What is "Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water" and what is its purpose?

The tea tree is a perennial shrub from the Theaceae family. It can reach a height of 15 metres, but in cultivation it is pruned to 1 to 3 metres to facilitate harvesting. Originating from China, specifically from the region of Yúnnán, it is grown in regions with a mild climate and high rainfall. Its botanical name Camellia sinensis literally translates to "Chinese camellia".

According to legend, green tea was discovered approximately 5,000 years ago in China by Emperor Shennong. The invigorating and refreshing effects, as well as the medicinal properties of this plant, have contributed to its increasingly widespread use, particularly among Buddhist monks and the Chinese upper class.

It was not until the early 1600s that tea began to be imported into Europe via the Dutch East India Company, which held a monopoly on European trade with Asia. Due to its high price, it was unaffordable for the working classes and only the upper classes consumed it. Pharmacists (apothecaries) sold it in their shops as a medicinal plant.

Also known as green tea leaf extract, this hydrosol presents itself as a mobile liquid ranging from colourless to pale yellow, with a honey-like scent. It is derived from a process called hydrodistillation, which involves treating green tea leaves with steam in a still. Two distinct fractions are then collected: the essential oil and the hydrosol.

Derived from the same plant, these two compounds have similar properties, but the hydrosol is less concentrated in active species, as the aromatic essences are present in smaller quantities. Therefore, it can be used without contraindications by children and pregnant women, unlike the essential oil.