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Words of Wisdom HERBS & Whole Foods
This list is not intended to insinuate anything or promote anything. It is simply something I found interesting, if you do too, that’s fine if not that’s fine too. I did a computer search for Herb or Herbs, it came up with 618 references. The following is a very small sampling of what I found. Genesis 1:29 29
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb
bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every
tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to
you it shall be for meat.
JST Genesis 1:31-32 31 And I, God, said unto man, Behold, I have given you every herb, bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth; and every tree in the which is the fruit of a tree, yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 32 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein I grant life, there shall be given every clean herb for meat; and it was so, even as I spake.
Moses 2:29-31 29 And I, God, said unto man: Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in the which shall be the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein I grant life, there shall be given every clean herb for meat; and it was so, even as I spake.
Moses 4:24 24 Thorns also, and thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.
Abraham 4:29-30 29 And the Gods said: Behold, we will give them every herb bearing seed that shall come upon the face of all the earth, and every tree which shall have fruit upon it; yea, the fruit of the tree yielding seed to them we will give it; it shall be for their meat. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, behold, we will give them life, and also we will give to them every green herb for meat, and all these things shall be thus organized.
Alma 46:40 40 And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land--but not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate--
D&C 42:43 43 And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy.
Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.846 WORD OF WISDOM Actually,
the Word of Wisdom is only a small part of the revealed truth relative to health
and the use of food and drink. For instance, months before the Word of Wisdom
was revealed, the Lord said this to his saints: "The fulness of the earth
is yours the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which
climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; Yea,
and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether
for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for
gardens, or for vineyards; Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the
season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the
eye and to gladden the heart; Yea for food and for raiment, for taste and for
smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And
it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end
were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion."
D&C 59:16-19 16 Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fullness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; 17 Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; 18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; 19 Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.1, DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS The Word of Wisdom was given "in consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days" (verse 4). As some of these designs pertain to what people eat and drink, the Word of Wisdom gives basic directions on what is good and not good, and posits a strong relationship between what individuals take into their bodies and their physical and spiritual well-being. The revelation prohibits three things: tobacco, strong drinks, and hot drinks (verses 5-9). "Strong drinks" were understood as alcoholic beverages; "hot drinks" were defined by early Church leaders as tea and coffee. Church leaders have traditionally confined relevant worthiness requirements to the prohibited items. The revelation also recommends the prudent use of herbs and fruits, the sparing consumption of meat, and the use of "all grain," but especially "wheat for man" (verses 10-17). Saints who obey the admonitions are promised health and strength, wisdom and knowledge, and protection from the destroying angel (verses 18-21).
Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.846 WORD OF WISDOM Actually, the Word of Wisdom is only a small part of the revealed truth relative to health and the use of food and drink. For instance, months before the Word of Wisdom was revealed, the Lord said this to his saints: "The fulness of the earth is yours the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion." (D. & C. 59:16-20.)
Joseph F. Merrill, Burton, ed., We Believe, Word of Wisdom It is to flesh as an article in human diet that I wish to direct my attention. . . . Authorities say that generally food has more to do with health than any other factor affecting health . . . . . The book continues [“How To Live,” p. 251]: “Meat eating and a high-protein diet, instead of increasing one’s endurance, have been shown like alcohol, actually to reduce it.” . . . . Americans eat too much meat, a non-essential in human diet, because all the proteins needed are available in . . . other foods. . . . Wholesome herbs and fruits are intended for our food; we are to use them prudently. CR1948Apr:72,73,75 884.
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.4, TEA Devout
Latter-day Saints do not drink teas containing caffeine. This practice derives
from an 1833 revelation known as the Word of Wisdom, which states that "hot
drinks are not for the body or the belly" (D&C 89:9). Hyrum Smith,
Assistant President of the Church, later defined "hot drinks" as
coffee and tea thereby establishing the official interpretation for later
generations (see Doctrine and Covenants: Section 89). Caffeine, a cerebral and
cardiovascular stimulant, has caused health concerns in recent years. The
revelation has not been interpreted as proscribing herbal teas, for it
states that "all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the Constitution,
nature, and use of man"
D&C 89:10-12 10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man— 11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. 12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
Trust in God When Sick Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Four 1839-42, p.190 Sunday, Sept. 5, 1841. I preached to a large congregation at the stand, on the science and practice of medicine, desiring to persuade the Saints to trust in God when sick, and not in an arm of flesh, and live by faith and not by medicine, or poison; and when they were sick, and had called for the Elders to pray for them, and they were not healed, to use herbs and mild food. -DHC 4:413.
J. Widtsoe & L. Widtsoe, The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation, p.225 Herb Infusions. Infusions of herbs or herb teas are used in many countries of Europe. In France one may be served "infusion" of dried leaves of the verbena, mint and many herbs or the flowers of camomile, orange, or linden trees, much more frequently than the real China or India tea. A consequent improvement in health may definitely be noticed. They act as a tonic to the system and prove very beneficial. Every one remembers the hop tea, dandelion or camomile teas of grandmother's day which were given as the annual spring tonic. There are many times when warm (not too hot) herb drinks are indicated and desirable.
Ehat & Cook, Words, Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes: 28 April 1842 Thursday Afternoon), p.119 21.& Based on D&C 42:43, the published version of this paragraph has been amplified. Those words not in the original text are italicized. "President Smith then gave instruction respecting the propriety of females administering to the sick by the prayer of faith, the laying on of hands, or the anointing of oil; and said it was according to revelation that the sick should be nursed with herbs and mild food, and not by the hand of an enemy. Who are better qualified to administer than our faithful and zealous sisters, whose hearts are full of faith, tenderness, sympathy and compassion. No one."
Discourses of Brigham Young, p.162 - p.163 Instead of calling for a doctor you should administer to them by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil, and give them mild food, and herbs, and medicines that you understand; and if you want the mind and will of God at such a time, get it, it is just as much your privilege as of any other member of the Church and Kingdom of God. It is your privilege and duty to live so that you know when the word of the Lord is spoken to you and when the mind of the Lord is revealed to you. I say it is your duty to live so as to know and understand all these things. 18:71.
Mark E. Peterson, A Word of Wisdom, p.18 Herbs, fruits, and grains are urged by the Lord as good food. "All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution and use of man, every herb in the season thereof and every fruit in the season thereof; all of these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving." Dieticians, of course, agree with this, saying that in wheat are, in perfect balance,. the needs of the human body, even in the same proportion as in the human body. Wheat, then, should be a major item of diet for human beings, with herbs, fruits, and meats added as prudence would direct.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.25, p.361 A summary of these verses provides us with the following: herbs (vegetables), fruits, meat, and all grains, especially wheat. Modern nutritionists recommend four basic food groups as being essential to a well-balanced diet: fruits and vegetables, meat, breads and cereals, and milk, thus reinforcing the word of the Lord in this regard. We note also that the Lord admonishes us to eat meat sparingly an admonition that is also verified by the findings of science today, since an excess of meat can contribute to cardiovascular diseases. However, he didn't say that man should abstain totally from eating meat. In an earlier revelation he declared, ". . . whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God. For, behold, the beasts of the field and fowls of the air . . . are ordained for the use of man. . ." (D&C 49:18-19.) The key is found in the word sparingly." Joseph Fielding Smith, tenth President of the church declared: We seldom hear of the things which are "ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man." The Lord has given us all good herbs, fruits, and grains. These are to be the main foods of men, beast, and fowls. But we should not overlook the fact that they are to be used with "prudence and thanksgiving." In another revelation (Sec. 59) we are told they are not to be used "to excess, neither by extortion." The difficulty with most of the human family, is eating too much, and failing to heed this counsel. There would be less disease and mankind would live longer if all would also heed the counsel of the Lord concerning the use of wholesome foods. Many a man thinks he keeps the Word of Wisdom, who knows only the "don'ts," which are but a part of its great meaning. (Church History and Modern Revelation, Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1949, vol. 1, p. 385.)
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith Burton, ed., We Believe, Word of Wisdom So much stress has been placed upon the "don'ts" in this revelation that whenever we hear it mentioned the vision of prohibited liquors, tobaccos, teas, coffees, etc., comes before us. We seldom hear of the things mentioned which are "ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man." The Lord has given us all good herbs, fruits, and grains.These are to be the main foods of men, beast, and fowls.But we should not overlook the fact that they are to be used with "prudence and thanksgiving." CHMR1:385 Referring to that which is good for man, the Lord places first, wholesome herbs, which he hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man--every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. These are called by the dieticians high residual foods, or fodder vegetables. They are nourishing and give bulk to the stool. These foods are thus excellent for constipation. "Recent research suggests that in the colon is found the origin of many chronic ills and the untimely aging of the body. Fibrous herbs, fruits and vegetables help to correct these conditions. These foods also contain a great amount of the health-giving elements, called vitamins. Scientists have discovered that vitamins, when kept, oxidize; the vitamin percentage, therefore, in canned foods, decreases directly with the age of the product. This food element when taken in sufficient quantity, prevents certain diseases." . . . . . The scientist says, "It is now proved that meat eating is not essential to health and strength. The fundamental constituent of meat is protein or albumen. This is found abundantly in milk, eggs, beans, peas and lentils. Medical science definitely knows that meat diet is harmful and dangerous in the presence of a number of diseases." Dr. Herser, a man of international reputation has said, "That in all cases of chronic rheumatism, his main advice and treatment is, simply stop eating meat! .... If food, particularly meat, is improperly masticated, it may pass into the colon partly digested. In this stage it is excellent culture media for pathogenic bacteria." Many of the minor ills of daily life are due to abdominal bacterial activity in the alimentary tract.
Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 2, p.148 The Lord has given us all good herbs, fruits and grains. These are to be the main foods of men, beast, and fowls. But we should not overlook the fact that they are to be used with "prudence and thanksgiving." In another revelation (Sec. 59) we are told they are not to be used "to excess, neither by extortion." The difficulty with most of the human family, is eating too much, and failing to heed this counsel. There would be less disease and mankind would live longer if all would also heed the counsel of the Lord concerning the use of wholesome foods. Many a man thinks he keeps the Word of Wisdom, who knows only the "don'ts," which is but a part of its great meaning. Some have stumbled over the meaning of the expression "in the season thereof," and have argued that grains and fruits should only be used in the season of their growth and when they have ripened. This is not the intent, but any grain or fruit is out of season no matter what part of the year it may be, if it is unfit for use. The apple under the tree bruised and decaying is out of season while the good fruit is waiting to be plucked from the tree.
James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.2, p.98 And now, brethren, having given you a brief history of the situation of the Church in the Valley, which is altogether more prosperous than we could hitherto communicate, we have a word of counsel, which we hope you will give heed to, that you may become partakers of the rich blessings of Ephraim with us; and first, as far as possible, live in peace with all men, even as our last Conference agreed to cease all contentions and law-suits, one with another, and if possible with all men; when you are sick, call for the Elders, who will pray for you, anointing with oil and the laying on of hands; and nurse each other with herbs, and mild food; and if you do these things, in faith, and quit taking poisons, and poisonous medicines, which God never ordained for the use of men, you shall be blessed.
James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.2, p.98 And now, brethren, having given you a brief history of the situation of the Church in the Valley, which is altogether more prosperous than we could hitherto communicate, we have a word of counsel, which we hope you will give heed to, that you may become partakers of the rich blessings of Ephraim with us; and first, as far as possible, live in peace with all men, even as our last Conference agreed to cease all contentions and law-suits, one with another, and if possible with all men; when you are sick, call for the Elders, who will pray for you, anointing with oil and the laying on of hands; and nurse each other with herbs, and mild food; and if you do these things, in faith, and quit taking poisons, and poisonous medicines, which God never ordained for the use of men, you shall be blessed.
Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, p.340 Not long ago, I clipped an advertisement from a magazine. On it is a picture of a sad-faced Indian woman with her blanket wrapped around herself and her little child whom she hugs close to her. The title is "Bad Deal at the Trading Post": More than 50% of America's farm products today consists of plants used by the Indians before Columbus planted his flag. They include beans, chocolate, corn, cotton, peanuts, potatoes, pumpkins, tobacco and tomatoes. To combat illness, the Indian has given us arnica, cascara, cocaine, ipecac, oil of wintergreen, petroleum jelly, quinine and witch hazel. Botanists have yet to discover, in 400 years, any medicinal herb that was not used by the Indian.
David A. Smith, Conference Report, April 1930, p.86 Referring to that which is good for man, the Lord places first, wholesome herbs, which he "hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man--every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving." These are called by the dieticians high residual foods, or fodder vegetables. They are nourishing and give bulk to the stool. These foods are thus excellent for constipation. "Recent research suggests that in the colon is found the origin of many chronic ills and the untimely aging of the body. Fibrous herbs, fruits and vegetables help to correct these conditions. These foods also contain a great amount of the health-giving elements, called vitamins. Scientists have discovered that vitamins, when kept, oxidize; the vitamin percentage, therefore, in canned foods, decreases directly with the age of the product. This food element when taken in sufficient quantity, prevents certain diseases." This may explain why the Lord advised that they be eaten in the season thereof. Again we read from the revelations, "Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls .of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly." The scientist says, "It is now proved that meat eating is not essential to health and strength. The fundamental constituent of meat is protein or albumen. This is found abundantly in milk, eggs, beans, peas and lentils. Medical science definitely knows that meat diet is harmful and dangerous in the presence of a number of diseases." Dr. Herser, a man of international reputation has said, "That in all cases of chronic rheumatism, his main advice and treatment is, simply stop eating meat! .... If food, particularly meat, is improperly masticated, it may pass into the colon partly digested. In this stage it is excellent culture media for pathogenic bacteria." Many of the minor ills of daily life are due to abdominal bacterial activity in the alimentary tract." These 9 pages of references have been selected from several hundred pages. They are strictly items of interest for those so interested. Alan Turner |