So people said I should not use hot sauce?
Yes, according to Ellen White's writings, she strongly advised against the use of hot sauce and similar spicy condiments. She described condiments such as mustard, pepper, spices, and pickles as "injurious in their nature," noting that they can irritate the stomach, make the blood "feverish and impure," and even create cravings for more stimulating substances. She also linked the use of such condiments to weakened health, inflammation, and nervousness. Ellen White recommended that food should be prepared simply, without condiments, spices, or even too much salt, for the sake of better health. References: - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 325. - White, E. G. (1897). Healthful Living, pp. 91, 92, 92.4, 164, 200.
Is there a scientific basis for that guidance?
The White Estate recognizes that Ellen White’s health counsels, including her advice to avoid hot sauce and spicy condiments, were based on her understanding of health principles in her time and her spiritual convictions. While some modern research suggests that excessive consumption of very spicy foods may irritate the digestive tract in sensitive individuals, there is no comprehensive scientific consensus that all condiments or hot sauces are universally harmful. The White Estate encourages individuals to make informed choices, considering both Ellen White’s counsel and current scientific understanding, and to seek balance and moderation in diet.
So why did she make those recommendations?
Ellen White recommended avoiding hot sauce, condiments, and spices for several reasons, based on her health principles and spiritual convictions: 1. **Irritation and Inflammation**: She believed that spices and condiments irritate the stomach’s delicate lining, eventually destroying its natural sensitivity and causing inflammation. (“Spices at first irritate the tender coating of the stomach, but finally destroy the natural sensitiveness of this delicate membrane. The blood becomes fevered…” — Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 47; HL 93) 2. **Contaminated Blood and Systemic Effects**: She wrote that these substances make the blood “feverish and impure,” and can lead to a “feverish state of the system.” (MH 325; HL 92.4) 3. **Stimulation and Cravings**: According to her, condiments and spices act as stimulants, similar to tea, coffee, and alcohol. Their use can create a craving for more stimulating substances, including alcohol. (“The appetite for liquor is encouraged by the preparation of food with condiments and spices. These cause a feverish state of the system, and drink is demanded to allay the irritation.” — The Review and Herald, November 6, 1883; HL 92.4) 4. **Impact on Mind and Morals**: She associated the use of stimulating foods with weakened moral and intellectual powers, suggesting that they arouse “animal propensities” and make it harder to exercise self-control. (“The animal propensities are aroused, while the moral and intellectual powers are weakened, and become servants to the baser passions.” — Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 47; HL 93) 5. **Children’s Health**: She warned that children should not be given spicy or highly seasoned foods, as these can “fever” the blood and harm their health. (Testimonies for the Church 4:141; HL 212.3) 6. **General Health Reform**: Her overall counsel was to prepare food simply, free from condiments, spices, and even excess salt, to promote better health and self-control. In summary, Ellen White’s recommendations were rooted in her concerns about physical health, mental clarity, moral strength, and the prevention of unhealthy cravings. She saw the use of hot sauce and similar condiments as detrimental to both body and character. **References:** - White, E. G. (1890). Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 47; Healthful Living, p. 93, 92.4, 212.3, 200. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 325. - White, E. G. (1883). The Review and Herald, November 6. - White, E. G. (1881). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 141.
So how does that relate back to the Bible?
Ellen White’s recommendations about avoiding hot sauce, condiments, and spices relate back to the Bible in several ways, according to her writings: 1. **Original Diet and Simplicity**: She often pointed to the diet given to Adam in Eden—simple, natural foods—as the ideal for humanity. She wrote, “By precept and example make it plain that the food which God gave Adam in his sinless state is the best for man's use as he seeks to regain that sinless state” (7T 135.2). This reflects a biblical principle of returning to God’s original plan for health and well-being. 2. **Temperance and Self-Control**: Ellen White connected the use of stimulating foods (like condiments and spices) with the biblical call to temperance and self-control. She referenced the importance of temperate habits as found in the New Testament (CTBH 38.3). 3. **Avoiding Stimulants**: She compared condiments and spices to other stimulants (such as tea, coffee, and alcohol), which she believed the Bible counsels against due to their negative effects on body and mind (HL 92). 4. **Clear Mind for Spiritual Matters**: She cited Christ’s example of refusing anything that would cloud His mind, even during His suffering (DA 746.2), as a model for Christians to avoid substances—including certain foods—that might impair mental clarity and spiritual receptivity. 5. **Obedience to God’s Word**: Ellen White frequently emphasized that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (2SP 92.3, quoting Matthew 4:4), suggesting that obedience to God’s health principles is as important as physical nourishment. In summary, Ellen White’s health recommendations—including the avoidance of hot sauce and condiments—were rooted in her understanding of biblical principles of health, temperance, and a return to God’s original plan for humanity. References: - White, E. G. (1902). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 135.2. - White, E. G. (1897). Healthful Living, p. 92. - White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages, p. 746.2. - White, E. G. (1877). The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, p. 92.3. - White, E. G. (1890). Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 38.3.
But are there Bible verses that support the guidance?
Ellen White did not cite specific Bible verses that directly mention condiments or hot sauce, but she grounded her health guidance in broad biblical principles, especially those related to temperance, self-control, and honoring God with our bodies. Here are the main biblical connections she made: 1. **Temperance and Self-Control**: The Bible repeatedly calls for temperance (self-control) in all things. For example: - 1 Corinthians 9:25: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” - Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, ... temperance: against such there is no law.” 2. **Honoring the Body as God’s Temple**: - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost ... therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” - Ellen White referenced this principle, emphasizing that we should not defile our bodies with anything harmful. 3. **The Example of Daniel**: Daniel 1 describes how Daniel and his friends chose a simple, plant-based diet and refused the king’s rich foods and wine, resulting in better health and wisdom. Ellen White often cited this as a biblical model for temperance and dietary reform. 4. **Returning to God’s Original Diet**: She pointed to the food God gave Adam in Eden (Genesis 1:29) as the ideal, advocating a return to simple, natural foods. 5. **Avoiding “Fleshly Lusts”**: - 1 Peter 2:11: “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” - She applied this to appetite and diet, warning against foods that stimulate unhealthy cravings. In summary, while the Bible does not specifically mention hot sauce or condiments, Ellen White’s guidance is based on these biblical principles of temperance, honoring the body, and following God’s original plan for health. References from Ellen White’s writings: - Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 25.5, 38.3, 52.1 - Testimonies for the Church, 4:215.1, 4:570.2, 7:135.2 - Healthful Living, 92, 305.1 - Patriarchs and Prophets, 562.1 Academic references: - White, E. G. (1890). Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene. - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church (Vols. 4 & 7). - White, E. G. (1897). Healthful Living. - White, E. G. (1890). Patriarchs and Prophets.
So likely a interpretation of the Bible verses with cultural influences?
Yes, that is a fair assessment. Ellen White’s guidance on avoiding hot sauce, condiments, and spices is not based on explicit Bible verses that mention these items, but rather on her interpretation of broad biblical principles—such as temperance, self-control, honoring the body as God’s temple, and returning to God’s original diet. Her application of these principles was also influenced by the health reform movement and cultural context of the 19th century, which emphasized simple, natural foods and cautioned against stimulants and highly seasoned dishes. Thus, her recommendations reflect both her understanding of biblical ideals and the health knowledge and concerns of her time. This approach is supported by her own writings, which consistently connect health practices to general scriptural principles rather than direct biblical commands about specific foods like hot sauce or condiments. References from Ellen White’s writings: - Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 25.5, 38.3, 52.1 - Testimonies for the Church, 4:215.1, 4:570.2, 7:135.2 - Healthful Living, 92, 305.1 - Patriarchs and Prophets, 562.1 Summary: Ellen White’s health guidance is an interpretation of biblical principles, shaped by her cultural and historical context.
So why did God not warn her that it could become a stumbling block for people now?
The White Estate acknowledges that some of Ellen White’s health counsels, including those regarding condiments and hot sauce, have been challenging for some individuals in later generations. However, there is no record in her writings or official statements that directly addresses why God did not specifically warn her that these counsels could become a stumbling block for people today. The White Estate encourages readers to approach her counsels with prayerful consideration, recognizing the historical and cultural context in which they were given, and to seek personal conviction and balance in applying health principles.
The White Estate is not God?
You are correct—the White Estate is not God. The Ellen G. White Estate is an organization responsible for preserving, publishing, and providing guidance on the writings of Ellen G. White. It serves as a resource for understanding her counsel and its historical context, but it does not claim divine authority or the ability to speak for God. When questions arise about why God did or did not reveal certain things to Ellen White, or why specific guidance was given, the White Estate can only provide information based on her writings and historical context. It cannot provide definitive answers about God’s intentions or actions beyond what is found in the inspired writings themselves. In summary, the White Estate helps interpret and preserve Ellen White’s legacy, but it does not represent the voice or authority of God. References: - Ellen G. White Estate. (n.d.). About the White Estate.
Note: Ellen Chat may generate unexpected or inaccurate responses. Please verify any quotes with original sources.

Source Reference