The Par-"tea" Isn't Over When You Finish Your Cup
By Donna Stark
Enjoying a cup of hot tea is one of life’s little pleasures, isn’t it? Maybe that’s because it’s so versatile … we connect with others over an afternoon cup, it calms our nerves before a big test, it soothes our tummies when we are sick, and makes us sleepy late at night. But there is a whole lot more, a whole world of different ways to use tea that go beyond your pretty little teacup. So harness those amazing properties tea has to offer and add these benefits to your list!
Don’t Throw Your Tea Bags Away!
Sure, tea can energize your morning and bring peace to your night, but did you know there are so many other ways to use it during the day as well? Check them out!
- Freshen carpets - Sprinkle lemon or mint tea leaves on the carpet to neutralize odors. Leave on for one hour, then vacuum. Your rooms will smell great!
- Deodorize trash - Set used tea bags out to dry, then add them to the bottom of every new trash bag. It’s a great way to neutralize bad smells naturally.
- Soften your hands - Matcha tea helps deodorize your hands, while coconut oil keeps them soft and smooth, so create your very own salt scrub. It’s perfect to have by your kitchen sink!
- Don’t forget your feet - Take care of your achy feet and bring the spa to your living room by adding rose petals and peppermint tea bags to a hot water foot soak. In addition to the deodorizing benefits it provides, your feet will also feel very refreshed!
- Speaking of feet - You can also dry out a used peppermint tea bag and place it in those stinky sneakers you hate to wear to get them smelling fresh in no time!
- Caring for your skin - Chamomile has a wonderfully calming effect on the skin. It helps soothe skin irritations, sunburn, diaper rash, insect bites, and tired eyes. Just soak some tea bags in hot water and refrigerate until chilled. When you are ready to use it, dip a cotton ball or cloth in the tea and apply to the affected area for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
- Clean your windows - Ditch the window cleaners from the store and use a home-brewed cleaner instead! Steep several green tea bags in a cup of boiling water, and when it cools down, pour it into a spray bottle. Then get ready for a streak-free shine!
Not Just for Your Teacup
Well, now you know that there are so many other uses for tea bags and that your teacup isn’t the only place one should rest. So if your choice of drink during the day usually ends up being a cup of tea, save that bag! There are so many smarter ways to dispose of it than to simply toss it into the trash can!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Culver City, Calif.