making this an exceptionally demanding period.”

According to the Mirror, she added: “Staff continue to work extremely hard, with teams across the country doing everything possible to ensure patients receive the care they need. It remains important for people to seek care as usual, and there are still many opportunities to get vaccinated and protect yourself against flu.”

Flu Symptoms 2026

The NHS says flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly and may include:

• A high temperature that comes on quickly
• Aches and pains throughout the body
• Feeling very tired or exhausted
• A dry, persistent cough
• A sore throat
• Headaches
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea or stomach pain
• Feeling sick or being sick

Children may experience similar symptoms, but they can also have earaches and may appear more tired or less active than usual.

Flu Symptoms 2026: NHS Advice

The NHS states: “If you have flu, there are steps you can take to help yourself recover more quickly.”

• Rest and get plenty of sleep
• Keep yourself warm
• Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and ease aches and pains
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, aiming for urine that is pale yellow or clear

Flu Symptoms 2026: When To Seek Help?

You should contact NHS 111 or arrange an urgent GP appointment if you or your child have flu symptoms and:

• You are concerned about your baby’s or child’s condition
• You are aged 65 or over
• You are pregnant
• You have a long-term health condition, such as diabetes or a problem affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, or nerves
• You have a weakened immune system, for example due to chemotherapy or HIV
• Your symptoms have not improved after seven days
• You develop sudden chest pain
• You have trouble breathing
• You begin coughing up large amounts of blood

Cipla, a global name in inhalation therapies, has announced the launch of Afrezza, the world’s only rapid-acting inhaled insulin, in India. The drug is approved for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help manage high blood sugar levels and represents a notable change in how insulin can be delivered in a country facing a growing diabetes crisis.

For many patients, injecting insulin during long workdays or in public spaces can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. While insulin injections are widely used, awareness around inhaled insulin remains limited. Below, we explain how inhaled insulin works and what it means for people living with diabetes.

What Is Inhaled Insulin?

Inhaled insulin is a fast-acting form of insulin that is taken as a fine powder through an inhaler. Instead of being injected, it is breathed into the lungs, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream to manage blood sugar spikes that occur after meals. This makes it a needle-free option for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

It begins working very rapidly, often just before or at the start of a meal, and exits the body sooner than injectable insulin. Because of this, it may lower the risk of insulin stacking and offers greater flexibility around mealtimes. Afrezza is currently the main FDA-approved inhaled insulin available.

How To Use Inhaled Insulin?

The insulin comes as a dry powder and is taken using a small, discreet inhaler with single-use cartridges available in 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. It has been approved by the FDA for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar rises after meals. “Its absorption into the bloodstream is faster than injectable rapid-acting insulins such as lispro or aspart,” said Dr Hetashvi Gondaliya, as reported by The Indian Express.

How Does Inhaled Insulin Work For Diabetic People?

Before starting inhaled insulin, patients are required to undergo lung function tests. The insulin itself is identical to the insulin used in injections. What differs is the way it enters the body.

In simple terms, the insulin is not new, only the method of delivery is. Once inhaled, it is absorbed through the lungs, passes into the bloodstream, and helps control the rise in blood sugar levels that happens after eating.

Is Inhaled Insulin Better Than Injectable Insulin?

Inhaled insulin is not necessarily better for everyone, but it offers an alternative to injections. It works faster to control post-meal blood sugar levels and may appeal to people who dislike needles. However, it is less efficient than injected insulin, requires a specific inhaler, and is not suitable for all patients.

Studies show that blood sugar control is similar to injectable insulin, but inhaled insulin must still be used along with long-acting basal insulin. It is best viewed as an option rather than a replacement.

Is Inhaled Insulin Suitable For All Diabetic Patients?

According to the National Institutes of Health, inhaled insulin is not appropriate for everyone. It may be considered for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who want a needle-free option or need rapid control of blood sugar after meals.

However, it is not recommended for people who smoke or have smoked in the past six months, or for those with lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, or bronchitis. It is also not approved for children or pregnant women. Lung health and ongoing insulin needs must be carefully evaluated before starting this treatment.

Always consult your doctor before switching to or starting inhaled insulin. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether it is safe and suitable for you based on your medical history and lung health.