13 “Healthy” Spices That Secretly Sabotage Your Anti-Inflammation Diet

5. Garlic: Potent, But Not Always Friendly

Garlic is celebrated in heart-healthy cooking and cherished for its bold flavor. Many also turn to garlic pills for extra “superfood” insurance. Yet, those supplements and even large amounts in cooking can lead to uninvited trouble for some. Garlic interacts with several medications, especially blood thinners and diabetes treatments, potentially amplifying effects and increasing the risk of bleeding or blood sugar drops. Even without medication, garlic can be tough on the digestive system for people with sensitive stomachs or gut conditions. If you’ve noticed extra heartburn or discomfort after your meals, garlic may be a hidden culprit. Savor garlic’s benefits in balanced portions and check in with your care team before adding supplements, particularly if you’re managing medications or chronic health conditions.

6. Clove: Careful with Concentrates

Clove brings cozy warmth to fall recipes and is admired for its numbing, antimicrobial effects, especially in traditional remedies. But the same eugenol compound responsible for soothing toothaches can become quite risky if consumed as concentrated oil or in large supplement doses. Excessive clove or clove oil can damage delicate tissues in the mouth and digestive tract, and, for some, even pose blood clotting risks. The line between helpful and harmful is easily crossed with bottled extracts or “miracle” oil regimens. Cloves are wonderful when used to flavor meals, desserts, or teas; when it comes to potent oils or capsules, though, it’s best to check with your healthcare professional first—especially for kids, pregnant people, or those with bleeding disorders.