We are indoctrinated that somehow we should always by instantly emotionally comfortable. When that is not so, some become anxious—and all too frequently seek relief from counseling, from analysis, and even from medication.

What are herbs? A definition current in Joseph Smith’s day was “plants of which the leaves or stem and leaves, are used for food or medicine, or in some way for their scent or flavor.” 1 In one sense, at least, herbs are simply edible plants. The same dictionary cites an 1833 usage of “fruits” as “vegetable products in general which are fit to be used by men and animals.” We usually group fruits and vegetables together because their nutritive value is similar.

Neither the Church nor the world at large can hear too much about the Word of Wisdom. [Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay (Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2003), …

Too Much Word of Wisdom – McKay Read more »

One with an intelligent interest in food and good life habits is in no sense a faddist or crank. Indeed, every one should have such a sound fundamental knowledge of nutrition that it would be a very part of one-self …

Nutrition Habits – Widstoe Read more »

This Word of Wisdom came to us from the Father of us all, the God of heaven, for our blessing and the blessing of all who would observe it. I regret that we as a people do not observe it …

Word of Wisdom Blessing – Hinckley Read more »

There are many hot drinks. It is admitted that continuous taking of excessively hot substances into the mouth and stomach is harmful to health. It is well, therefore, to avoid such practices. . . . But is there some reason why we should …

Hot Drinks – Petersen Read more »

I am not going to give any command, but I will ask it as a personal, individual favor to me, to let coca-cola alone. There are plenty of other things you can get at the soda fountains without drinking that which is injurious. The Lord does not want you to use any drug that creates an appetite for itself. [in Conference Report, April 1922, p. 165.]

The harmful effects of the cola drinks have been mentioned many times. But other drinks are often marketed that contain caffeine. Buyers should know well the products they are purchasing. [“I Have a Question,” Ensign, vol. 4, no. 3 (Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, March 1974), p. 23.]

Our bodies are organized to derive enjoyment from their proper use. There is enjoyment in eating when you are hungry, and in resting when you are fatigued, to the extent the body rightly requires; but if appetite is so gratified …

Laws of Health – Brigham Young, 1860 Read more »

The condition of the physical body can affect the spirit. That’s why the Lord gave us the Word of Wisdom. He also said that we should retire to our beds early and arise early (see D&C 88:124), that we should …

Food & Depression – Ezra Taft Benson, 5 Oct. 1974 Read more »