Ellen White's Health Counsel: Avoid Coffee and Tea

Certainly, Ellen White has provided clear guidance on the use of coffee and tea, explaining their harmful effects on the body and mind, and advocating for their complete avoidance.

☕️ Harmful Effects of Coffee and Tea

• Stimulants and Poisons: Both tea and coffee are stimulants that contain poisons. They are not only unnecessary but are harmful and should be discarded to promote temperance and healthPCP 18.2+2. The effects of tea, coffee, and similar drinks tend in the same direction as alcoholic liquor and tobaccoCD 430.1+1.

• False Strength and Exhaustion: Coffee and tea do not nourish the system; the relief and perceived strength they provide come from exciting the nerves, which then transmit irritation to the brain, causing increased action in the heart and a temporary burst of energy. This is a false strength, leaving the user worse off than before and providing no natural strengthTe 75.3+1. The initial exhilaration is always followed by exhaustion, prostration, and depression of mental, moral, and physical powers2MCP 485.1+4.

• Damage to the Nervous System: These nerve irritants wear away life forces, leading to restlessness, impatience, and mental feebleness, which actively hinder spiritual progressCTBH 34.4+3. They affect the brain and nerve power, weakening the nervous system and causing issues like headaches, wakefulness, palpitation, indigestion, and trembling of the nervesCH 87.1+3.

• Perverted Appetite and Addiction: The use of tea and coffee fosters an appetite for stronger stimulants, such as tobacco and liquor, making it difficult to break the habit—sometimes as difficult as for an inebriate to stop using alcoholCD 430.1+13. They deaden natural sensibilities, making individuals less susceptible to the Holy Spirit's influence and causing a craving for the cherished idol rather than for righteousness or God's presenceSL 32.2. As 1 Peter 2:11 states, "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." These indulgences are considered fleshly lusts that harm moral characterCH 67.3+2.

• Economic Waste and Spiritual Hindrance: The money spent on tea and coffee is worse than wasted, as these substances only cause harm continuallyCTBH 34.5+3. Such expenses hinder the best development of physical, mental, and spiritual powers, and diverting these funds to God's cause would bless many souls20MR 91.5+6.

• Impaired Spirituality: Indulging in these habits makes it impossible to engage with interest and zeal in the worship of God, as divine grace seems powerless to enliven or spiritualize prayers and testimonies when deprived of these stimulantsTe 74.2+1. True conversion requires giving up such injurious habits, as coffee is a stimulant and a "warring lust" that destroys soul and body15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 7.

🌿 Call to Reform and Temperance

• Complete Abstinence: The only safe course is to "touch not, taste not, handle not" tea, coffee, and other harmful stimulantsCD 430.1+2. Individuals should strive for temperance in all things, understanding that these practices weaken their ability to glorify God2T 65.2+1.

• Examples of Reformation: Many have found improved health, clearer minds, and a better understanding of the Scriptures after giving up tea and coffee, even when facing initial discomforts like severe headaches20MR 5.2+3. These personal reformations are seen as evidence of the Holy Spirit's work and are greatly rewardedGosHealth March 1, 1898, par. 3+3.

• Teaching and Education: There is a strong call to educate people, through talks and lectures, about the effects of tea, coffee, and flesh meats, leading them to voluntarily correct their habits8MR 382.1+2. Cooking schools should teach how to prepare wholesome food without these harmful ingredientsMTC 158.1+1.

• Sanitariums as Reform Centers: Health institutions should be places where people are taught hygienic methods, discarding drugs, tea, coffee, fermented wines, and flesh meats2SM 283.5+4. They should model health reform principles and avoid serving these items, except in special cases where a patient specifically requests them in their room1MR 290.4+3.

• Impact on Ministers and Leaders: Ministers and those in positions of influence are especially urged to practice temperance and health reform, as their example significantly impacts others and their disregard for these principles unfits them for their sacred work7MR 338.2+5. Their preaching should be in harmony with their practice, not making exceptions for themselves5LtMs, Lt 12, 1888, par. 4.

It is impossible for the spirit and power of truth to sanctify a person when they are controlled by appetite and passionTSDF 164.3. Overcoming these indulgences strengthens the will and allows for a clearer connection with God, as seen in the testimony of those who, like Brother Hunter, bravely renounce harmful habits, believing the testimonies and wishing to be led by God's willTe 203.2+1. As John 16:24 encourages, "Till now have you asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full."