Americans have likely consumed more black tea varieties than any other type over the past several decades. However, one of the more intriguing discoveries from tea history is that earlier generations in the United States may have consumed just as much green tea—or perhaps even more.
This little-known fact sparked my curiosity and led me to explore other historical references to green tea. A large digital archive of early printed works provided a fascinating glimpse into how green tea was discussed in past centuries.
One of the earliest recorded mentions appears in 1706, in volume eight of The History of the Works of the Learned, or, An Impartial Account of Books Lately Printed in All Parts of Europe. You can explore a modern reprint in this reference edition of early European scholarly writings. Like many works of the time, it focused heavily on the supposed health effects of green tea, describing it as both a diuretic and a stimulant that could “get the blood going.”
Not long after, The British Apollo, or Curious Amusements for the Ingenious included commentary suggesting that this early 18th-century publication on scientific curiosities and remedies recommended green tea for conditions related to urinary retention. Whether that was considered beneficial or not is open to interpretation.
Other medical texts from the early 18th century also referenced green tea. For example, this historical medical treatise on bloodletting and disease management and this 1724 publication on treatments for fevers and respiratory conditions suggested that green tea, sometimes in combination with herbs such as marshmallow root and licorice, could support lung function and act as a diuretic.
Moving beyond medical claims, some early works provided cultural and practical observations about tea. In 1712, John Nutt’s Asia offered an in-depth look at Chinese tea practices. Similarly, this historical account of trade in India and surrounding regions by Charles Lockyer included descriptions of green tea and even suggestions for assessing its quality—such as tasting and examining the leaves directly.
Although geographic terminology in these early texts may differ from modern definitions, they still offer valuable insight into how tea was perceived, studied, and consumed centuries ago. These historical references reveal that green tea has long held a place not only in daily life but also in early scientific and medical thought.
See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea history and commentary articles.
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