Ginseng for Hair Growth: Effects, Benefits & Results

There are many ingredients and treatments currently on the market that specifically target hair loss including Aloe Vera and Liquorice root.

But one very powerful and effective ingredient that you may not have heard too much about is the natural plant ginseng.

Ginseng is classed as any one of the eleven different species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, found in North America and eastern Asia.

Ranging from acting as an energy provider to helping with erectile dysfunction to treatment for cold and flu, ginseng’s powerful properties are a force to be reckoned with and can help with a few ailments, including hair problems.

For centuries, the Chinese have been using ginseng as an important part of Chinese traditional medicine as they long ago realized the amazing health benefits that ginseng can bring to the body, mind, and spirit.

Medical Proof Shows Benefits of Using Ginseng for Thinning Hair

Research has shown that ginseng might be beneficial for the growth of hair follicles. Ginseng is often used in many shampoos and conditioners as is known to stimulate the scalp and encourage hair growth.

Its powerful properties also work to relieve stress, which can be a common cause of hair fall.

A complete clinical study of using ginseng to treat Alopecia patients was carried out in 2012 and was published by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health in a paper called “Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata”. The study was carried out by Professor Sang-Wook Son of Korea University College of Medicine and involved testing fifty people who had been diagnosed with Alopecia Areata over a period of twelve weeks.

Half of the group were solely given corticosteroids (control group) as treatment, while the other half were given a mixture of corticosteroids and ginseng as treatment.

The results from the study were promising and at the end of the twelve-week period, the group that was given a mixture of both corticosteroids and ginseng produced much better results than those that had only the corticosteroids.

Both hair density and hair thickness improved significantly in those in the group that received ginseng as part of their treatment, while a lower increase was seen in the patients who took just corticosteroids alone. The mechanism of action was proposed that ginsenosides are anti-inflammatory and antiallergic which resulted in better hair growth.

Further Medical Research

Later research was carried out in 2014 and was published in the Journal of Dermatological Science 77 (2) in January 2015, again confirming the healing powers behind ginseng used in treating alopecia.

This study was a collaboration of efforts between many science professionals including Su Na Kim, Sehyun Kim, and Yong Deog Hong of the Amorepacific Corporation, Seoul, and related to the effects that the ginsenosides of Pantax ginseng had in the promotion of hair growth.

The tests that were carried out were done using human dermal papilla cells (hDPc) and anagen hair follicles that had been isolated from a 48-year-old male scalp that remained following a hair transplant procedure.

When exposed to the Pantax ginseng, the hair follicles began to grow.

The conclusions from this study were that the use of Pantax ginseng to promote hair growth has similar effects to that of minoxidil, which has been proven useful previously in the treatment of pattern baldness and could prove to be effective for alopecia patients.

Reasons for Using Ginseng for Alopecia

There are many good reasons why you should use ginseng to stimulate new hair growth. Some of those are:

Cost: The cost of ginseng tablets can vary but are usually relatively inexpensive and can be bought from most major health shops. Natural ginseng is a little more expensive, but its benefits far outweigh the cost.

Natural ingredients: Ginseng is a natural plant meaning no harmful toxins will be entering your body unlike with some other treatments available.

Stimulates hair growth: Properties of ginseng improve hair’s regeneration ability by stimulating blood flow to the scalp.

Availability: Although ginseng is found mainly in northeast China, Korea, Bhutan and eastern Siberia, it can easily be sourced from other places around the world. Most health shops and pharmacies will sell ginseng tablets or powder.

Combats hair follicle miniaturization: The ginsenoside found in ginseng is known for strengthening the hair roots, therefore preventing further loss. Ginseng also improves the blood circulation within the body and boosts the immune system.

Helps to reduce stress levels which can be a big trigger for both men and women.

Conclusion

Using ginseng or any other natural ingredient is far better for you in the long run, and as previously mentioned, medical studies have clearly shown that these do work in the treatment or prevention of many ailments.

As well as treating hair loss, ginseng is great for the hair in many other ways such as preventing dandruff and grey hair, and overall strengthening of both the hair and roots.

Like with any medical issue, things take time to heal and repair, and hair is no different.

So, before you get ready to throw the towel in after only a couple of treatments, give it some time. The last thing you need is for stress to bring down your immune system as this will only have counter-productive effects.

Also, remember that prevention is the key as with any problem we encounter and if you do notice you may be thinning out in the hair department, act now.

It will make things much easier and quicker to deal with if you start treatment early.