Chinese Tea | Kung Fu Tea | Gongfu Tea

Tea originated in China, the homeland of tea. China is also the country where the earliest and largest number of wild tea trees were discovered.

Tea dates back to the Shen Nong era, originating between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago. It has traversed thousands of years of history alongside Chinese culture. Chinese tea culture, which integrates Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, has stood the test of time and remains vibrant.

The ancestor of Chinese tea is Shen Nong, who is also recognized as the ancestor of tea worldwide.

In ancient times, grains and weeds grew together, and medicinal herbs coexisted with various flowers. It was difficult for people to distinguish which plants were edible and which could be used for medicinal purposes. Facing survival challenges due to accidental ingestion of poisonous plants or inability to treat illnesses, Shen Nong decided to personally taste various herbs to identify their properties and effects.

He prepared two large bags, one for delicious and beneficial plants, and the other for plants with special effects but might not be edible. Shen Nong began tasting various herbs, carefully observing the reaction of each plant in his body and examining their effects on his internal organs through his transparent stomach. Whenever he discovered a new herbal medicine, he would record it in detail. Inevitably, during this process, Shen Nong consumed poisonous plants. It is said that his body was transparent, allowing him to clearly see the reaction of toxins within. When poisoned, he would consume a detoxifying herb called “tea” to eliminate the toxins from his body. Through this process, Shen Nong discovered many beneficial herbs, such as Lingzhi, which later became an essential component of traditional Chinese medicine. Simultaneously, he identified numerous poisonous plants, like the breaking-heart grass, and warned people to avoid consuming them.

By tasting various herbs, Shen Nong successfully identified a significant number of beneficial and harmful plants, providing crucial guidance for people’s diet and healthcare. His practice laid the foundation for the development of traditional Chinese medicine. His records and discoveries were later compiled into the “Shennong Bencaojing,” an essential classic of traditional Chinese medicine. Shen Nong’s courage to explore and unwavering spirit in the face of difficulties have become a model for future generations. His story inspires people to maintain courage and innovation when facing challenges.

Unfortunately, despite his caution, Shen Nong accidentally consumed the highly poisonous breaking-heart grass during his herb-tasting journey and lost his life. His passing deeply saddened people, but his contributions and spirit remain etched in their hearts. This ancient story embodies people’s awe and exploration of nature and life, becoming one of the crucial origins of traditional Chinese medicine’s development.

Since ancient times, humans have maintained awe and continuous exploration of nature and life.

Chinese tea first emerged in the Bashu region, gradually spreading to the east and south, and finally throughout the country.

During the Tang Dynasty, tea spread to Japan and Korea, and in the 16th century, it reached the West.

Therefore, the history of tea’s dissemination can be divided into domestic and international routes.

Tea is a specialty and origin of China, which later spread worldwide.

Let’s discuss tea’s situation in Japan. The tea seeds were transmitted from China to Japan. During the early Heian period, Japanese monks continuously visited China to study, bringing back tea seeds. Initially, few Japanese cultivated or consumed tea. However, tea cultivation and the custom of tea drinking began to gain popularity in Japan after a Zen master returned from the Song Dynasty.

Now, let’s explore tea’s journey in the West.

Europeans first learned about tea through the Portuguese in the 16th century, but tea only officially arrived in Europe in the early 17th century.

Initially, Europeans used tea as medicine.

Later, tea became highly popular among European aristocracy, even considered a precious treasure.

England started importing tea in the 1660s, establishing tea shops in London around the same time.

Initially, tea was also used as medicine in Britain but gradually transformed into a popular beverage.

By the 18th century, tea imports increased significantly, surpassing even coffee imports. The British have developed a strong fondness for tea, earning them the title of “tea-loving citizens.”