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

Dr Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and MoS PMO said that weight reducing or anti-obesity drugs must be used judiciously. Dr Singh himself is a noted diabetologist and professor of medicine. He noted that obesity is a complex, chronic and relapsing disorder, "not merely a cosmetic or lifestyle concern". He called for a "whole-of-society" approach to effectively combat this health challenge that India is facing.

His remarks on obesity and usage of weight loss drugs were made at the inaugural session of the 2-day Asia Oceania Conference on Obesity. He pointed out that obesity cannot be treated with shortcuts, as it is a chronic disease.

India and Obesity

India is facing a severe and rapidly growing obesity epidemic, and it has become a major global hotspot with rising numbers of obesity patients across all ages, especially in the urban areas, noted UNICEF-organized national media roundtable. This is due to the increase in sedentary lifestyles, and processed foods. According to UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Global Report 2025, launched recently, obesity has, for the first time, surpassed underweight globally as the most common form of Malnutrition among school-aged children and adolescents. So is the case in India.

Dr Singh highlighted that India is witnessing a worrying rise in Non-communicable diseases or NCDs, which are also linked to obesity in a way. This has accounted for nearly 63 per cent of overall mortality. He also said that conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers are linked to obesity, including central visceral obesity, which he says is "particularly prevalent among Indians and poses independent health risks even beyond overall body weight".

What Does The Data Say On Obesity In India?

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data shows that India is witnessing a rapid surge in overweight and obesity among children under five, with prevalence rising by 127 per cent, which has increased from 1.5 per cent to 3.4 per cent between NFHS 3 (2005-06) and NFHS 5 (2019-21).

Similarly, overweight and obesity rates among adolescents have risen sharply, increasing by 125 per cent in girls (from 2.4 per cent to 5.4 per cent) and a staggering 288 per cent in boys (from 1.7 per cent to 6.6 per cent).

Among adults, prevalence climbed by 91 per cent in women (from 12.6 per cent to 24.0 per cent) and 146 per cent in men (from 9.3 per cent to 22.9 per cent), underscoring a nationwide health crisis (NFHS-5, 2019–21).

By 2030, India is projected to have over 27 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 living with obesity, accounting for 11 per cent of the global burden (CNNS 2016–18).

What Is India Doing To Combat Rise In Obesity?

Dr Singh highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken steps to make health a priority. PM Modi's emphasis on small, sustainable changes in food habits and daily routines reflects a clear recognition of obesity as a national priority, closely aligned with initiatives like FIT India, Khelo India, and other versions of preventive healthcare. He also noted that Ayushman Bharat, mass screening programmes, and many health care initiative, along with integrating traditional system of medicine has also helped India to curb its obesity problems down.

Dr Singh also emphasized on the need of public awareness, especially in food habits like adoption of refined oils, or myths and disinformation that surround such health condition. To combat this, he launched the AIAARO ( All-India Association for Advancing Research in Obesity) Obesity Registry, a significant initiative aimed at strengthening India’s obesity research ecosystem through systematic data collection, evidence-based insights, and long-term policy support.

For a long time, screens have taken most of the blame for declining eyesight among children. Doctors, however, are now drawing attention to another factor that often goes unnoticed: polluted city air.

Delhi continues to struggle with severe smog. On December 23, 2025, residents woke up to a thick blanket of haze as air quality worsened sharply across the capital. At 8 am, the average Air Quality Index stood at 414, placing it in the ‘severe’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). While toxic air is known to harm the lungs, skin, and heart, eye specialists are now observing a worrying trend. Children are developing myopia, or near-sightedness, at much younger ages, and the condition appears to be progressing faster than before.

As India faces some of the highest pollution levels in the world, new research is shedding light on how fine particulate matter, limited exposure to natural daylight, and ongoing eye irritation may be affecting the visual health of children growing up in urban areas. To understand this better, we spoke to Dr Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis (India), who explained how air pollution may be playing a role.

Is Smog Affecting Children’s Vision?

Healthy eye development during childhood relies heavily on regular exposure to bright outdoor light. This light helps regulate dopamine release in the retina, which plays a key role in preventing the eyeball from growing longer than normal, a defining feature of myopia. Multiple studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop near-sightedness.

Although excessive screen use remains a concern, polluted air is now being recognised as an added risk. High smog levels can lead to:

• Eye irritation and redness
• Dry eyes and allergic inflammation
• Discomfort that discourages outdoor play

Explaining the connection, Dr Rishi Raj said, “With rising air pollution and high concentrations of PM2.5 in the environment, children may spend less time playing outside and more time on screens. Exposure to polluted air can also trigger inflammatory changes on the eye surface, reducing comfort and causing strain or irritation, especially in children.”

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as near-sightedness, is a vision condition in which distant objects appear blurred because light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This usually happens when the eyeball grows longer than normal. While close objects remain clear, far-off objects become difficult to see. Myopia often develops during childhood or adolescence and is typically managed with glasses, contact lenses, or, in some cases, surgery, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

How Is Smog Leading To Myopia In Children?

Smog may contribute to the development and progression of myopia by causing inflammation and oxidative stress within the eyes. This can damage ocular tissues, thin the sclera, and encourage axial elongation of the eyeball. Pollutants such as PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are small enough to affect eye tissues, triggering inflammatory responses and activating enzymes that break down collagen. Research cited on ScienceDirect.com also suggests these pollutants may interfere with dopamine pathways that help regulate eye growth, further speeding up myopia progression.

Highlighting the long-term risks, Dr Rishi Raj said, “When myopia starts at a very young age, it tends to worsen more rapidly over time. As vision continues to decline, the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy, increases significantly. Early detection and timely management are therefore extremely important.”

How To Protect Children From Myopia?

Dr Rishi Raj suggests several practical measures parents can take to support their children’s eye health:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Reduce recreational screen time and encourage frequent breaks.
• Make sure children get at least one to two hours of outdoor play each day, when air quality allows.
• Arrange regular eye check-ups, even if there are no obvious vision complaints.
• Ensure proper lighting and good posture during reading and screen use.

Doctors caution that if air quality continues to worsen and outdoor time keeps shrinking, India may see a sharp rise in childhood vision problems in the years ahead. While parents cannot fix pollution on their own, adopting healthier daily habits, staying alert to early signs of vision changes, and creating safer indoor environments can still go a long way in protecting a child’s eyesight in today’s polluted cities.

Delhi's air pollution continues to remain in the 'severe' category, and an analysis of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 found that in Delhi, 15% of all deaths are due to the air pollution. The study suggests that air pollution is city's single largest health risk. The deaths rose from 15,786 in 2018 to 17,188 in 2023.

Are Men Breathing In More Pollution?

Another study published in Scientific Reports, a five-year study titled Respiratory Deposition of Particulate Matter in Delhi: A Five-Year Assessment of Exposure Patterns and Health Risks tracked how particulate matter settles inside the respiratory system and found that men's exposure can be up to 1.4 times higher, especially while walking or commuting. The study noted that men on average spend more time outdoors while working, commuting, or walking in traffic-heavy areas. This leads to an increase in exposure.

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Another reason is physiological, men have larger lung volumes, which means they inhale a greater volume of air with every breath. While women breathe slightly faster, the overall dose of pollution that settles in lungs tends to be higher in men because of how much air they inhale at once, and how long they stay outdoors.

While sitting, men inhale 1.5 times higher than women when it comes to PM2.5, and while walking, they absorb 1.2 times more than women. The same pattern is seen in PM10, while sitting, men record 1.34 times higher, and while walking, they inhale 1.15 times higher.

Delhi's AQI Today: On Tuesday, December 23, Delhi's AQI stood at 408 which is under the 'severe' category, around 5.30 am.

Read: British Man Compares Breathing In Delhi To Smoking 18 Cigarettes

Clean Air Is A Basic Right, Not A Luxury

This is happening in Delhi as we come closer to the festive time of Christmas. To draw attention to the continuously worsening AQI, National Students' Union of India (NSUI) representatives dressed as Santa Clause with gas masks. The NSUI volunteers walked in Santa Claus costumes, wearing gas masks to convey the message about Delhi's deteriorating air quality and growing public health emergency, and distributed face masks, candies, as well as handwritten notes that explained what exposure to polluted air can do to one's health. The NSUI representative also led an awareness walk and one of the office bearers said, "Santa represents joy, gifts and care for children. When even Santa needs a gas mask to survive in Delhi, it forces people to think about what kind of air our children are breathing."

“People already know the air is bad, but they have started accepting it as normal. Our effort is to remind everyone that this should not be normal," said another volunteer.

How To Read AQI?

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), here is how you can know what your AQI stands for

• 0 to 50: Good
• 51 to 100: Satisfactory
• 101 to 200: Moderate
• 201 to 300: Poor
• 301 to 400: Very Poor
• 401 to 500: Severe

Air quality is made of dust and small particles like PM2.5 and PM10, along with gases like nitrogen dioxide from car exhaust, sulphur dioxide from factories, and carbon monoxide from vehicles. The levels are measured through specialized machines. In India, the standard of the machines are carried out by the CPCB.