Tea: It's Not Just For Drinking
picture thanks to Rego – d4u.hu
When something has been around as long as tea has, someone will find a different way to look at it.
In the very early 1900’s, a very clever guy from New York by the name of Thomas Sullivan started putting samples of his tea in small pouches for his patrons. He intended that the tea be removed from the little silk bags and brewed up the way any loose-leaf tea would in those days. But those patrons, being a little on the lazy side, would make their tea by steeping the samples, bag and all. And from then on, tea drinkers had a more convenient way to enjoy their favorite beverage.
If you get a little creative (like Mr. Sullivan) then drinking the tea is just the tip of the iceberg. It can do so much more…
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Puffy eyes? It’s what any good supermodel knows. Put a couple warm, wet teabags on those tired peepers for 15 to 20 minutes and let the tannins refresh, rejuvenate, and reduce the size of those weary lids. This can also be helpful with cases of pinkeye and even poison ivy. Sunburn? The tannic acid in tea will soothe this, or any first-degree burn. Place a few cool bags on the affected area to relieve the sting of solar rays. Foot odor? A tea-based foot bath can freshen up the fragrance of your feet, as well as give you some much needed R&R.
HOME AND GARDEN
Instead of some harmful chemical cleanser, try tea for your wood surfaces like furniture and floors. A soft cloth dampened with a little brewed tea on can improve the shine and color. It can cut the grease on glass, like mirrors and windows, while naturally filling the air with its rich aroma. Speaking of fresh air, you can also use some dry tea for a great potpourri.
But what about outside? Many gardeners swear by a concoction of used tea leaves, water, and mulch to fertilize their failing roses. Occasionally using some brewed tea instead of H2O to water your acid-loving household plants will give the soil some nutrients it may be lacking, while a used teabag in the bottom of a planter can help with moisture retention.
ARTISTRY TEA
Say you want to give your art project a more antique feel. Just add tea! Depending on the strength of the brew, it can be used in a like a watercolor paint, or blotted on with a cloth or sponge to add years and mystique to the look of paper. And as any hippie can tell you, tea is good for tie-dying fabric.
For other interesting uses for tea follow this link:
http://www.examiner.com/article/unusual-uses-for-tea-bags