Many people are aware that the Mormons discourage the consumption of certain drinks: Most notably, tea and coffee. Since I began to learn about tea and tisanes, my curiosity was piqued: Can Mormons drink tisanes (herbal/fruit tea)?
It turns out that the issue is more complicated than I originally thought. First of all, Mormons themselves are divided on this issue: The passage in Doctrine and Covenants (part of the Mormon scriptural canon) from which this prohibition originates states that “hot drinks” are not for “the belly or body”.
The common understanding of this prohibition is that it is forbids coffee and tea:, but some Mormons prohibit the consumption of any caffeinated beverage (such as cola). Still others refuse to drink any beverage which is served hot.
Online sources mostly indicated that herbal/fruit teas are permissible for Mormons, as herbs can be consumed with “prudence and thanksgiving”. Having tisanes (herbal/fruit teas) available for Mormon friends, relatives, employees, and customers is a great way to be culturally sensitive to those from this religious tradition.
While some Mormons won’t drink tisanes, others will probably be very grateful for this courtesy. Keep in mind that various herbs and fruit teas differ widely in flavor, so have a variety on hand to please varied tastes.
For more information:
What’s Not on the Mormon Menu (For Dummies)
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It turns out Mormons are human beings with functioning digestive systems and can drink the same as the rest of us with impunity. That they tell people to give up something as patently harmless as tea is yet another reason not to pander in the name of “cultural sensitivity” to the wild claims of illiberal witchdoctors who seek to destroy every ounce of decency and joy in the world. Not that I’m militant about it or anything.