The popularity of herbal tea might largely be attributed to the warm and humid climate of southern China, which is thought to be the cause of the body's internal heat according to traditional Chinese medical thought. It is believed to have originated from Ge Hong, a famous physician and alchemist of the Jin Dynasty (265 -420 AD), who recommended drinking tea made from herbs to eliminate heat and humidity.

Nowadays, herbal teas packed in fashionable cans and bottles have become popular on both the domestic and international markets. Herbal teas are exported to about twenty countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and France. Sixteen herbal tea beverage brands made by 21 firms in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have built a good reputation among customers. Some of the best-known brands are Wang Laoji, Huang Zhenlong and Baiyun Mountain.