The Health and Spiritual Impact of Tea According to Ellen White

Nervous System Damage: Tea acts as a nerve irritant that excites the nervous system, forcing it into unnatural action and leading to trembling nerves and a lack of self-controlCCh 105.1+2.

Borrowed Power: While it may seem to invigorate the intellect, it actually borrows power from future resources, which is always followed by a corresponding period of depression and exhaustion2MCP 485.1+2.

Disease Preparation: The use of tea undermines the constitution and impairs nature's delicate machinery, which prepares the system for acute diseases and premature decayCTBH 153.1+2.

Visible Effects: Those who use tea often carry marks upon their countenances, such as sallow skin and a lifeless appearance, as it gradually impairs the energy of the body and mindCTBH 35.1+1.

Ailments Produced: The continued use of this stimulant is followed by headaches, wakefulness, palpitation of the heart, and indigestionCCh 105.1+2.

Clouded Judgment: Breaking the laws of health through tea drinking blinds the mind, making it difficult to discern between good and evil or appreciate eternal truthsCCh 105.1+3.

Hindrance to Prayer: Indulgence in this idol creates a warring element against spiritual progress and can even make the truth of none effect upon the heartTe 81.4+2.

The Path to Intemperance: Tea and coffee are artificial stimulants that foster an appetite for even stronger substances like tobacco and liquorCH 85.3+2.

Responsibility to God: We are called to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service2T 65.2.

Nature's Recovery: Though a person may feel a sense of loss or suffering when first giving up tea, nature will rally and perform her part well if given time to recover from the abuse1T 548.1+1.

Pure Water: In place of hurtful stimulants, pure water is one of heaven's choicest blessings, provided by God to quench thirst and assist the system in resisting diseaseDG 175.3+2.

Pledges of Abstinence: Christians should take a firm stand by signing a temperance pledge that specifically includes the total discontinuation of tea and coffeeTe 81.4+2.

Divine Help: While it may be difficult to break these habits in our own strength, we can overcome through faith and the power of a restoring Savior John 16:24Te 105.3+1.

Wholesome Alternatives: Red clover top is a good, simple, and wholesome drink that can be used instead of traditional teaPH096 53.4.

Medicinal Use: Simple preparations, such as catnip tea, are useful remedies that can be prepared by a nurse to answer a specific health purpose19MR 48.4+1.

Simple Language: The Lord uses plain language and simple means, like a lump of figs for a plaster, rather than technical medical terms or poisonous drug devices Isaiah 38:2117LtMs, Ms 169, 1902, par. 41.

Natural Provisions: We should seek to have maladies cured by nature’s own provisions and educate people to treat themselves with simple remedies2SM 283.5.

Unnecessary Indulgences: Even "dandelion coffee" or similar drinks are often unnecessary and should not be indulged in by those who have limited means, as they take away from more important uses of money1LtMs, Lt 4, 1866, par. 3.

The Best Liquid: If anything is needed to quench thirst, pure water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues and is all that nature requiresHL 164.1+1.

Hot Drinks: Hot drinks in general are debilitating and can injure the stomach, throat, and digestive organsHL 164.1+1.

Consistent Testimony: We are to be health reformers in the fullest sense, and this includes dispensing with all injurious foods and beverages that serve as unnatural stimulants14LtMs, Lt 123, 1899, par. 14+1.

Self-Control: Every true Christian will have control of his appetite and passions, as the indulgence of these makes the truth of none effect upon the heartCH 85.3+1.

Total Abstinence: The instruction is to refuse all narcotics—including tea and stimulants of all kinds—to ensure the right balance of mental and moral powers2SM 283.5+1.

A Living Sacrifice: We must understand how to preserve physical health so that our bodies may be presented as a living sacrifice, fitted for God's service Romans 12:1San January 1, 1900, par. 3.

Victory Over Appetite: There is no encouragement for any person to become a victorious overcomer in the Christian warfare unless they decide to practice temperance in all thingsCH 51.2+1.