How to Use Tea Bags to Fight Acne, Cold Sores, Warts, Puffy Eyes, Bruises and More

It's amazing how a simple tea bag can have so many uses even after you've brewed your cup of tea. Instead of tossing them out, you can repurpose them for a variety of health and household remedies. The key lies in the beneficial compounds found in different types of tea, particularly tannins and other plant-based substances.

 

Medicinal Uses of Tea Bags

Different teas offer unique medicinal properties. Black tea, for instance, is rich in tannins that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Chamomile is known for its soothing qualities, while peppermint is a natural antiseptic.

• Soothe Sunburns: The tannins in black tea can help calm the pain and irritation of a sunburn. You can re-brew a few used black tea bags and pour the liquid into a spray bottle for a cooling mist. Alternatively, add the used bags to a bath and soak in the soothing tea.

• Fight Acne and Pimples: For sudden breakouts, apply a warm, used black or green tea bag to the affected area for about 10 minutes. The tannins help reduce swelling and redness, while the tea’s antimicrobial properties can help treat the blemish.

• Heal Canker Sores and Cold Sores: To speed up the healing of painful mouth sores, soak a black tea bag in warm water and press it against the sore for 30 minutes, a few times a day. The tannins provide relief and aid in the healing process.

• Reduce Puffy Eyes: This is a classic remedy for a reason. Simply place cool, used tea bags over your eyelids for a few minutes to reduce puffiness and refresh tired eyes. The caffeine and tannins help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.

• Treat Warts: The acidic nature of black tea's tannins can help draw out warts from the root. Tape a wet black tea bag to the wart for a few hours a day, replacing it daily until the wart is gone.

• Relieve Bruises and Insect Bites: The tannins in black tea can help constrict blood vessels, which speeds up the healing of bruises and can reduce swelling and pain from insect bites. Press a warm, wet tea bag onto the area several times a day for relief.

• Make a Natural Mineral Supplement: Nettle tea bags are packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. You can save multiple used nettle tea bags and steep them in a gallon of boiling water overnight to create a mineral-rich tonic. This can be stored in the fridge and used as a daily drink to support hormone and immune function.

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Home and Beauty Uses

Beyond health, used tea bags are surprisingly versatile for household tasks and beauty routines.

• Remove Odors: After handling strong-smelling foods like onion or garlic, simply rub a used black tea bag over your hands to neutralize the odor. You can also use it to scrub a wooden cutting board to remove lingering scents.

• Enhance Hair Highlights: If you have blonde hair, you can reuse chamomile tea bags to create a natural hair rinse. Brew a strong infusion with about six tea bags per liter of hot water and rinse your hair with it to bring out natural highlights.

• Repel Pests: Rats and spiders hate the smell of peppermint. Place used peppermint tea bags in corners or near entrances of your home to deter these unwanted critters.

• Nutrient-Rich Compost: Tea bags are a great addition to your compost pile or garden. They are biodegradable and add valuable organic material to the soil. Bury them in potted plants to help retain moisture and provide nutrients.

• Rust-Proof Cast Iron: The tannins in black tea can create a protective barrier that prevents rust. After each use, rub a wet black tea bag over your cast iron cookware to help it last longer.

• Tenderize Meat: The acidity of black tea makes it a great ingredient for marinades. Use a strong infusion from leftover tea bags as a base to tenderize tough cuts of meat and add a rich, earthy flavor.