Camellia (Camellia sinensis)

Camellia (Camellia sinensis) is a member of the Theaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, China, and Indonesia. Traditionally, its leaves, fruits, and seeds have been used for infusions, decoctions, and culinary uses.

This herb is particularly valued for its stimulant, tonic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Camellia (Camellia sinensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Camellia (Camellia sinensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Camellia
Scientific Name	Camellia sinensis
Plant Family	Theaceae
Genus	Camellia
Species	sinensis
Native Range	Southeast Asia, China, Indonesia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Fruits, Seeds
Primary Medicinal Actions	Stimulant, Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Culinary Use

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Camellia sinensis
Common Name: Camellia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Tea Plant, Camellia Sinensis, Chinese Tea Plant
Plant Family: Theaceae
Genus: Camellia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are solitary, actinomorphic flowers with five sepals and five petals, typically pink to red in color, bearing a central stamen cluster surrounded by a ring of staminodes.
Stems: Erect growth habit with alternate branching, woody surface, and persistent pubescence.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Culinary Use
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Stimulant: Commonly referenced as a warming stimulant, for alertness-focused applications.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a moderate tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Antispasmodic: Historically regarded as a cooling antispasmodic, for cramp-focused discussions.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Glycoside: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Culinary Use: A preparation involving the use of plant parts in cooking or food production.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.