Amazing Uses of Used Tea Leaves

Uses of Brewed tea leaves : Tea apart from being one of the most consumed beverages has rather nice uses after it has done its work.

Tea adds nutrients to the soil: Tea leaves contain tannic acid and nutrients that are natural fertilizers for a garden. As the tea leaves decompose, they release nutrients into the soil, creating a healthier growing environment.

Tea increases the decomposition of other items: If you are using tea leaves in your soil or compost pile, the acid in the tea can speed up the decomposition process of other items in the compost bin, which means you can use the compost faster. The same compost can be used to grow your own vegetable garden or flower nursery.

Reduce humidity in your room: Sun – dry the used tea leaves & leave them in a damp corner to absorb excess moisture.

Neutralize bad odors: One great use is for deodorizing refrigerators. Place green tea leaves in a bowl and put it in the refrigerator. Just use the leftover leaves from your cup of tea. They will absorb even the strongest smells like garlic and onion and leave your refrigerator smelling fresh. What else can you do with used green tea leaves? They can also help remove odors from your own hands. Don’t you hate when you’ve been cutting garlic or peppers and the smell sticks on your fingers all night? Rub your hands with tea leaves, and your fingers will be back to smelling normal. You can cut as many onions as you like, and with a quick soak in green tea your fingers will smell fresh and clean.

Feed Your Garden: Re- brew used tea leaves in a bucket of water and use the resulting weak tea to water your plants and protect them from fungal infections.Alternately sprinkle the damp leaves around the base of your plants to fertilize the soil and deter garden pests like mice & other bugs.

Tannins occur naturally in teas, especially black teas. And roses love tannins. Sprinkle your used tea leaves around rose bushes and cover them with mulch. The nutrients will be released into the soil, and your roses will look better than ever.

Cleaning: Black tea includes a large amount of tannins that produce a great flavor but also are great for shining hardwood floors. And it’s just as easy as using any other floor cleaning method. Next time you brew yourself your favorite black tea; don’t throw away the tea leaves.Use it later to brew up a large pot of black tea. Let the water cool and pour the tea into your mop bucket. Wring out your mop and away you go. Hardwood floors will shine after mopping them with black tea.

Burns & Scratches: Tea is a great way to soothe skin too. Do you have a burn after too many hours at the beach? Create a cold compress from used tea leaves. It will relieve the burning sensation and minimize redness. The recovery time from sunburn can be sped up with this method.If you have an itch from a bee sting or a bug bite, tea can help relieve itchiness and redness here too. Apply a cold compress from used tea leaves. Apply to the area, and the sting and bumps should decrease in size.

Deodorize your shoes: Sun –dry the used leaves & put them in a small muslin cloth. Tie the ends properly and put them near the toes on the sole of the shoe. This works great in tennis shoes or any shoe that absorbs moisture that has a bad smell.

Freshen your breath: Green tea also can be used as a mouthwash to eliminate bad breath. Gargling with green tea not only eliminates bad breath, nut also kills bacteria.Fluorides present in tea strengthen your teeth and is also effective against cavities & gingivitis. You don’t not have to use freshly brewed tea for this. Enjoy drinking your first & second brew, and cool your third or fourth brew for mouthwash.

Clean reflective surfaces: Leftover brewed tea can be cooled and used to get reflective surfaces like mirrors squeaky clean. Use a soft cloth to buff away the tea after cleaning.