According to Chinese legend, tea was discovered in remote antiquity when Shennong Shi, one of the Three Emperors and the first Chinese herbal doctor, was roaming in the countryside looking for medicinal herbs. It is said that Shennong Shi had a belly that was transparent like crystal. No matter what he ate, he could see it clearly in his belly.

According to Chinese legend, tea was discovered in remote antiquity when Shennong Shi, one of the Three Emperors and the first Chinese herbal doctor, was roaming in the countryside looking for medicinal herbs. It is said that Shennong Shi had a belly that was transparent like crystal. No matter what he ate, he could see it clearly in his belly.

One day, Shennong Shi came across a plant with green leaves and white flowers. He ate the leaves. Suddenly, he noticed something strange happening in his stomach – the leaves not only moved around and cleaned up the food he had eaten, but they also left a fragrant taste in his mouth and a feeling of freshness.

From then on, Shennong Shi used the leaves to neutralise the toxins in the plants he was testing. He was extremely happy to have discovered the detoxifying effect of the leaves.

He believed the discovery of tea, which he names “Cha”, was bestowed upon him by heavenly gods as their appreciation for his kindness in trying to find medicinal herbs to treat people’s illnesses in their old age.