DavidWolfe.comI’m not exaggerating at all when I say that no matter what ailment you have, there’s a tea that can help.
Insomnia? Try passionflower. Feeling stressed? Ashwagandha is for you.
In short, tea just might be one of the best drinks for your overall health.
But wait, there’s more!
Long after you’ve finished your tea, you can continue reaping the natural benefits of it. How? Easy—Don’t throw away the bag!
8 Genius Uses for Used Tea and Tea Bags!
1. Treat Acne
A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that green tea is a safe and effective topical treatment for mild acne.
Further research from the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that the compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate in green tea is responsible for this. It targets the bacteria that causes acne.
Just brew a cup of green tea and let the bag sit for 30 minutes. Then, place the tea bag on your acne spots for 5-10 minutes. Do this twice daily.
You can also make an amazing exfoliating face scrub!
2. Fight Aging
In 2003, researchers from the Medical College of Georgia found that green tea, used topically, helps the skin rejuvenate thanks to the compound EGCG. EGCG reactivates dying skin cells and protects against free radical damage, both of which are responsible for signs of aging.
All you need to do is empty 2 used green tea bags into a bowl. Mix 2 teaspoons of raw honey with lemon juice to form a paste.
Apply that paste to your neck and face. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse it off with water. Use this method once or twice weekly.
3. Kill Bad Breath
Teas of the green, black and camellia variety all have antiseptic properties that kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath. These properties come courtesy of the non-polymeric phenolic and polymeric tannin in the teas.
To make a tea mouthwash, steep 2 or 3 used tea bags for 10 to 15 minutes. This will brew a weaker than usual tea. Let it cool down and mix in a few drops of tea tree oil. Rinse your mouth with this 2 times daily.
4. Soothe Puffy Eyes
Caffeinated tea contains tannin, a mild diuretic that draws fluid from body tissue when used topically. This property has made used tea bags a favorite eye de-puffer for everyone from runway models to sleep-deprived college students.
Just throw 2 used tea bags in your fridge and let them sit for 30 minutes. Place the bags over your closed eyelids and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this as much as needed throughout the day.
5. Treat Sunburns
Are those long walks on the beach causing some serious damage to your skin? Don’t worry – green tea to the rescue!
A 2001 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that the polyphenols in green tea repair skin damage from ultraviolet radiation.
They also protect against future damage!
Save up your used tea bags until you have 12. Place them in your bathwater and soak for about 20 minutes. Do this daily for a few days.
6. Get Rid of Toenail Fungus
According to a study published in the journal Chemotherapy, black tea contains antifungal properties that battle candida – the bacteria to blame for conditions like athletes foot.
Toss some used tea bags in your fridge and let them sit for about a half hour. Place the cold tea bags on your toenails for about 15 minutes. Repeat this 2 or 3 times daily until you notice that the fungus is gone.
7. Protect Plants
All these anti-fungal benefits of tea aren’t just good for humans – plants can benefit as well!
Take a few used tea bags and brew a mild tea. Let this cool for a bit and place it in a spray bottle. Spray the mild tea on the leaves of your indoor or outdoor plants. This will keep unwanted fungi away from your beloved greens. Are you surprised at just how versatile tea bags can be? Do you have a favorite technique that we missed? Drop us a comment below to share your thoughts!
Sources:
Natural Living Ideas
Top 10 Home Remedies
Chemotherapy
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Livestrong.com
Medical College of Georgia
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology