Garlic is a hardy, easy-to-grow crop, and many households make use of small garden spaces to cultivate it. Garlic contains a compound called alliin, which transforms into allicin—the key component responsible for garlic’s powerful health benefits. For thousands of years, garlic has been known to inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses and has been widely used in natural medicine. However, not everyone should consume garlic. There are several health conditions where eating garlic could do more harm than good. This article aims to help you recognize and avoid such risks.

5 Health Conditions That Should Not Consume Garlic

Although garlic is a beneficial food, it’s important not to use it indiscriminately. Below are health conditions where consuming garlic is not recommended.

People with Low Blood Pressure

Garlic is well-known for helping lower blood pressure, which is great for individuals with hypertension. However, for those with hypotension (low blood pressure), it can be dangerous. Garlic contains alliin, which is converted into allicin when garlic is crushed or chopped. Allicin helps lower blood pressure even further. Since people with hypotension already have low blood pressure, consuming garlic can lead to undesirable side effects or even health risks.

People with Internal Heat or Weak Body Constitution

According to traditional Eastern medicine, garlic is hot in nature and spicy in flavor, making it unsuitable for people who suffer from internal heat or conditions like mouth ulcers. Garlic’s heat can worsen such symptoms, possibly leading to constipation, digestive disorders, or dysentery.

Additionally, individuals with a weak constitution should avoid garlic, as its strong stimulating properties can deplete energy, weaken the body further, and even damage internal organs—leading to abdominal discomfort or pain.

People with Liver Diseases

Garlic can be harmful for people with liver issues. Although allicin has many beneficial effects, it can overstimulate the liver by activating enzymes that intensify liver activity. This can result in overheating and damage to the liver over time.

People with Digestive Issues or Garlic Allergies

If you often suffer from bloating or indigestion, you should limit garlic consumption. Garlic’s hot nature and the presence of fructans—a type of carbohydrate—can worsen bloating and digestive discomfort.

In cases where garlic causes heartburn, burping, itching, or skin rashes, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction. If so, you should stop using garlic immediately, as allergic reactions can lead to serious health complications, including potentially life-threatening responses.

Other Cases to Be Cautious With Garlic

  • People with gastrointestinal diseases like ulcers or inflammatory bowel conditions should consult a doctor before using garlic. Its strong antibiotic properties may irritate the stomach lining.
  • Individuals with eye diseases should also be cautious, as garlic can stimulate mucus membranes and conjunctival tissues, possibly leading to swelling or eye hemorrhaging, even risking vision loss.
  • Pregnant women should limit garlic intake, as consuming too much may trigger early labor or even premature birth, posing risks to both mother and baby.

Important Notes When Using Garlic:

  1. Do not consume garlic on an empty stomach, as its strong antibiotic compounds can damage the stomach lining—especially when the stomach is empty. Repeated exposure may lead to gastric ulcers.
  2. Avoid garlic if you’re taking medications, especially for serious illnesses. Garlic (and other hot spices like chili) can interfere with medications or intensify side effects due to their stimulating nature.
  3. Limit your intake: Experts recommend a maximum of 10g/day. Excessive consumption may cause internal heat, bloating, kidney issues, reduced male fertility, and body odor.
  4. Do not take garlic with blood thinners, as garlic is a natural anticoagulant. Combining it with medications like warfarin or aspirin can cause excessive bleeding. Similarly, those with blood clotting disorders should also avoid consuming too much garlic.