China is the country of origin of the tea bush. According to legend, emperor Cheng-Nung discovered tea while drinking brewed water in his garden in the year 2737 B.C. A few leaves from a nearby
bush fell into his bowl, and the water was coloured golden-yellow and began to smell delicious. He took a sip of the beverage and found that he liked it.
Since then, tea has spread quickly. It was found to have strengthening and curative qualities. In the eighth century A.D. the poet Lu Yu praised tea in Cha King or the holy scripture of tea (the
first book which was ever written about tea)… “Tea quiets the mind, soothes the spirit, and puts it into a state of harmony. It stimulates the brain and prevents drowsiness; the body feels light
and refreshed, the senses clear.”
These effects result from the principal components caffeine (theine) and tanning agents (tannin). Theine intensifies the brain’s blood circulation, has a stimulatory effect on the central nervous
system, and boosts the powers of concentration, reaction and association. Tannin has an antibacterial and soothing effect. It helps in cases of indigestion and gastro-intestinal disorder, amongst
others. Moreover, tea contains essential oils as well as important minerals, fluorine and other trace elements.