Is Drinking Tea Against the Word of Wisdom?

We edited this information to include input from one of our readers, Steve. Please see below. 

What does the LDS church say about drinking herbal tea? Is drinking herbal tea prohibited by the LDS? Let’s find out here.

Herbal Tea LDS: What the Word of Wisdom Revealed? Can Mormons Drink Caffeine?

The Word of Wisdom is the official doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One of its famous members is Mitt Romney.

On February 27, 1833, Joseph Smith received a revelation, which is Section 89 in the Doctrine and Covenants (d&c 89). The divine law of health prohibits some foods and drinks while recommending others.

It’s important to know the history of when the revelation was received to better understand its purpose.

Read: Herbalife Tea at Home

What is in Section 89? 

In this Section, tea isn’t named. Rather, it only “addresses strong drinks and hot drinks. They are mentioned in verses 5, 7, and 9,” according to this post. For instance, verse 9 revealed that hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

After receiving the revelation, living prophets taught that the verses referred to tea, coffee, and other alcoholic beverages. At first, the guidance wasn’t compulsory.

But in 1921, Prophet Herber J. Grant made it compulsory. Thus, LDS members must abstain from drinking those beverages, including tea. They also can’t drink alcohol.

Read: Herbalife Tea Detox

Herbal Teas as Hot Drinks 

Hot drinks in the Word of Wisdom didn’t refer to as tea and coffee. But later on, living prophets considered tea and coffee as hot drinks.

Many members of the mormon church still wonder about the specific drink flavors. The New Era clarifies that any drink with coffee in it is against the Word of Wisdom. Thus, drinking tea and iced tea are prohibited because they go against the doctrine according to their church leaders.

Herbal Teas are Not True Teas 

In the Word of Wisdom, there’s no prohibition on drinking herbal teas. By definition, herbal teas aren’t true teas because they don’t come from the Camellia sinensis tea plant.

But you can assume that if the tea is caffeine-free, then it doesn’t originate from the tea plant. Thus, it is acceptable.

Some Mormons assume that if a drink has caffeine, it’s prohibited. Anything with stimulants or addictive substances is prohibited. They are habit forming.

However, it’s important to note that the Church doesn’t specifically prohibit its members to avoid drinking herbal tea.

But it doesn’t endorse it either.

The Church suggests that any drink with dangerous substances must be avoided. This is especially true if they are taken in excess.

God has not provided a complete list of every substance that is not good for the body. Rather, He has given us a way to study and understand whether or not the substance is good for us.

If you’re a member of the LDS or study at Brigham Young University, it’s up to you to accept and obey the Word of Wisdom.

Read: Herbalife Tea to Lose Weight

Is Herbal Tea Good for the Body? 

Generally, herbal teas are good for the body if they are taken in moderation.

A cup of tea can fix anything, they say. Well, there’s some truth to it. People of different cultures have been drinking it for thousands of years.

Tea is a popular beverage. Next to water, tea is the second most popular beverage.

But even though teas are great for the body, they should only be taken in moderation. If you take them in excess, they can pose risks.

When you do drink tea, make sure to avoid adding sugar and other additives. And even if they are good for you, they must not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

Herbal Teas to Drink 

Ginger Tea

This tea is ideal if you suffer from nausea. It’s a full-bodied flavor that contains a lot of antioxidants.

It has trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.

There’s a lack of scientific data on ginger tea. However, it’s been proven to be useful in boosting the immune system and fighting inflammation.

It can treat a range of ailments, like metabolic syndromes and pain.

However, you must avoid it if you are taking anti-platelet drugs. The reason for this is that ginger tea may slow down blood clotting.

Chamomile Tea 

It’s a calming tea that you can take before bedtime. it has no caffeine. Hence, some LDS members are drinking it because it docent contains any caffeine, which is prohibited by the Church.

Some studies show that chamomile could lower the risk of death from the lack of immune support and heart disease.

If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome, then this tea may be ideal for your condition.

Read: Herbal Teas for Endometriosis

Hibiscus Tea 

This tea contains calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals. It also includes antiviral and cardiovascular benefits.

That’s why some health experts recommend it to be effective in fighting against some strains of bird flu.

However, it must be avoided if you are taking diuretic medication. It may also interfere with aspirin. But you can still take it but make sure to drink it 3 hours after taking aspirin.

Summary 

Is herbal tea prohibited by LDS? Yes, it’s prohibited by the Latter-Day Saints. It’s assumed that the caffeine content of the tea is the reason for the prohibition. However, some teas don’t have caffeine so they are okay. But according to Steve (one of our readers), LDS members “are allowed to consume any and all sodas with caffeine (Mtn Dew, DP, Coke, Pepsi, etc)”.