Green tea is a beloved staple in Japanese culture that has become highly valued over the years for its health benefits and simplicity. It might surprise you to learn that green tea actually has a lot more uses other than being a tasty drink. Whether or not you use matcha powder or typical teabags, you can use it to help fight skin problems, fix your nails, improve your garden, and even help around the house. You don’t even have to drink green tea to reap some of its benefits!
We has collected a list of some of the most surprising uses for green tea you should try. Don’t miss our useful bonus at the end of the article.
1. Soothe sunburns and other skin irritations.
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Aloe vera is usually the go-to cure for sunburns, but green tea can help too! Containing properties that help with inflammation, people afflicted with sunburns just need to soak a clean piece of cloth in some cooled green tea and apply it to the burnt area.
2. Fix broken nails using the bag.
If you break a nail, a dry tea bag can help you fix things in a pinch. Apply a base coat to the crack in the nail and the tea bag can help soak up any excess. This trick can help fuse the nail back together.
3. Fighting odors around your house
Unused tea bags can also be used to eliminate odors around your house, ranging from your refrigerator, trash, shoes, and even your underwear drawer.
4. Cleaning grease off dirty dishes
Even used tea bags can be put to further use! Used bags can be used to remove grease off of dirty dishes. They are basically little sponges!
5. Add to your cleaning water for a boost.
Green tea can actually help with a lot of household chores. You can add it to your mop water when cleaning wooden floors. You can also use cooled tea to clean furniture. You can even put it in a spray bottle to clean glass.
6. Make a base for your potpourri.
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Not only can green tea help you clean around the house, but it’s also a treat for the nose! Using green tea leaves as a base, you can make potpourri. Just add whatever dried herbs, flowers, and oils you like to it.
7. Helping your compost heap
As long as the cloth it is stored in is biodegradable, green tea bags can also be used to help your everyday compost heap.
8. Saving your plants from overhydrating
As every gardener knows, there is such a thing as plants getting too much water. Green tea bags can also help to absorb water if placed at the bottom of your soil, meaning that plants will be protected from excess moisture and overall moisture will be more efficiently redistributed over time.
9. Improve your oral health.
We all know that coffee and soda can stain your teeth, but green tea can actually help your dental health as long as you drink it unsweetened. Thanks to molecules called catechins, drinking one cup of green tea a day can even lower your chances of losing your teeth. If anything, tea can help wean you off soda!
10. Make your own mouthwash.
Believe it or not, green tea-based toothpaste and mouthwash actually exist. You can even use green tea to make your own homemade mouthwash.
11. Reduce bleeding on a fresh wound.
If you suffer from a cut, green tea can help manage the damage. The tannins found in green tea help stop bleeding by coagulating the blood. In the event you somehow cut yourself, all you need to do is place a cool, used tea bag or gauze dipped in cooled tea on the bleeding area to calm the gash.
12. Lose weight while you sleep.
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Green tea can be prepared in a way that does not contain calories. While it is already known to aid in weight loss, especially when you drink it in place of a sugary drink, green tea can also help you lose weight while you sleep! It is generally suggested to drink the tea 2 hours before you go to bed in order to see its effects.
13. Help protect your skin against harmful rays.
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This trick works whether you drink the green tea or not! When consumed, green tea can delay aging, protect us from UV rays, improve skin tone, and even reduce acne. It can also be used topically as an exfoliator and to treat oily skin while still providing the benefits it gives when consumed.
14. Reducing puffiness around your eyes using teabags
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In the movies, people just love putting cucumber slices on their eyes to calm puffiness and treat bags, but used teabags can provide the same results. Although they’re supposed to be heated beforehand, they should be cooled down before using.
15. Making a dye with natural coloring
If you ever need to give something a greenish color, whether it be Easter eggs or fabric, dunking it in heated green tea can be a safe and cheap alternative to conventional dyes. It’s also a nifty way to preserve eggs. That being said, a little extra matcha is suggested to create a real green color.
16. Clean, rinse, and condition your hair.
View this post on InstagramThe things you do for beautiful hair. #frizzyhair #matchahaircare #instahair #badmuts
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Green tea can be your hair’s best friend. Soak green tea bags in water and you can get yourself an easy hair rinse or conditioner. You can even use green tea to help make yourself a shampoo!
17. Soften wrinkles and the effects of aging.
Green tea can also help with the effects of aging thanks to its antioxidants. Soak a paper towel in green tea and apply it to your face. Fashion icon Norma Kamali swears by it.
18. Clean stains out of your carpet.
If you think you can’t fight stains with more mess, then you’re clearly underestimating the power of green tea. All you need to do is put some moist green tea leaves on a stain and vacuum the spot after letting it sit. The tea leaves will attract dust and dirt, making the clean-up way easier.
19. Green tea can also help make your nails stronger.
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If you have issues with your nails, soaking them in some green tea essential oil once a week can help them grow stronger, shinier, and even improve their color.
20. Make your own green tea slime!
Slime is the toy you wish you grew up with unless of course, you actually did. You can use matcha to help make your own slime that has a vibrant green color. Mix organic matcha green tea powder with psyllium husk powder and some water. Whisk and microwave the concoction. Soon, you’ll have organic slime that you can actually eat (although, we suggest you just play with it)!
21. Tea bags can even be used to fight rust.
Wiping your pots and pans with a damp, used tea bag can help keep them rust-free as the tannins in the tea form a protective layer that prevents oxidation.
22. Make a nice, soothing green tea bath.
A nice, warm bath is an easy way to relieve stress, but baths can dry out your skin. Adding green tea to your bath can give you the fun of a bath with the addition of skincare. Just add 6 teabags to the water and wait 20 minutes for the tea to brew.
You can also brew the tea beforehand to speed things up. Another fun addition could be to add milk or honey, just like in the tea you drink! Using matcha will help turn your bathwater a nice, green color.
Bonus: Protect your home against pests using tea’s aroma.
Mice are said to hate the smell of tea, so hiding used teabags in areas prone to mice like cupboards or pantries will especially help deter mice away. Saturating the bags with peppermint essential oil is also recommended to help repel spiders and ants as well.
Bonus. Clever Uses for Epsom salt
1) Make transplants easier
If you’ve ever moved a plant from one location to another before, you’ll definitely notice that they can have a bit of trouble adjusting to their new location. Whether it’s from indoors to outside, or from one piece of soil to another, you can ease up a transplant (pun not intended) with a bit of Epsom salt. Don’t forget to add a layer of soil on top of the salt, as the plants do need some time to adjust to their environment and direct contact isn’t recommened.
2) Effective skin scrub
Trying to get a smoother skin is easier said than done, but this completely natural solution will definitely help out. Mix half a cup of Epsom salt, along with a quarter cup of olive oil. Scrub in the bath or the shower, and rinse afterward. You’ll notice the difference right away! You can find Epsom salt scrubs with scents in the store, but the homemade version works just as well.
3) Bath salts replacement
The feeling of using a “bath bomb” or bath salts in the tub filled with warm water is definitely something special, but you can always just use Epsom salt instead. It may not be as fancy as regular bath salt, but it gives you the same tingly feeling and that’s what counts.
4) Make your tomatoes taste sweeter
Did you know that you can use Epsom salt to grow sweeter tomatoes? All you need to do is mix a tablespoon of the salt with a gallon of water. Spray on the plants every fourteen days, and the Epsom salt will make sure that your tomatoes will have sufficient magnesium. Tomatoes with a deficiency of magnesium have a distinctly less sweet taste.
5) Relieve body aches
If you’ve got a body ache somewhere, some Epsom salt can definitely help relieve some of that stress. Add a cup of Epsom salt to a small tub or bath and give the magnesium ions in the salt some time to soak into the skin. This has been proven to increase serotonin levels in the body, which is a pain inhibitor.
6) Use it for more and greener grass
The magnesium in Epsom salt is an absolute wonder for your garden. One of the most overlooked parts, perhaps, is the grass. If you want to make it greener and make it look healthier, simply spray a little bit of the salt around. The grass will definitely appreciate the extra boost in chlorophyll, resulting in a much greener surface in your garden.
7) Easily clean shower stains
The hard water stains that form after a shower can be a bit of a pain to remove, but you don’t need a strong cleaning solution to get rid of them. Instead, mix a cup of Epsom salt, half a cup of baking soda and a fourth cup of regular dish soap, and give the glass shower doors or walls a rinse. Use a damp cloth before applying the mixture, and you’ll notice the stains disappearing in no time.
8) Grow more vivid roses
Stimulating the chlorophyll production will always end up in more vibrant and healthy plants and flowers, although we do need to take a slightly different approach here for roses. Simply soak the plant roots in a mix of half a cup of Epsom salt with water. Sprinkle some dry salt over it as well, and finish with a small layer of soil on top.
9) Get creative and start crafting
Epsom salt can solve dozens of problems in the house, but the substance is also great if you want to get a little bit creative. Decorating for the holidays, or some DIY crafting with the kids, some Epsom salt will definitely be able to give your crafts an extra touch. For example, you can create some great effects with the salt when you’re crafting homemade luminaries, greeting cards and you can even create your own homemade snowballs!
10) Relieve sunburns
Sunburns are an absolute pain, both figuratively and literally speaking. Unfortunately, the versatility of Epsom salt does not include magically curing sunburns, but it can help you relieve some of the pain and make your burnt skin feel smoother. Use a spray bottle of water with a bit of Epsom salt, and apply to the burnt area.
11) Stimulate chlorophyll production
If you’re adding magnesium to your plants via Epsom salt, they’ll be inclined to produce more chlorophyll, which forms the recognizable green pigments. Leaves that are yellowish don’t have sufficient magnesium and could definitely use a boost. If you want to make your plants greener, spread a little bit of the Epsom salt around the base. A good baseline is a single tablespoon for every 12 inches in height.
12) Give your windows a frosty look
You might wonder why you would want to give your windows a frosty look, but it can look absolutely marvelous during the holiday period. Easily fake a frosted look with 1/3 cup of Epsom salt, half a cup of warm water and add a few drops of regular dish soap to the mix as well. When everything is dissolved, grab a cloth and apply it in circles. And since it’s fake, you can easily get rid of it afterward as well.
13) A tingly foot bath
A foot bath can go a long way in reducing some stress, both mentally and physically. Next time you decide to take a foot bath, why not add a cup of Epsom salt to it? The tingly sensation will definitely leave you wanting for more. It’ll also get rid of odors or relieve aches!
14) Get rid of pests
Magnesium sulfate is definitely a great tool if you’ve got slugs around, but the salt also does wonders if you’re trying to get rid of other, smaller pests. The salt is irritating to critters, meaning they likely won’t come near an area with Epsom salt sprinkled around. Don’t forget to reapply the salt in case it rains.
15) Teeth whitening
There are plenty of homemade remedies and DIY tricks for whitening your teeth, but Epsom salt is definitely among the most effective. Brush your teeth with a mixture of one part salt and one part water, and it can’t hurt to gargle after either. Aside from giving your teeth some noticeable sparkle and shine, the Epsom salt will also help prevent some periodontal injuries or diseases.
16) Prevent your leaves from curling
A curled leaf in the garden is never a good sign. Just like many other things, curled leaves serve as an indicator or as a warning for a deficiency in magnesium. If you’d like to see your leaves healthier again, sprinkle a bit of Epsom salt at the base of the plants with curled leaves. If the situation is dire, you can also apply the Epsom salt directly to the leaves by mixing a gallon of water and two tablespoons.
17) Use on itchy skin or bug bites
There aren’t many things in the world that are more irritating than an itchy skin or bug bites. Luckily, Epsom salt can help you ease the annoying sensation. Grab a water bottle mixed with a cup of Epsom salt, and spray on the part of your skin that’s irritated. The itchy feeling will weaken after just a few minutes.
18) Add it to your gardening water spray bottle
You don’t necessarily have to spray the dry salt on your soil, you can also use this wonder substance to improve the watering process. Use two tablespoons for each gallon of water you use, but don’t forget to mix thoroughly until all of the salt has dissolved. Use the Epsom salt spray instead of regular water once a month, preferably after the plants have started blooming.
19) Use it as a homemade laxative
Did you know that Epsom salt also has a laxative effect on the body? It’s best to consult with a doctor first before drinking a solution of water and dissolved Epsom salt, but if you don’t have any other laxatives in the house, a bit of this will do the trick as well.
20) Scare away garden slugs
Even though they’re mostly harmless, you really don’t want these garden slugs roaming around. Luckily, they absolutely detest Epsom salt. If you’re noticing large amounts of slugs in the area, sprinkle with some of the salt and they won’t be back for a while.
21) Prevent raccoons from taking a dive in the trash can
Admittedly, not everyone will be dealing with a problem like this on a regular basis, but it’s definitely good to know anyway. If your trash can has some unexpected visitors in the middle of the night, try sprinkling a couple of tablespoons in and around the trash can. Raccoons can’t stand the taste of salts and won’t be inclined to come near your trashcan as long as the Epsom salt is there.
22) Get more hair volume
Just like plants benefitting from the extra nutrients that Epsom salt provides, your hair works in a similar way. If you’d like some more luscious hair, add a handful of Epsom salt to your conditioner mix and apply it to your hair. Let it rest for a good fifteen minutes and rinse. A good baseline is to repeat this every week.
23) Improve germination of seeds
The chemical name of Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, and it’s the magnesium here that is essential in improving the germination process of seeds. Spread a single cup of salt over every 100 square feet of soil you’re going to be using, or throw a tablespoon or two in a hole where you’re going to plant some seeds. The magnesium will strengthen the cell walls of the seeds, resulting in firmer and stronger seedlings.
24) As a natural fertilizer
Epsom salt is not necessarily a fertilizer per se, but it does serve as a great alternative for chemical fertilizers. Plants with more magnesium are stronger and are therefore much more capable of absorbing nutrients. In other words, if you want to try an organic ‘fertilizer’, Epsom salt is a great choice.
25) Remove tree stumps
If you want to get rid of an old tree stump in the garden, be prepared for a quite a hefty task. Luckily, if you’ve got a bit of patience, Epsom salt will be a lifesaver. Create holes in the stump, and fill them all up with Epsom salt. Don’t be scared to use large amounts. After you’re done filling the stump with salt, add a lot of water.
The tree stump will start to break off and decompose, although the whole process can take a couple of months. Reapply the salt every three to four weeks.
26) Use it for a better night’s rest
It has been proven that some added magnesium can improve your night’s rest, and it works wonders for children, in particular. In other words, if you’re having difficulties with sleeping, try to get in an Epsom salt bath an hour before bedtime. Alternatively, you can also just use some lotion or spray with Epsom salt on your body – the effect will be the same.
27) Emergency car battery revival
First of all, it’s recommended that you contact your vehicle support service if you’re in need of a battery regeneration, but if the need is high, Epsom salt will help you regenerate a car battery as well. The ions in the magnesium sulfate will give your battery cells just enough charge to get it running again. Let an ounce of Epsom salt dissolve in warm water and pour in into each battery cell.
28) Replenish used soil
There’s nothing wrong with reusing your soil, but it’s no secret that used soil has significantly fewer nutrients for plants to use. Luckily, some Epsom salt will do wonders to revitalize it, as it will replenish both the magnesium and sulfate levels.
29) As a quick first-aid compress
If you’ve just injured a part of your body, perhaps while playing sports, and there’s no decent compress around, you can easily create your own efficient compress with some Epsom salt. Dissolve two cups of the magnesium sulfate in hot water, and let a towel or cloth soak in. After, place the towel on the injured area to prevent it from swelling. Also works great for neck and shoulder pain.
30) Easily remove splinters
If you’re lucky, a splinter can be removed in a couple of seconds, but some splinters definitely want to play hard-to-get and it may cause infections or severe pain. Luckily, you can use Epsom salt to try and get the splinter to the surface.
Mix a cup of warm water with two to three tablespoons of salt, and let your finger soak in it for a small five minutes. If the splinter in stuck in your palm, pour the mix right on top of it. Repeat a couple of times per day, and you should notice the splinter getting closer to the surface of your skin.
31) Increase amount of grown peppers
If you’re trying to grow peppers in your garden, you should be aware that these can take in plenty of magnesium. Don’t forget to replenish with some Epsom salt, and you’ll definitely start seeing more peppers growing. The more you know!
32) Remove burnt food rests
It’s no secret that burnt food rests can be very tricky to remove, even with strong dishwashing soap. Luckily, adding a bit of Epsom salt to the mix will do a great job at getting rid of burnt food(stains). Just scrubbing the mixture will work, and if the stains are really hard to clean, you can always use warm water as well.
33) Homemade fabric softener
Making your own fabric softener is quick, easy and inexpensive and it works just as well. Grab two cups of Epsom salt, and add half a cup of baking soda too. Next, take around thirty drops of essentials oils (citrus oil or lavender oil, for example) and mix thoroughly. This recipe will give you plenty of fabric softener for the next few washes, you can go ahead and add 1/4 cup of the mixture per washing load as a fabric softener.
34) Improve body circulation
There’s a reason why Epsom salt is among the most used ingredients in modern medicine. It has tons of beneficial properties for the body and it’s known to improve body circulation. A glass of water with two tablespoons of Epsom salt reduces inflammation in the body, resulting in more elastic arteries and less cardiovascular risks.
35) Easy blackhead removal
Smaller blackheads directly on the surface of your nose are fairly easy to remove, but some of them seem like they want to be stuck in there forever. Luckily, a homemade mix will help you get rid of them with relative ease.
Grab a teaspoon of Epsom salt, and mix in with half a cup of hot, boiling water. Add three drops of iodine as well. Wait until the water cools off enough so that it’s comfortable to apply to your nose. Use a cotton ball, and try to ‘drown’ the blackheads with it. You’ll see that they’ll start to get looser, and it’ll be much easier to remove them. Don’t be afraid to use lots of the mixture, as it may take a while until the blackheads are ready to be removed. Also, don’t forget to wipe with some alcohol to prevent infections when you’re done.
36) DIY natural skin mask
Most skins masks are usually filled with chemicals, but there’s an easy and eco-friendly alternative as well. The ingredient list is quite creative, but as long as it gets the job done, we won’t complain.
You’ll need a single teaspoon of Epsom salt, another teaspoon of Aloe Vera, white of an egg, 1/2 teaspoon pantothenic acid power, a ripe tomato and a couple of drops of thyme oil. When you mix all of these together, a mask-like texture will start to form which you can apply to your face. Let it rest for a quarter and rinse thoroughly.
37) Heal frizzled palm tree tops
This tip only applies to palm trees, but it’s definitely worth mentioning nonetheless. If you spot a palm tree with a so-called ‘frizzle top’, it’s lacking in magnesium. The leaves at the top don’t look healthy at all, and ‘frizzled’ is probably the best description for it. Once again, spray some Epsom salt around the base for the roots, but it can’t hurt to spray the leaves with a water mixture as well.
38) Grouting tiles
If there’s one thing that’s a bit of a pain to clean, tiles definitely are a contender. Luckily, Epsom salt does a great job at reaching and cleaning those hard to get spots. Mix an equal part of Epsom salt with dish soap, and grouting your tiles will have never been easier.
39) Use it as a great start in the garden
If you’re just getting started in the garden and lack a bit of gardening experience, no worries. Use some Epsom salt and add it to your soil to make sure that your future garden is off to a great start. The extra nutrients will definitely give your garden the looks you’ve always wanted. Use one cup of Epsom salt for every hundred square feet of soil.
40) Increase sugar levels of plants
Even though tomatoes are the best example of this, you can also use Epsom salt to improve the taste of other things, such as fruit and the nuts from trees. Producing these fruits does require a lot of nutrients, and having the extra magnesium around results in higher chlorophyll levels, which in turns ends up in more energy and sugar production.
As you can see, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t have Epsom salt lying around in the house somewhere. Whether it’s for its uses in the garden, in the home or for your health, Epsom salt is incredibly versatile and a must-have.