To Drink or Not to Drink Herbal Tea
17 Jul
As Latter-day Saints we have been taught to abstain from ‘hot drinks’ as outlined in The Word of Wisdom. Since Clark and I have been married, it’s been a question up in the air whether herbal tea is OK in our home.
Clark was raised with the understanding (on his part, I don’t know for the rest of his family) that tea is tea – don’t drink it. I grew up with the understanding from my Mother & Father that Black tea, & Green tea and other caffeinated teas are a no-no but Herbal Tea is GREAT when you’re sick and not feeling well, or ‘sleepy time tea‘ if you have trouble going to sleep. So I did some research, as I LOVE Herbal Tea but am willing to let it go if indeed it falls under the “bad tea” group. Here is what I found:
Question: Which Herbal Teas Can Mormons Drink?I received an email asking the following question: “I’ve heard that some herbal teas are okay to drink, but could you please clarify what is allowed and what isn’t? Thanks so much for your help!”
So in the Word of Wisdom which herbal teas are Okay to drink?
Answer: Official doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states that drinking tea is against the Word of Wisdom. Under the Gospel Topic of Word of Wisdom at LDS.org it states:
“The best course is to completely avoid the substances that the Lord prohibits in the Word of Wisdom.”
But to clarifty, herbal tea is not against the word of wisdom, although we have been cautioned: “Some people enjoy herbal teas, but even these should not replace more nutritious drinks in the diet” (Lora Beth Larson, “The Do’s in the Word of Wisdom,” Ensign, Apr 1977, 46.)
The following types of tea made from the tea plant are NOT herbal teas:
- Black
- Green
- White, and
- Oolong
According to the Tea page at Wikipedia it states that herbal tea “usually refers to infusions of fruit or of herbs (such as rosehip, chamomile, or jiaogulan) that contain no C. sinensis. (Alternative terms for herbal tea that avoid the word “tea” are tisane and herbal infusion.)”
Also see the Ensign article that answers this question, “Do herb drinks fall into the classification of ‘hot drinks’ forbidden by the Word of Wisdom or are they ‘herbs to be used with prudence and thanksgiving?’” by Clifford J. Stratton, “I Have a Question” Aug. 1979, 24–25. (You’ll need to scroll down).
Read more about herbal tea (or tisane) at About.com’s Coffee/Tea topic and at Wikipedia.
The Word of Wisdom is a Personal Commandment: Often Latter-day Saints become focused on the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law. How to obey the Word of Wisdom is something that each individual must study and ponder on their own. In Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord has revealed that alcohol, tea and coffee (hot drinks), and tobacco are harmful. He also told us what foods are good for our bodies. The Lord has not given us a specific list of each and every kind of substance that is/isn’t good for us. He has given us the agency to study it out for our own understanding and to choose how we will accept and obey the Word of Wisdom. When searching for specific answers I suggest turning to the Lord through fasting and prayer to receive personal revelation
[Sources: LDS.org & lds.about.com]
Having found this information, Clark and I have concluded that Herbal Tea’s are OK – but Black, Green, White & Oolong teas (which I never drank while growing up – understanding that those are “hot” teas) are not good.
It feels good to have that all straightened out. Having been drinking Peppermint Herbal Tea lately has really helped my cramping and digestion. 
Have you ever run into this dilemma? What similar experiences have you had?
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Thanks for this post
I remember an article in the ensign a long time ago, I think this is it
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=7e1405e063feb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
I totally do the camomille (?) tea thing, so soothing.
I heard that Mormons in Asian countries still do drink Green Tea (I could be wrong on this but I heard it floating around). I think its a matter between you and God what you think is best for ultimate heath. Whatever you think is best as long as you’ve educated yourself on all possibilities in my opinion.
I’m not Mormon anymore….but I know there’s huge researched/documented health benefits on green and white teas for their amazing antioxidants. Black Tea is not as good as its not as natural. Of course everything is in balance…if you drink too much of anything its bad though. If I have about 50 cups of green tea a day—Its just as likely I may develop stomach/throat cancer.
I think there’s much worse things for the body than Green Tea (which is documented/proven healthy). For me processed food, non-organic meats, pesticide laden fruits and veg, GM food and jello (which is made up from ground up animal bones) all seem contrary to the natural world to what God intended. But that’s just me—you have to do what makes you happy.
I’ve always found it interesting that the Church didn’t require members to obey the Word of Wisdom until the early 20th century. Perhaps worrying about herbal tea isn’t such a big deal. It reminds me a lot of the constant debate about Coke and other caffeinated soft drinks. Sometimes I think people get too caught up in little rules.
Thanks for the link Jay. It’s interesting, that right along with trying so hard to do what’s right, to know ‘everything’ there is to know – I find that its sometimes easy to get so wrapped up in our own Universe [individually] on everything in life and including the Gospel that we really miss the big picture (‘letter of the law’ vs spirit of the law). Every single member of the Church – that has been part of the Church since the start – is human. Just like every other person on earth. The Church is made up of humans who are trying their best to understand perfectly the first time. We have ALL made mistakes. But the GREAT thing, the ‘good news’ is that we learn, we renew, and we progress. Our goal in this whole span of life is to strengthen our weaknesses, make ourselves stronger and help others along the way. It’s a beautiful process.
♥
I feel that a lot of members expect all leaders both in the Church and outside the church to be everything but ‘translated’. But really, our only responsibility is to respect them and move on. Who are we to judge another? We find truth by the Spirit, and continue on with our own understanding – respecting our Elders/Leaders along the way. It’s more simple than we give it all credit for.
There’s a lot of negativity about the Church out on the net, but I don’t give it an ounce of my time. Mostly because I know the truth that I feel and that’s all that matters (to me). I find truth from the Source and that’s all I need. All that is good and true, will make you happy. Will fill you with the light of joy.
So, I thank you for sharing the link. The intent of the site is good – I can tell. But, why give Anti-Mormon material the time of day? My feelings are, if the Church needs to defend itself on whatever issue/ or trivial “fact” they will post it on their website. Just like if there were any personal attack against me that needed to be explained – I’d hope people would come to the source (me).
There will always be opposition in all things. But the purpose and center of it all is in The Book. The Bible and The Book of Mormon. To learn about God, Jesus and their teachings. Applying them to our lives and strengthening our family. What more information do we need than that which brings joy and love into our lives. ♥
Didn’t know about the early 20th century requirement — maybe they slowly introduced it because it would be too hard to adapt, because maybe too many Saints were dependent on alcohol and smoking? Those are addictive substances and if taken away too quickly it would be harder to wean off of the dependency? It would make sense if so.
D&C 89 says it is “adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints”, maybe there is some other reason it was phased in over time.
…why give Anti-Mormon material the time of day? My feelings are, if the Church needs to defend itself on whatever issue/ or trivial “fact” they will post it on their website.
It is interesting to note that much of what we think of as “anti-Mormon” is actually factual history. I know this is off the subject of your original post but, unfortunately, the Church doesn’t address many of the valid questions about its history (thus the need for organizations like FAIR). That is why you could search until the cows come home on LDS.org and you will never find anything about early LDS leaders drinking alcohol, smoking and practicing polygamy long after Wilford Woodruff’s 1890 manifesto banning it. There is some shocking stuff out there and it is not anti-Mormon. In fact you can find much of it from LDS sources, but you have to really dig and search. I know that sounds fantastic but it’s true. Anyway just thought I’d throw that out there, do with it what you may.
YW
♥
Chamomile Tea is GREAT! My Mom used to give us – what she called ‘Shoe-maker tea’ – where she’d mix (to taste) Chamomile tea + milk + sugar, whenever we were sick. Tastes great!
Thanks for the article link!
I agree with you + what the article said that when it comes to the Word of Wisdom & agency, learning what the Prophets have said, take to heart and the final decision to be made between what you feel is right in regards to your feelings and communications with God.
I don’t doubt that scientists have found a small benefit in health with Green Tea like they have with Wine… but I take their findings with a grain of salt as a few years go by and they find that it’s not as healthy as they thought it was. Who knows. I agree too with what you said that everything in balance, and ANYTHING taken in extreme is bad. Totally agree with that. And with your thoughts on Organic – completely agree.
Yes & no. I think if we let even the little things go untouched, they soon become big and hard to handle later. Better to get on top of it now, than have to deal with it later. Although, I do understand what you’re saying – that people can get way caught up in the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law as they really should. Either way, it is good to have a true and honest intent to abide by the “rules”/ commandments with a true and honest heart as that is what really matters. In the end God will be the only one to Judge if you truly did try your best.
Didn’t know about the early 20th century requirement — maybe they slowly introduced it because it would be too hard to adapt, because maybe too many Saints were dependent on alcohol and smoking? Those are addictive substances and if taken away too quickly it would be harder to wean off of the dependency? It would make sense if so.
I find it interesting that the Church grows in strength and knowledge just as its Saints do. Look at how we have progressed – it’s beautiful. We have the knowledge at our finger-tips with LDS.org and the strength of coming to each other like this as one big family as our Gospel is centered upon. I love it.
Ok, off on a tangent – you just sparked a thought in me. I’d be curious to see a link on where you found that 20th century quote. Is it documented fact? Couldn’t find it on LDS.org or any other official Church site.
You won’t find anything about it on lds.org, sorry. However it is fact from the many journals of LDS members and leaders themselves. If you haven’t read Richard Bushman’s book “Rough Stone Rolling” yet you can find much of it documented there (Bushman is in charge of the Joseph Smith papers project currently). His book was published in 2005.
I don’t know if you know about fairlds.org. It is an appologetic website for the LDS Church. They attempt to explain many of the more controversial aspects of the Church. Below is the URL explaining the history of the Word of Wisdom.
http://en.fairmormon.org/Word_of_Wisdom
Just as I’m sure there was a divine purpose for the length of time it took to enforce a stricter law for the Word of Wisdom, I’m sure it applied just as strongly to the Leaders as it was for the Saints. We’re all in this together, regardless of our roles. This is why I feel, that if there is something that needs to be explained, it’ll be on lds.org
2 Ne. 28: 30
30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more;…
“children of men” — that includes both Saints & Leaders. Back to my point that I feel that there are many Saints who come across “shocking discovery” that … oh no… a Leader of the Church was imperfect?
I feel that the Church today is a direct result from the strong leadership we had in the beginning. When I look at the Church today, I see success and strength. I see progress.