Immune Support Found in Spices and Herbs

Clinical Professor and Chair for the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Mindy Haar, Ph.D., offers her expertise in a Real Simple article detailing which herbs and spices are best for immune support. Turmeric, garlic, ginger, oregano, basil, and rosemary top the list—but why? Haar cites their bioactive compounds, which support immune function through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Turmeric, for example, contains curcumin.

“Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, promotes the health of [T cells, B cells, and macrophages] to fight germs and other threats,” she explains, noting that curcumin is best absorbed by the body when combined with black pepper.

This story also appears on Yahoo! Health and Yahoo! News Singapore.