The legend of Shen-Nung
The origin of tea. The tea legend tells of the discovery of the beneficial properties of tea by the Chinese emperor Shennong (or Shen Nong). He was a scholar and herbalist, who, for hygiene purposes, only drank boiled water. Shen Nung was known for his vision and interest in hygiene and medicine. He believed that people who drank boiled water lived longer.
One day in the year 2737 BC, Shen Nung was sitting under a wild tea bush. A light breeze blew through his bush, causing some leaves to fall into his freshly boiled water. He found the resulting brew refreshing and invigorating. Later, this drink was given the name tea. He immediately ordered the bushes to be planted in his palace gardens.
The use of fresh tea leaves in hot water quickly became popular. In the early 17th century, tea came to Europe. The high price of the drink hampered the growth in popularity of tea in the West. With the advent of cheaper tea bags in the early 20th century, tea became popularized. The ability to drink tea without special tea accessories made it ready for the masses.