Can consuming *Panax notoginseng* (Sanqi) increase height?
Apr 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Zhengxin
Introduction
Notoginseng powder has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, but it does not contain any substances that stimulate growth hormone secretion and therefore cannot promote increased growth hormone production. It also does not provide calcium or protein necessary for bone growth. Thus, consuming notoginseng powder will not help you grow taller. Height is primarily determined by genetic factors inherited from one’s parents and is also closely related to environmental factors.
Notoginseng (Panax notoginseng) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, as well as nourishing and strengthening the body; however, it offers no benefit for increasing height. So, can consuming notoginseng help you grow taller?
Can consuming notoginseng increase height?
Notoginseng powder promotes blood circulation and resolves blood stasis, but it contains no substances that stimulate growth hormone secretion and thus cannot enhance growth hormone production. Nor does it supply calcium or protein essential for bone growth. Therefore, taking notoginseng powder will not help you grow taller.
Height is primarily determined by genetic factors inherited from one’s parents, and is also closely related to environmental influences. In children during the optimal period of skeletal development, taking notoginseng powder may occasionally cause premature hardening of bones and premature closure of the epiphyseal growth plates, thereby impairing normal growth and development. Regular physical activity—such as basketball, skipping rope, or running—can support healthy growth and development in children. Additionally, ensuring adequate sleep is crucial, as growth hormone is predominantly secreted during sleep. Human height is determined by skeletal growth, particularly the elongation of the long bones in the lower limbs. In other words, increased height occurs only as chondrocytes in the epiphyseal growth plates of long bones continue to proliferate and mature.
Calcium and phosphorus are the primary mineral components required for bone growth; therefore, foods rich in these minerals—such as milk, dried shrimp, leafy green vegetables, kelp, and nori—should be included in the diet. Calcium is indispensable for bone development, and milk is an excellent source. Consuming one glass of milk each in the morning and evening, plus a serving of yogurt after lunch, represents an optimal strategy for calcium supplementation, offering both high bioavailability and efficient absorption. We hope this information proves helpful!
