I'll be honest. I really don't care. I do what I do and don't look for individuals to validate my actions. I'm past that point in my life.
But I just find it entertaining that such an ambiguous code of conduct such as the WOW (which isn't a bad thing) has so many opinions of what is NOT allowed. And even the church's current "Official" Statement refers to a youth magazine with no author (at least as much as I can tell). Another "official" statement was made back in 2012 after the whole brouhaha of Alvin Jackson (father of basketball player Frank Jackson) saying he drank Dr Pepper. (about the 3 minute mark, but the best part might be the clapping and singing in the chapel).
This caused a bit of a fun and entertaining uproar among the faithful and the church came out and said that the WOW does not mention the use of caffeine and that hot drinks refers only specifically to tea and coffee. Basically telling the world, "Hey, we aren't THAT weird". (Remember, this was during Mitt's run for president). Here's the statement
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom, “Mormonism in the News: Getting It Right” (August 29, 2012)
Finally, another small correction: Despite what was reported, the Church revelation spelling out health practices (Doctrine and Covenants 89) does not mention the use of caffeine. The Church’s health guidelines prohibit alcoholic drinks, smoking or chewing of tobacco, and “hot drinks” — taught by Church leaders to refer specifically to tea and coffee."
Since this statement in 2012 we now live in a completely guilt free world of flowing caffeinated sodas.
So now we have another "official statement" in 2019 that refers to clarification found in the New Era, written by an unknown author (or so it appears). So whenever assertions get made about specific types of tea that are banned it always seems to be based on someone's opinion rather then an official church statement, and in this case, even the "official" church statement. (Again, I don't care and it doesn't bother me).
So either we all need be responsible and given the leeway to decide how we apply some of the ambiguous parts of the WOW or I need to tell my wife that she has to lay off of the Rose Hip Tea or she ain't gettin' no recommend.
I must reiterate - I don't really care. This is all just a fun exercise. No need to refer me back to Mormon Doctrine or a Boyd K Packer talk, both of whom I think are awesome.