Ginseng has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia, for a variety of health concerns, including improving overall vitality and supporting hair health. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is believed to nourish the body’s “Qi” (vital energy), which is thought to play a role in maintaining healthy hair. The root is sometimes included in topical herbal formulations or taken as a tonic with the belief that it can prevent hair loss or thinning and promote regrowth.

From a scientific perspective, evidence supporting ginseng’s efficacy for hair loss or thinning is limited and mostly preliminary. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, may promote hair growth by stimulating dermal papilla cells and increasing proliferation of hair follicles. Small-scale studies have hinted at potential benefits, such as improved hair density or reduced hair shedding, likely due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, well-designed, large-scale human clinical trials are lacking, and the results are not robust enough to draw strong conclusions.

In summary, the use of ginseng for hair loss is primarily rooted in tradition, with only modest preliminary scientific support. It remains a popular ingredient in hair tonics and supplements, but more high-quality research is needed before it can be recommended with confidence for this indication.