Camellia japonica is a flowering shrub native to Korea, Japan, and China. It is called the ‘Rose of Winter’ because the flowering season is between January and March. It has been widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in East Asia. Each part of the plant, including the flower and seed, has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat various diseases. The flower buds of C. japonica have been used in the treatment of stemming haematemisis and in staunching bleeding due to internal and external injury. Traditionally, the buds were also used as an anti-inflammatory and stomachic medicine, while the seeds were used in an oil for conditioning and styling hair, and moisturizing and nourishing the skin. Many scientific studies support the benefits of C. japonica as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and in its inhibitory effects on melanogenesis.