The Many Uses of Loose Leaf Tea

Well, read further and see why you don’t have to!

By recycling the leaves, you can get much more use out of them than just the brewed beverages we have come to know and love. Not only have the Chinese been perfecting and enjoying teas for thousands of years, for nearly just as long they’ve also perfected the art of putting these miracle leaves to work long after their cups are dry.

After you’re done with your leaves, for most recycled applications, you will need to remove as much water as possible from them. First strain the leaves then lay them out on either a sieve or multiple layers of unprinted paper toweling. Allow the leaves to remain until they are completely dry. This process can also be done outside as well. Also, be mindful to turn the leaves over or change the toweling a few times while drying.

Spent loose leaf tea has endless household, beauty and even insect repellent uses and is well known for its deodorizing properties.

Here are but a few uses for your recycled loose leaf tea.

For the Body

• You can use a brew of previously used leaves to freshen your breath. These are leaves that would not be suitable for brewing a fresh cup of tea and are perfect for this use. Just swish this around in your mouth and enjoy your fresher breath. Adding a few springs of fresh peppermint leaves or parsley will be all the better!

• Apply used tea in a cloth to help soothe puffy or irritated and swollen eyes for instant relief.

• The next time you go to pamper your feet, try giving yourself a pedicure in recycled loose leaf tea. Brew the leaves then use the liquid and the leaves to soak your tired dogs. You can even use the leaves themselves to scrub your feet. The oils still present in the leaves will help moisturize and leave your feet soft and odor-free.

For the Home

• No one likes refrigerator odors. To rid your fridge of unpleasant smells, discretely place thoroughly dried leaves into an uncovered bowl—voila! No more odors.

• Wash wood floors in a weak solution of used loose leaf tea or use dried leaves in a cloth to polish wood surfaces. The essential oils in the leaves make excellent wood conditioners.

• Scrub countertops and cutting board surfaces with moist leaves to deodorize and keep them sanitary.For the Garden

• Yes, recycled loose leaf tea has uses in the garden too! The used leaves are plentiful in organic nutrients that are vital to a plant’s health and vitality. Allow the leaves to soak in room temperature water for a few days then completely strain the leaves from the liquid. Use this liquid to water and fertilize plants. Roses especially seem to thrive on this plant brew.

So you see, there is no need to feel guilty about throwing away those spent leaves—because you no longer have to! Almost every surface can be cleaned or benefit from recycling your loose leaf tea.

Try it today!