Other Uses for Tea
Yes, tea really is a wonder drink. It not only tastes good and promotes your health; it also has a multitude of other uses.
  • Skin toner - The tannin in tea makes an excellent astringent so wipe some wet tea over your face for radiant results (this is one situation where a tea bag is probably best).
  • Hair rinse - Wash your hair with a cup of a cool herbal infusion after shampooing to make your hair silky and shiny. Don't use chamomile on lighter coloured hair because it works as a natural dye.
  • Green tea bath - Put a few teaspoons of green or white tea into a personal tea bag (or even a clean stocking) and brew it in boiling water for around 4 minutes. Pour in into your bath (checking the temperature carefully before you step in). Squeeze the bag in your hand while you're in the bath to increase the extract. Don't use any other bath products, such as bath salts, at the same time. For best results do not rinse your body with water after bathing. Please note that some tea extracts may stain your towel and bath so please ensure you use an old towel and wash the bath directly after use.
  • Foot deodorizer - Boil a kettle of water and add a large heap of ea-bags. Let the tea steep for about 15 minutes before removing the tea bags and letting the tea cool completely. Pour it into a basin and soak your feet for 20-30 minutes. Then dry your feet completely without washing or rinsing them. The tannin in tea will help to close your pores, which will prevent further perspiration and kill the odour causing bacteria. You can also soak your gym shoes in the tea to help remove and stop any odor.
  • Toothache - Gargling with a herbal infusion containing peppermint can help to relieve toothache.
  • Sleep aid - Chamomile is a natural sleep aid.
  • General wellbeing - Tea is a great natural remedy for soothing sore throats, helping to loosen coughs, and terrific for upset stomachs.
  • Tired eyes - Dip two tea bags in boiling water for 2 minutes then remove and allow them to cool completely. Squeeze out excess water and apply them to your eyes for about 20 minutes. They will keep in the freezer for a while so you can prepare in advance but only use each bag once on your eyes.
  • Plant fertiliser - Sprinkle tea leaves in your garden or around your plants. They work as an excellent fertiliser, and roses seem to thrive with them. We also find watering houseplants with leftover cool tea helps to bring them back to life.
  • Wood polish - Clean wood furniture or wood floors occasionally with a soft cloth dipped in freshly prepared tea to add shine.
  • Mirror cleaner - Dip a soft cloth into a tea solution and clean the mirrors for an extra shine.
  • Potpourri - Dry tea leaves make a great potpourri with a light, natural scent. You can add oils to the leaves if you desire. We also discovered that if accidentally spill some dry tea leaves and then vacuum them, your room will smell lovely next time you use the vacuum.
  • Dish detergent - Tea leaves also make a great dish detergent. Just leave some in your greasy pans to soak overnight. You can also sprinkle used tea leaves over a greasy sink, then wipe it clean. The catechin which occurs naturally in tea apparently acts to break down the grease.
  • Cooking - Dry tea leaves can add crunch and flavor for rubs to coat fish, meat or poultry or to be used as a garnish, particularly green or white tea leaves. Lapsang Souchong works well on foods with a smoky quality. Brewed tea can also be used as a marinade or as a base for a sauce. Start experimenting.

If you've got any other good uses for tea, please email us at hello@eteaket.co.uk. If we like it we'll add it to this page and credit your name.

Please note that these tips are purely our opinions and as such, they do not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making, or refraining from making, any decision.