Chamomile tea is a plant-based drink and, therefore, is not part of a strict carnivore diet. However, many people who follows the carnivore diet would also give up addictive substances such as tea, coffee, and alcohol and switch to non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic drinks such as herbal tea (e.g. chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and rooibos tea).
This raises questions about the nutritional and anti-nutrient contents of those herbal drinks and their potential health benefits and whether it’s okay to still consume them on a meat-based diet. In this post, we’ll delve into chamomile tea, a popular herbal infusion enjoyed for centuries, and explore its place in a carnivore lifestyle.
What Is Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, which belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae). There are two primary species used for chamomile tea: [1, 2, 3]
- German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Also known as wild chamomile, this variety is more commonly used for tea and is known for its high concentration of beneficial compounds with around 36 flavonoids identified so far.
- Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): Also called English chamomile, this variety is less commonly used for tea but is widely used for its medicinal properties to treat many common illnesses.
Although there is a lack of strong scientific evidence to support their health benefits, chamomile is widely used for various purposes, including: [4, 5, 6]
- Acting as a mild sedative to calm nerves and reduce anxiety, and to address hysteria, nightmares, insomnia, and other sleep problems.
- Treating gastrointestinal issues such as upset stomach, gas, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, anorexia, motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting.
- Supporting oral and gum health, as well as respiratory tract conditions.
- Addressing skin conditions, including ulcers, eczema, skin irritations, bruises, burns, and canker sores.
- Alleviating hay fever, wounds, gout, rheumatic pain, hemorrhoids, and mastitis.
- Treating diaper rash, cracked nipples, chickenpox, ear and eye infections, nasal inflammation, and poison ivy.
Nutrition in Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is low in calories, typically containing just about 2 calories per cup. While it doesn’t provide significant amounts of vitamins or minerals, it does contain beneficial compounds such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential oils in small quantities. Below is a closer look at its nutritional profile. [7, 8, 9, 10]
Calories and Macro-nutrients
Chamomile tea is virtually calorie-free (~2 calories per cup), making it a popular choice for those who look for a low-calorie beverage to support their weight loss or weight maintenance goals. It contains negligible amounts of macro-nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Vitamins
Chamomile tea contains several essential vitamins including vitamins A, C and B9. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and skin health. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health. Folate (Vitamin B9) is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair, and overall cell function.
However, as mentioned above, the vitamin content in chamomile tea is very low. For example, one cup of chamomile contains only 2.4 mcg of folate whereas the RDA for both men and women is 400 mcg/day of dietary folate equivalents.
Minerals
Chamomile contains several essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, and manganese. Calcium supports bone health and proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production and muscle function. Potassium is essential for maintaining proper heart and muscle function and fluid balance. Iron is vital for the production of hemoglobin and oxygen transport in the blood.
However, similar to its vitamin content, the mineral content of chamomile tea is negligible. For example, one cup of chamomile tea has only about 5 mg of calcium whereas the RDA for calcium is between 1,000 and 1,300 mg/day for adults, depending on age.
Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Chamomile tea is renowned for its antioxidant properties, primarily attributed to its rich content of flavonoids such as apigenin, quercetin, and luteolin. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, which can otherwise lead to oxidative stress and contribute to various chronic diseases. The presence of these compounds supports cellular health and may reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Additionally, chamomile tea contains several anti-inflammatory compounds such as chamazulene and bisabolol. These components help inhibit inflammatory pathways in the body, potentially reducing symptoms associated with various inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and allergies. The tea’s ability to soothe inflammation extends beyond internal benefits, as it may also aid in alleviating skin irritations and conditions like eczema when used topically.
Anti-Nutrients in Chamomile Tea
While chamomile tea is generally considered safe for most people, like other types of tea, it does contain some compounds that could be classified as anti-nutrients. Anti-nutrients are substances that can interfere with the absorption of nutrients or have other potentially adverse effects. Here are some of the anti-nutrients found in chamomile tea: [11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]
- Oxalates: Oxalates can bind to minerals such as calcium, forming insoluble compounds that the body cannot absorb. This can potentially lead to reduced calcium absorption and, in some cases, contribute to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
- Phytates: Phytates, or phytic acid, can bind to minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium, reducing their bioavailability. This means that the body may absorb less of these essential nutrients when they are consumed with foods or beverages high in phytates.
- Tannins: Tannins are a type of polyphenol that can interfere with the absorption of iron and other minerals. They can also have astringent properties, which may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
- Flavonoids: While flavonoids are primarily known for their antioxidant properties, some can act as anti-nutrients. For example, quercetin, a flavonoid found in chamomile, can inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients in large amounts. However, the levels found in chamomile tea are generally considered safe.
- Coumarins: Coumarins have anticoagulant properties, which means they can interfere with blood clotting. While this can be beneficial in preventing blood clots, excessive intake could pose risks, especially for individuals on blood-thinning medications or with bleeding disorders.
- Saponins: Saponins can reduce the bioavailability of nutrients by forming complexes with proteins and minerals. They may also have a bitter taste and cause digestive irritation in some people.
However, it is important to note that the levels of these anti-nutrients in chamomile tea are generally low and not likely to cause harm for most people when consumed in moderation.
Is Chamomile Tea Okay on the Carnivore Diet?
In my view, it is generally acceptable to drink chamomile tea on the carnivore diet, as long as you can tolerate it.
As noted above, chamomile tea is low in nutritional value and contains a small amount of anti-nutrients. Most people consume it not for its nutritional content but to add variety to their daily beverages or for its medicinal properties, thanks to its unique array of plant compounds. While these compounds do have anti-nutrient effects that could cause adverse health effects in certain cases, it’s often said that a poison in the right dose can turn into a perfect medicine. If chamomile tea helps you effectively manage common health issues, there’s no reason to avoid it just to maintain a strict adherence to the carnivore diet.
Ultimately, the carnivore diet is about personal choice and what works for your body. If chamomile tea fits well with your lifestyle and doesn’t interfere with your health goals or digestive tolerance, there is no need to avoid it simply for the sake of strict adherence to the diet.
However, based on my research and personal experience, a healthy carnivore or meat-centered diet can resolve many health issues for a lot of people, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, dental health issues, and skin conditions. As a result, you may find that you no longer need chamomile tea for its medicinal properties once you’ve been on the carnivore diet for a sufficient period of time.
Conclusion
Consuming chamomile tea in moderation on the carnivore diet is generally considered acceptable by many followers, especially if it is well tolerated and helps with relaxation, sleep, skin, or digestive issues, without causing any adverse effects like some mainstream medications. However, whether to include it ultimately depends on your personal goals and how strictly you wish to adhere to the diet. If chamomile tea benefits your overall well-being and doesn’t lead to any negative effects, it can be a valuable addition.
Other posts you might be interested in:
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Is Ghee Okay on the Carnivore Diet?
Can You Drink Propel Water on the Carnivore Diet?
Why You Should Avoid Farmed Salmon on the Carnivore Diet
Is Hot Sauce Okay on the Carnivore Diet?
What Is the Best Meat to Eat on the Carnivore Diet?
Is Soy Sauce Okay on a Carnivore Diet?
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Why Animal-Based Protein Is Superior to Plant-Based Protein
10 Tips to Sneak More Organ Meat into Your Children’s Diet
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for reference purposes only and is not intended to constitute or replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified medical professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. Please check out our disclaimer for more detail.
