The origins of green tea can be traced back to ancient China, where it was first documented in medical texts as early as the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, a pharmacopeia written around 2737 BCE. In ancient times, green tea was considered a remedy for a variety of ailments, ranging from headaches to digestive disorders. It was believed that the tea could enhance vitality, promote longevity, and improve mental clarity.
Green tea quickly spread to other parts of Asia, becoming integral to the traditional medicinal systems of Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. In Japan, for example, the practice of Chanoyu, or the tea ceremony, emphasizes the spiritual and health benefits of tea. As green tea’s popularity grew, so did its reputation as a therapeutic agent, leading to its inclusion in various herbal remedies and tonics.
