[Origin of the word tea, and its extension to designate different hot infused drinks]

Currently, the word tea applies to the teatree and to the vegetal material, as well as to the infused drink itself. During the VIth century, the chinese language and writing become specific when they designate the teatree with the word -cha-. However, this word is likewise used to designate different hot infused drinks. When imported from China to Europe during the XVIIth century, its consumption spreads rapidly among town people. Used by the Chinese traders operating in the Fou-Kien area, the vulgar word -te- set up in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany and France, from which issue tea, Tee and the . At a time when the physicians consider the consumption of hot infused drinks as jeopardizing the stomach, their common use becomes largely widespread during the XVIIIth century with several types of medicinal herbs often named tea, as the Swiss tea (labiateae), the tea of Europe (veronica) and for example the lime tea. The use of China tea influenced the habits of European people.