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

Vitamin B12 might sound like just another nutrient on a health label but it plays a major role in how your body works. The vitamin is crucial in helping the body produce red blood cells, supports your nervous system and essential for making DNA, which is the genetic material inside all your cells.

Symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency often appear slowly. You may not notice them at first, or may blame them on stress, lack of sleep or a busy schedule. However, if this deficiency continues for too long, it could lead to serious health problems.

Here are three key signs to look out for:

1. Ongoing Fatigue and Weakness

Vitamin B12 is extremely crucial for making red blood cells who are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Oxygen is what your cells need to produce energy.

Without adequate levels of B12, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to a condition called anemia.

This can make you feel constantly exhausted, even after getting enough sleep. You may also feel weak, short of breath or find that everyday tasks feel harder to do than they generally are.

If the fatigue feels persistent and does not improve with rest, it is important to seek a consultation with a doctor.

2. Tingling or Numbness in the Hands and Feet

Vitamin B12 is also essential for maintaining the myelin sheath, a protective covering around your nerves. You can think of it like the protective plastic that we see around electrical wires. It helps nerve signals travel quickly and correctly between your brain and the rest of your body.

When B12 levels are too low, this protective layer can become damaged and subsequently lead to nerve signals slowing down or misfiring. This may lead you to feel pins and needles, tingling or numbness in your hands and feet. Some people also experience burning sensations or difficulty with balance.

At first, it may seem minor, such as your foot ‘falling asleep’. But if these sensations happen often or without a clear reason, they should not be ignored. Long-term B12 deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage, which is why early medical consultations are important.

3. Brain Fog, Memory Problems or Mood Changes

Your brain also depends on vitamin B12. It helps your body produce neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that allow brain cells to communicate with each other. These chemicals influence memory, focus and mood.

When B12 levels are low, communication between brain cells may not work as efficiently. You may notice difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness or a feeling of mental fog. Some people feel more irritable, anxious or unusually low in mood.

As these symptoms are common during stressful times, they are often dismissed. However, if you feel mentally different from your usual self for a long period, it is important to investigate the cause.

Why Does B12 Deficiency Happen?

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. People who follow vegetarian or vegan diets may need fortified foods or supplements to get enough.

Absorption is also a key factor. Vitamin B12 needs a special protein in the stomach called intrinsic factor to be absorbed properly. Certain medical conditions, medications, or aging can reduce absorption. This means that even if someone eats enough B12, their body may not absorb it efficiently.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience ongoing fatigue, tingling sensations or noticeable changes in memory or mood, consult a healthcare professional. A simple blood test can measure your B12 levels.

The good news is that Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually treatable. Treatment may include dietary changes, oral supplements or, in more severe cases, injections. When identified early, most people recover well.

The Bottom Line

Vitamin B12 supports your blood, nerves and brain. A deficiency can quietly affect your energy, sensation and thinking over time.

Pay attention to persistent changes in your body. If something feels consistently wrong, it is important to seek medical advice. Early detection can prevent long-term complications and help restore your health.

Summers are approaching and what would be better than having your own clothes that keep you cool? Scientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the United States are working on innovations and have also applied for a patent. The research team led by Dr Vinoy Thomas, who is a native of Valakam in Kottarakkara. The findings have been published in the journal of the American Chemical Society.

What Is The New Finding Of Self-Cooling Fabric?

The researchers did not create a brand-new cooling fabric. Instead, they introduced a technique that transforms regular textiles into heat-regulating materials. This is done using two processes: electrospinning and plasma surface modification.

The first technique allows boron nitride nanoparticles to be evenly spread across the surface of the fabric. The second method uses low-temperature plasma (LTP) treatment to embed silicon oxide nanoparticles into the stitching threads.

Both boron nitride and silicon oxide are known for their heat-resistant qualities. By combining these two methods, researchers have created a coating that significantly lowers heat. The nanoparticles act as an added protective layer on the fabric.

Testing showed that the coating remains effective even after five to eight washes and does not affect the fabric’s original properties. Although its performance gradually decreases with repeated washing, researchers suggest applying a double-layer surface coating to improve durability.

Commercial production is expected to start once the patent is approved. In experiments, the coated garments reduced an external temperature of 35°C by 15°C, lowering it to 20°C. According to the researchers, this technique can be applied to any type of fabric.

Unlike earlier studies that focused on inventing entirely new heat-resistant materials, this innovation modifies existing fabrics. The study states that this approach is more efficient and cost-effective than current technologies.

The research team also includes Dr Ranjith Rajanpillai, Dr Kannadasan Appavu, Dr Claudiu T Lungu, and Dr Sanjay K Behura from the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.

Innovations For Sizzling Summers

In Japan, something similar happened when former Sony engineer Hiroshi Ichigaya came up with kuchofuku or "fan jackets". This garment has a built-in feature, powered by battery, which is a fan at the lower back. This helps the circulation of air and to evaporate sweat and cool workers. These jackets are commonly used by construction workers, delivery partners, and people working in factory to combat extreme heat.

The meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB) is completely ineffective in preventing gonorrhea -- a sexually transmitted infection (STI) --, especially among high-risk groups like gay and bisexual men, according to the results of the world’s largest randomized control trial (RCT).

Gonorrhea is a common bacterial STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrheae, and is transmitted through unprotected sex.

Even as antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhea has increased rapidly in recent years, Australian researchers explored the efficacy of 4CMenB against the disease.

The large randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 587 gay and bisexual men showed that the risk of gonorrhea incidence remains essentially the same even after vaccination.

“Across both arms, the gonorrhea incidence was virtually the same -- at around 48 per cent per year, indicating very clearly that the vaccine had no effect on preventing gonorrhea,” said Professor Kate Seib, from Griffith University, in Australia, who led the trial.

In light of the study, the researchers stressed the need to explore other options to combat gonorrhea, such as condoms and regular testing.

The 4CMenB Vaccine

While meningococcal disease (caused by Neisseria meningitidis) and gonorrhea (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae) are distinct infections, both are caused by Neisseria bacteria, which share 80-90 percent genetic material.

The bacterium N. meningitidis primarily causes meningitis and septicemia, and observational studies have shown that meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines such as the 4CMenB offer 33-40 percent cross-protection against gonorrhea.

However, the latest study, presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver, US, found no protection against gonorrhea.

The study “provides strong evidence that the 4CMenB meningococcal vaccine is not effective at preventing gonorrhea in gay and bisexual men who are at high risk of contracting it,” Seib said.

According to the US National Institute of Health, the 4CMenB vaccine is a highly effective, protein-based vaccine designed to protect against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) serogroup B.

Approved in over 50 countries, it offers 71-95 percent effectiveness in infants and 100 percent in adolescents.

What Is Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common STI, and sexually active people of any age can get the disease and pass it on to partners, and even to their baby during childbirth.

Gonorrhea is the second most common STI caused by bacteria, just behind chlamydia.

As per data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, there were an estimated 82.4 million new infections among adults globally.

The NIH noted that nearly 1 million new gonorrhea infections occur in the United States every year. About half of these infections occur in people ages 15 to 24.

The symptoms of Gonorrhea in men include:

• White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
• Pain or burning (possibly severe) when peeing
• Testicular pain and swollen testicles.

Notably, the condition also occurs in women, but up to 50 percent of them won’t experience symptoms. This increases the risk of spread to other partners.

• Common symptoms in women include:
• Unusual vaginal discharge (white or yellow).
• Pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis.
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain when you pee
• Bleeding between periods