Did you know that hormones are the key to healthy glowing skin? If someone told you that drinking a specific superfood daily would help with both glowing skin and hormone balance would you take it? Tune in because this health and wellness blog is about to tell you everything you need to know about ginseng benefits!
Getting your hormone levels balanced and in check is not always the easiest feat however there are a few simple daily practices that can make a huge difference over time. Panax Ginseng is a secret weapon superfood that not only helps with hormones and skin but also has a plethora of other amazing health benefits!
What is ginseng?
Ginseng is a superfood derived from the root of the panax genus of plants and has been used for its therapeutic properties in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2020). From antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, to improving metabolism, hormone health, gut health and mental health; panax ginseng has so many therapeutic benefits to offer.
How hormones affect the skin?
Each sex hormone (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) has a role to play in the health and condition of your skin. Estrogen helps to keep your skin staying plump and firm by its ability to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Progesterone stimulates the production of the oil glands in the skin also called sebum. Testosterone also works to produce oil by stimulating the sebaceous glands. These three hormones work together to keep the skin hydrated, youthful and glowing (Stevenson & Thornton, 2007).
Having an imbalance with even just one of these hormone levels can throw all of the levels out of balance. Like a carefully balanced seesaw, one person (or hormone in this case) jumping off sends the other one plummeting.
How can I rebalance my hormonal seesaw?
Eating a nutritious, balanced, anti-inflammatory diet that’s high in protein and good fats is a great place to begin for nourishing your skin and rebalancing those hormones! Some other factors to consider include maintaining a healthy body weight, regular exercise, gut health, reducing stress levels and refined sugar intake. By addressing these factors you can promote a healthier hormone balance that shines through your skin (Lang, 2022).
Where does ginseng fit into this?
Ginseng is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant superfood that is the perfect addition to a healthy diet for balancing hormones. Studies have shown ginseng’s ability to retain and restore skin elasticity by promoting circulation and collagen production. There is also ample evidence suggesting ginseng’s ability to inhibit wrinkle formation, increase the skin’s moisture and reduce puffiness (Hwang et al., 2017). Taking ginseng daily via powder, tea or extract is a great way to give your skin what it needs to thrive, you can even use it in a facemask for glowing skin. On top of this you are nourishing your body with all the health benefits that come with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Your inside reflects on the outside..
As the saying goes, your inner health reflects onto the outside of your skin. Putting in the effort to support your hormones, gut health and feeding your body with nutrients will mirror out as hydrated, youthful and healthy skin. Although changes like these can sometimes seem a little overwhelming, just think, you are one ginseng drink away from healthier skin. Let the ginseng flow so your skin can glow!
References
Hwang, E., Park, S. Y., Yin, C. S., Kim, H. T., Kim, Y. M., & Yi, T. H. (2017). Antiaging effects of the mixture of Panax ginseng and Crataegus pinnatifidain human dermal fibroblasts and healthy human skin. Journal of ginseng research, 41(1), 69–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2016.01.001
Lang, A. (2022). 10 natural ways to balance your hormones. Healthline. Accessed on 15/08/2022, <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/balance-hormones>
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, (2020). Asian Ginseng. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed on 15/08/2022, <https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/asian-ginseng>
Stevenson, S., & Thornton, J. (2007). Effect of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of SERMs. Clinical interventions in aging, 2(3), 283–297. https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s798
