Counsels on Health - Ellen G. White

Evil Effects of Tea and Coffee
[Testimonies for the Church 2:64, 65 (1868).]
The use of tea and coffee is also injurious to the
system. To a certain extent, tea produces
intoxication. It enters into the circulation and
gradually impairs the energy of body and mind. It
stimulates, excites, and quickens the motion of the
living machinery, forcing it to unnatural action, and
thus gives the tea drinker the impression that it is
doing him great service, imparting to him strength.
This is a mistake. Tea draws upon the strength of
the nerves, and leaves them greatly weakened.
When its influence is gone and the increased action
caused by its use is abated, then what is the result?
Languor and debility corresponding to the artificial
vivacity the tea imparted.
When the system is already overtaxed and
needs rest, the use of tea spurs up nature by
stimulation to perform unwonted, unnatural action,
and thereby lessens her power to perform, and her
ability to endure; and her powers give out long
131