Garlic is often hailed as a superfood—and for good reason. It’s been used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine, thanks to its reputation for boosting immunity, improving blood flow, and even warding off negative vibes, according to some age-old beliefs.

But despite all the good things garlic can do, it’s not always harmless. In fact, for some people, garlic might actually make certain health issues worse. Here are four situations where garlic might do more harm than good.

1. People with liver issues should tread carefully

While garlic is sometimes thought to support liver health, that’s not always the case—especially if you’re dealing with liver conditions like hepatitis or inflammation. Garlic can actually irritate the liver further, thanks to its strong, stimulating compounds.

Eating too much garlic might also interfere with liver enzymes and make fat digestion harder, putting extra strain on an already stressed liver.

Avoid it if: You’re dealing with hepatitis, fatty liver, or any other liver condition.

2. Those with eye problems should cut back

There’s an old saying in Chinese medicine: “Garlic has a hundred benefits, but it harms the eyes.” This belief comes from the idea that garlic contains compounds like allicin, which may irritate the eyes—especially if you already suffer from dry eyes, conjunctivitis, or general eye fatigue.

If your eyes often feel itchy, red, or blurry, it might be worth dialing down the garlic in your meals.