Herbal Tea and the Word of Wisdom

[Kim B]

Do you think herbal teas are forbidden within the Word of Wisdom? How do you reach that conclusion?

If you look for the definition of "hot" in an earlier period dictionary, you'll find it defined as "stimulating" I personally believe that this is the context in which it was used in the WoW.  Therefore green tea would be included as as a "hot" drink, because it contains caffeine.  I also truly believe, as an ex-coffee drinker, that the main purpose of not drinking "hot" drinks, is because they are addicting.  And if you are addicted to something, it has some measure of power over your life, which is really bad.  I, myself, enjoy herbal teas from time to time and have no problem with them, as long as they don't contain caffeine.

[CM15426]

herbal tea is great! . . it surely does not go against the word of wisdom usually.   Raspberry tea is especially helpfully during the nine months of pregnancy . . . it helps you so much!

[Sariah_Gift]

So we all agree that the wow doesnt speak about caffeine right? I see many members talk about the caffeine.

[CM15426]

no it does not state caffeine.   But our body is a temple and we should abstain from any harmful substances but it is our personal revelation on what is the word of wisdom. . . some things are needed to be known for just oneself and should not be proclaimed to the church as a whole.

[Sariah_Gift]

but it is our personal revelation on what is the word of wisdom. .

Hmmmm Joseph Smith clearly stated what the wow is, not sure what you mean?

[CM15426]

yes he stated the word of wisdom, and as members of the church we should always take the commandments, and ponder and pray about them.  We all adhere to the letter of the law with the word of wisdom, but finding the meat of the law is another thing, and is done on a personal level with god.

[Clifton]

Having served my mission in Japan I know that barley tea (mugicha in Japanese) is okay to drink.  It was served at church socials and was a staple drink with the missionaries.  It is simply roasted barley and nothing else.  The taste is strange to a new-comer  but is very satisfying once you are use to it.

Also, remember that in the wow it says. . .

10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man. . .  D&C 89:10

If you cook you herbs (make a tea-like drink out of it) then how does that make the herb bad? I think most herbal teas are nothing but harmless, if not wholesome herbs ordained for the use of man.

Clif

[EAG]

good point clif, I know a lot of saints in Germany drink a roasted barley and chickory drink called pero and there are other varieties by other name.  Postum for example, a coffee substitute, many slc saints were very upset when post stopped making it.