Flat lay of a teapot, two cups of golden tea, and loose tea leaves on a light textured background.

The Story of Shennong and the Discovery of Tea

Written by: Qiao Fan

November 28, 2024

Time to read 6 min

The story of Shennong tasting hundreds of herbs is widely known in Chinese culture. According to the ancient text Shennong Bencao Jing (The Classic of Herbal Medicine), Shennong, one of the ancestors of the Chinese people, tested hundreds of herbs every day. During his experiments, he encountered seventy-two types of poison in a single day but managed to detoxify himself with tea.

Legend has it that one day, while testing a particularly poisonous herb, Shennong became severely poisoned and fainted just as he was boiling water. Hours later, he awoke to a soothing, fragrant aroma wafting in the air.

Struggling to recover, he scooped up some water from the pot to drink and noticed it had turned a yellowish-green color with a few green leaves floating on the surface. The pleasant aroma came from this brew, and remarkably, after a few hours, the poison in his body was neutralized. Upon investigation, Shennong traced the leaves to a plant growing near his pot and discovered its many uses. He named it "tea."

Although this story remains a legend, one thing is clear: tea was initially regarded as a plant with detoxifying properties and later classified as an herbal medicine.

Table of content

Tea as a Remedy and Health Companion Key Nutritional Benefits of Tea 1. Vitamins That the Body Needs Products we recommend 2. Essential Minerals for Health 3. Protein Content in Tea Products we recommend 4. Amino Acids Essential for the Body Products we recommend 5. Natural Sugars in Tea Products we recommend Conclusion: A Drink with Endless Benefits Featured in this blog Frequently Asked Questions Related readings

Tea as a Remedy and Health Companion

From Shennong’s discovery, tea gradually evolved into a remedy used by our ancestors for maintaining health and treating diseases. Today, tea is widely regarded as one of the healthiest beverages worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a study on beverage quality in various countries and concluded that tea is the best drink for elderly Chinese people. However, its benefits extend far beyond the elderly. People of all ages can reap the numerous health benefits of tea, as it contains nearly 500 nutrients essential for human health.

Tea is rich in alkaloids such as caffeine, theobromine, and choline; phenolic compounds like flavonoids, catechins, and anthocyanins; vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. These components play a significant role in disease prevention, health promotion, and overall well-being. Hence, it’s no surprise that modern tea enthusiasts say, "Better to go a day without food than a day without tea!"

Traditional illustration of Shennong, the legendary figure tasting herbs, symbolizing the discovery of tea.

A close-up of loose-leaf oolong tea in a ceramic bowl, showcasing its rich, dark texture.

"From detoxifying poison to becoming a health companion, tea’s journey is as remarkable as its flavor."

Key Nutritional Benefits of Tea

1. Vitamins That the Body Needs

Tea contains essential vitamins, which are categorized into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.

Water-Soluble Vitamins: These include B vitamins and Vitamin C. Drinking tea allows these vitamins to be absorbed directly into the body. B vitamins help alleviate fatigue, calm the mind, improve circulation, and even reduce the risk of cancer. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, boosts the immune system and enhances resistance to illnesses.
Regular tea consumption is an excellent way to supplement the body with these water-soluble vitamins.

Products we recommend

Distinctive Smoky Flavor: Known for its bold and unmistakable smoky aroma, Lapsang Souchong offers a unique taste experience that stands out from other black teas.
Rich Historical Heritage: Originating from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, it is considered one of the oldest and most traditional black teas in the world.
Smooth and Balanced: Despite its smoky profile, the tea is surprisingly smooth, with a natural sweetness and hints of pine and woodsy undertones.

An ancient herbalist sits under a majestic tree, illuminated by soft sunlight streaming through the forest canopy, as steam rises from a brewing pot, evoking a serene and mystical atmosphere.

A serene tea setup featuring two ceramic cups filled with amber-hued tea, set on a bamboo tray surrounded by blooming branches and a clay teapot in the background, evoking warmth and tranquility.

2. Essential Minerals for Health

Tea leaves are a rich source of important minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and sulfur. Additionally, tea contains trace elements like iron, manganese, zinc, selenium, copper, fluorine, and iodine.

These minerals play vital roles in the body’s physiological functions. Drinking tea can help you obtain these necessary nutrients naturally.

3. Protein Content in Tea

Protein is the foundation of life, supporting growth, development, movement, and reproduction. Tea leaves are surprisingly rich in protein, comprising 20–30% of their dry weight.

Among these, water-soluble proteins contribute to the unique flavor of tea. Regular tea drinkers often enjoy an extra source of protein, which supports overall health.

Products we recommend

Tropical Delight: Combines the smooth richness of oolong tea with the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe mango, offering a refreshing and unique taste experience.
Invigorating Aroma: Bursting with the tropical scent of mango, complemented by the subtle floral and roasted notes of oolong tea.
Smooth and Balanced Flavor: Offers a delightful balance between the fruity sweetness of mango and the creamy depth of oolong, making it a perfect tea for any occasion.

Elegant tea setup with two cups of golden tea, delicate white blossoms in small dishes, and a black teapot on a bamboo tray, exuding warmth and sophistication.

Serene moonlit scene of a figure seated by a steaming pot in a tranquil mountain landscape, evoking peace and connection with nature.

"Tea’s magic lies not just in its taste, but in its ability to nurture body and soul."

4. Amino Acids Essential for the Body

Tea leaves contain a wide variety of amino acids, including histidine, which is crucial for the growth and development of infants.

Tea includes 28 different amino acids, eight of which are essential for the human body: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, and valine. Although tea contains these amino acids in small quantities, it serves as a valuable daily supplement.

Products we recommend

Smooth and Balanced: Offers a full-bodied flavor that is both naturally sweet and slightly floral, making it an easy favorite for any tea lover.
Versatile Brewing Options: Enjoy it hot for a comforting treat or iced for a refreshing tropical twist, perfect for any season.
Moderate Caffeine Content: Provides a gentle energy boost, making it a great choice for mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Three elegant blue porcelain teacups filled with golden tea, placed on a wooden tray with loose tea leaves nearby.

An ancient sage seated under a sprawling tree, brewing tea in a serene, misty forest setting.

5. Natural Sugars in Tea

Sugars are essential organic compounds that serve as the body’s primary energy source. Tea contains various types of sugars, including monosaccharides, starches, pectins, and polysaccharides.

Most sugars in tea are insoluble in water, making tea a low-calorie beverage. As a result, tea serves as a functional drink that supports physiological activity while providing a natural energy boost.

Products we recommend

Low in Caffeine: Provides a mild energy boost without the jitters, making it a perfect choice for any time of the day.
Refreshing Hot or Iced: Enjoy it warm for a calming moment or chilled for a fruity, refreshing treat, ideal for any season.
Multiple Infusions: High-quality green tea leaves ensure you can brew multiple cups while enjoying the consistent flavor of jasmine and peach.

Conclusion: A Drink with Endless Benefits

Tea is a treasure trove of beneficial nutrients. With regular consumption, tea not only calms the mind and enhances focus but also supplies essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and proteins. Its contributions to health are undeniable. For centuries, tea has been regarded as a remedy, a daily ritual, and a symbol of wellness.

As the old saying goes: "Tea is a drink with countless benefits and no harm." Why not incorporate tea into your daily routine and experience its myriad advantages for yourself?

Featured in this blog

The author :Camille Liu

Camille comes from an extended tea-making family, which has passed on their knowledge from generation to generation. At Red Rock Tea House, our story continues through Camille. She has been cultivating tea at her family farm for over 100 years! This heritage continues today at our company!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Shennong, and why is he important in the history of tea?

Shennong, an ancestor of the Chinese people, is said to have discovered tea while testing hundreds of herbs. According to legend, tea detoxified him from poison, marking its initial use as a medicinal plant.

What makes tea a healthy beverage?

Tea is packed with over 500 essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which contribute to improved immunity, digestion, energy, and overall well-being.

Can tea help boost the immune system?

Yes, tea contains Vitamin C and antioxidants, which enhance the body’s immune response and provide protection against illnesses.

Is tea beneficial for all age groups?

Absolutely! Tea is beneficial for people of all ages, providing essential nutrients, boosting energy, and promoting overall health, especially for the elderly.