Why No Herbal Tea on Daniel Fast?
You’ve heard of the Daniel Fast, but did you know that it’s one of the most restrictive of all fasting plans? It eliminates many food items including caffeine and herbal teas. But why? Let’s take a look at the reasoning behind this dietary decision.
What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a spiritual fast that derives from the Book of Daniel 1:8-16 and requires giving up meat, dairy, sweets, bread, and alcohol for 21 days. It encourages followers to eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, and legumes. It is also known as the Daniel diet.
Why No Herbal Tea?
- Caffeine: Herbal teas can contain caffeine and caffeine can be stimulating. The Daniel Fast abstains from stimulating substances as a way of having a more focused mindset.
- Processed Ingredients: Many brands of herbal tea contain processed ingredients that make it difficult to ascertain the origin of the tea. Since the Daniel Fast embraces an organic, plant-based diet, processed herbs would not be allowed.
- Uncertain Benefits: Herbal tea also has uncertain benefits due to insufficient research. There are many herbs that have well-documented uses, but many of them are unproven. Therefore, the Daniel Fast does not permit the consumption of herbal tea.
Many people who undertake the Daniel Fast discover that it can be a transformative experience. And part of this transformation is simplifying what you eat and drink to foods that are organic, plant-based, and unprocessed. As herbal tea can contain caffeine and processed ingredients, it would not be suitable for this type of diet.
