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Tea is delicious and is also healthy for your body. However there are also many aspects of tea that can help to beautify you and your skin and hair.
For example tea can be used as a beauty rinse for your hair. If you have dark hair, use black tea, concentrated (use approximately 2 teabags per cup of water you use) by brewing the tea strongly then allowing it to cool. Use after shampooing, rinsing isn’t necessary. This will darken your hair slightly and add a shimmery shine. If you have lighter hair, brew concentrated chamomile herbal tea as a rinse to bring out the highlights in your hair.
Used tea bags (especially black tea bags) are high in tannins, which has an astringent effect, much like Witch Hazel. Place used teabags in the fridge for a few hours before placing them directly on your eyelids to reduce puffiness and help shrink pores as well as blood vessels for a soothing feeling. And speaking of soothing feelings, used and cooled teabags are also extremely soothing to burns on your skin. It can also make a toothache feel better until you can see the dentist – apply the used and cooled teabag directly to the affected area.
Use cooled tea as a facial rinse to help reduce acne with it’s skin toning, astringent and anti-bacterial properties. Those same properties also make it an excellent foot soak. Make a hot tea bath for your feet using the 2 bags per cup method mentioned above, and allowing the tea to cool to a temperature that is comfortable for your feet. Epsom salts can be added to this foot bath for added benefit. Peppermint leaves make an enlivening natural deodorizer for your tea foot baths as well – just add peppermint leaves to the tea leaves when you are brewing the foot bath.
Tea, especially green teas, are well-known for their ability to fight bad breath while tasting delicious. You can even make your own homemade green tea toothpaste!
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 3 ounces of green tea (Matcha tea is ideal for this), and allow to infuse for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes have passed, add that liquid to as much baking soda as you need to make a thick paste from it. Use as you would any other toothpaste, only this one is all-natural, child-safe, and extremely good for your teeth!
Stephanie is the publisher of the Tea Review Blog. Check it out today!
When you have guests coming over to your house – whether expected or unexpected – tea provides not only a way of welcoming them warmly, but also refreshment and topics of conversation. Because guests more often than not stop into your house on short notice, it’s a good idea to have your guest tea supplies on hand and ready for when you do have the opportunity to use them.
Keep all of your tea supplies for guests in the same area. Make sure you have a teapot, teacups, sugar (cubed or rock sugar) or honey, milk or cream. It’s also good to have a “guest tea” in mind for when guests do come over, as they may not be as familiar with tea as you are – as their hostess, be prepared by having a great tea in mind that would be more or less universally appreciated. Now is not a good time to see whether your guests think Pu-erh tea tastes like earth.
A good tea to serve to guests is unflavored (unless you know your guests have a preference for a certain flavor, many people have varied opinions on different flavors, so it’s a good idea to serve them unflavored tea). A pure, un-flavored and high quality tea will certainly be appreciated by your guests. Since you as the hostess are also familiar with the tea you are serving to your guests, you may wish to offer your guests suggestions on whether to take milk or sugar with the tea you are serving, or give them a brief history of the tea they are drinking.
If you serve your guests high quality, finely brewed tea with their choice of milk and sugars in a beautiful set of teacups, then you will certainly impress them as well as making them feel welcome in your home. Use this time to try to widen their appreciation of tea as well by giving them suggestions of other teas similar to the one you are serving that they might like, or package up small samples of the tea you served for them to bring home and brew themselves!
Stephanie publishes the Tea Review Blog, a great place to carry out a little tea research.
By Stephanie Harkins
Tea is a wonderful gift to give during the holidays. While some people are more familiar with tea than others, very few people completely dislike tea, making it a very versatile gift for people of all ages. If the person you are buying tea for is not as familiar with teas as you are, you can use this as an opportunity to introduce them to new teas that they might like.
I always like to arrange my gifts in gift baskets, and that’s certainly a convenient way to give teas away as well. So start with a basket the size you would like, and depending on the size and the person you are preparing the gift basket for, you can personalize the contents as well. Here are some ideas of things you can include in your tea gift basket besides tea:
- Tea infusers – did you include loose leaf tea? If so it might be a good idea to enclose a nice tea infuser in the basket as well just in case they do not have one or have never tried loose leaf tea before.
- Snacks – tea goes well with snacks, especially shortbread, chocolate sticks, biscotti, or cookies.
- A mug or teacup – Not only practical but also makes the gift basket even better. And of course you can include a mug that is appropriate for a specific occasion as well.
- Tea! I know this is rather obvious, but try to include a variety, with both bagged and loose teas and different flavor profiles for a wide range of sampling.
If you don’t want to go to the trouble of making a tea gift basket yourself, you can find many tea gift basket services at The English Tea Store, including both pre-made baskets and a “Create Your Own Tea Gift Basket” service as well which is especially impressive.
However, gift baskets are only one way to give tea during the holidays. Another tea-related gift idea is to give away teapots, tea kettles, a french press, or other tea brewing accessories. In fact, electric kettles make extremely popular Christmas gifts, being one of those gadgets which once you own them you don’t understand how you ever lived without one! I know I cherish my own electric kettle, it makes brewing teas so much easier!
So whether you choose to give the gift of a gift basket, a brewing accessory, or just simply tea, your gift is sure to please almost anyone on your shopping list this year, and give them some warmth and refreshment for the holidays.
Stephanie is the publisher of the Tea Review Blog.
Many people believe that “rinsing” tea leaves prior to use is a good practice. Rinsing tea leaves is the practice of pouring hot water over the tea leaves, then immediately pouring out that water and adding more hot water to actually brew the rinsed tea leaves.
Some people rinse their tea leaves to reduce caffeine levels. Others rinse their tea leaves to improve taste and to allow breathing room for the tea leaves. Finally, some people rinse their tea leaves because they believe pesticides might have been used on the tea leaves, so they believe the rinsing removes possible pesticides as well as dirt or other debris.
Using water to rinse tea leaves to reduce caffeine in the tea is a widely accepted technique that removes most (not all) of the caffeine in your tea. Caffeine is more water-soluble than many of the other chemical components of tea leaves, so even a brief infusion in hot water can remove a remarkable amount of caffeine from the tea. To rinse your leaves for caffeine, the best technique is to boil filtered water, then steep the dried leaves in boiled water for approximately 20-30 seconds, then pour out the liquid and discard, keeping the wet leaves. Add water in the appropriate temperature for the leaves you are brewing, then prepare as you would normally.
Whether rinsing the leaves improves the flavor of the tea is a highly personal opinion, and a matter of personal preference. As for rinsing the tea leaves to remove pesticides or chemicals, if the tea is organic, this is completely unnecessary. Also, most reputable tea companies do not leave pesticides or debris on their tea leaves. However if it makes you feel better to rinse them first, there is no harm in the practice.
When brewing tea Gongfu style, the tea leaves are rinsed out of a customary tradition that is part of the actual tea ceremony, which is popular in China.
Overall, it is a personal choice to rinse or not rinse your tea leaves. There are some merits to the practice, however there is no danger in not rinsing your tea leaves, so the decision is entirely up to the tea drinker.
Serving tea to guests is a time-honored tradition across the world. Indeed, in some countries if you do not partake of tea offered to you by your host, it is considered a very large breach of social etiquette, such as in parts of Morocco and Ireland. However serving tea to your guests helps to ensure that their visit is enjoyable and welcoming.
One way to delight your guests with tea is to prepare a visually attractive tea, such as blooming teas or Jasmine Dragon Pearls in either a clear teapot or in clear glasses to appreciate the unfurling of the leaves. Flowering teas are wonderful topics of conversation which add to the “entertainment value” of the tea.
Of course, if your guests have a special preference in tea and you happen to have that particular type of tea, by all means, serve that. However it’s always nice to have a nice “guest tea” on hand for general servingoccasions . Remember to offer your guests milk or sugar with their tea, although as their host you can 
certainly make recommendations as to how they might like to take their tea. Be sure to also ask your guests if they prefer their milk to be poured before or after the tea, as many people have different opinions on that subject.
And be sure to prepare for guests who say that they do not like tea. For these guests you may either offer an alternate beverage, such as coffee or water, or you can make a suggestion on a tea they might like (e.g. “I know you don’t like tea based on current supermarket selections, but please try this Single Estate Assam and see if you might like it”). Oftentimes, guests will not have much foreknowledge of tea past Lipton, PG Tips or generic bagged black tea (usually fannings or dust), and can use your recommendations to lead them into the world of good quality teas.
Are you in the mood for a little self-pampering? Looking to relax and unwind? Tea can help you to accomplish these things in a variety of ways.
Obviously, one of the best ways that a tea can help you to pamper yourself, is simply by drinking it! A soothing cup of hot tea does wonders for the soul, and if you take your time preparing the tea, then enjoying the tea sip by sip until it’s gone, then you will have a relaxing focus for your mind. In drinking a cup of hot tea to soothe the spirit, what is in the tea matters as much as how you drink it.
Herbal tea especially suited for sleep or relaxation is the most ideal, however any tea that really pleases you and all of your senses is appropriate. And how you drink the cup of tea can help to pamper you also. For example drinking a hot cup of soothing tea while having a bubble bath or reading a good book is a fantastic way to pamper yourself!
Tea can also pamper you externally as well. Because tea is full of nutrients, flavonoids and antioxidants, it’s just as good for your skin and hair as it is for your body. The tannins in tea constrict blood vessels as well as helping to remove residue from surfaces, so tea makes an ideal hair rise, skin rinse/toner, foot soak, and even mouth rinse!
As a hair rinse, tea brings out the subtle colors in your hair, removes any residue left on your hair, and makes your hair really shine! As a skin toner, tea can help to reduce acne, and improve the quality of your skin while reducing any puffiness and again, cleaning away residues. Tea is excellent at absorbing odors, and has some anti-bacterial properties, so it makes a fabulous foot soak and mouth rinse as well.
There are so many ways to pamper yourself using tea, that I would consider tea an indispensable part of any household, and the cornerstone of every person’s personal “pamper me” time.
Tea has been used as a tool of meditation for centuries. Even the popular tea ceremonies of Japan and China have a meditative feel about them. One can witness for themselves the zen-like qualities which are present in a tea ceremony by watching the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tt7NBIVeMY
However, using tea in your own meditations does not need to be elaborate or expensive. The purpose of such a meditation is an increased awareness and inner focus. For example, you may concentrate on breathing exercises while drinking a cup of cherished tea. Other times, you may use the preparation of the tea as an exercise in meditation. Simply by breathing deeply, and bringing your complete attention and focus to the preparation and drinking of tea, you can incorporate tea into your daily meditations.
For millions of people over the years, the mindful preparation of tea as well as drinking it with focus and intent has been a form of meditation that is easy to do, yet extremely beneficial to your health. In today’s chaotic world, taking the time to meditate upon something as simple yet as joyful as tea is a gift to your mind, body and soul. Meditation is possible at any time, in any place, with or without tea. However to take 10 minutes in the morning and evening to meditate with your tea is a special way of meditating using tea to enhance your experience. Tea in itself promotes a feeling of well-being and happiness, from the L-Theanine amino acid it carries, and this feeling can assist in your meditation time.
Meditations with your tea should ideally be performed in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Indoors or outdoors, wherever you find a place where you can feel comfortable, relaxed and without distraction for at least 10 to 15 minutes (or as long as you wish for your meditation to last). The most important thing is to feel good about the experience and to refresh and renew your mind, body and spirit.
As a hair rinse, tea can be used after shampooing to remove residues from your hair and leave your hair soft and shiny. Use black tea for darker hair and green tea or white tea for lighter hair color, and you can make the tea rinse as strong as you like, just remember to let the water cool to the touch before applying. It is not necessary to rinse with water afterward.- Use tea to clean your house. A strong solution of unsweetened plain tea, preferably green tea, can be used to clean hard surfaces in your household, leaving a sparkling, streak-free and shiny finish to counter-tops, mirrors and metal surfaces as well. Black tea is especially good as a wood polish however, or as a cleaner for wooden floors and is also fantastic for removing light residue.
- Tea also makes a fabulous skin toner due to it’s high tannin content. Use cooled off used clean teabags (that have no sugar or milk in them) to lightly apply tea to your face after cleansing it. This also can also improve acne and your overall skin condition. Any type of tea may be used for this, but it’s likely that green or white tea – having the most antioxidants and polyphenols – will probably yield the best results. And speaking of tea and healing skin- teabags can also be used to stop bleeding if you’ve cut yourself while shaving. Simply hold a used teabag on the cut for several seconds.
- Cooled teabags can also be applied to sunburned areas of skin for some soothing relief. Be sure the teabags are cooled, and you may even wish to refrigerate them first for this use!
- To make scented bath sachets from tea leaves, simply add your favorite essential oils to dried unused green tea leaves, then place the scented leaves into muslin bags. Tie the muslin bags completely shut, then you can store the bags until you are ready to take a bath. When you take a bath, add the scented tea sachet to the warm bathwater then relax and enjoy your aromatherapy bath!
- A tea bag works well as a compress on swollen, puffy eyes. Soak two teabags in boiling water for 30 seconds, then let cool before placing the bags on your closed eyelids. The tea will have a cooling effect as well as constricting the blood vessels to reduce puffiness.
- Dry unused tea leaves which have been crumbled up can be added to fish or meat rubs for a crunchy and delicious flavoring. Tea leaves can also be used in other manners of cooking, such as a garnish, or as the basis for a sauce or marinade. Matcha tea powder can be used in cookies or other baked goods, as well as in smoothies
and shakes. - Use tea as a fertilizer for your plants. Pouring leftover tea (tea without any sugar or milk in it) into your plants, or stuffing used tea leaves down under the soil can vastly improve the health of your plants. They love tea as much as you do!
- Use tea to tenderize meat and add unique flavor. Tea is extremely rich in tannins, which work very well at tenderizing meat. To use tea in this way, you need to marinate the meat in a mixture of tea. A good recipe for this is to use 4 tablespoons of black tea, and steep them in a pot of warm (not boiling) water for 5 minutes. Next strain the leaves from the water and stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar until dissolved. Pour this liquid over pre-seasoned meat and cook (covered) in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for approximately 90 minutes or until extremely tender. You can use different flavored teas for different effects, for example, Lapsang Souchong marinade goes especially well with smoke-flavored meats.
- Make “tea ice cubes” made from leftover tea in the summer. Pour your tea into ice cube trays and allow to freeze. Use these ice cubes in iced tea, kool-aid or other summer drinks for a fun change of flavor.
One of the more unique parts of tea culture is the age-old tradition of “reading” tea leaves for the purposes of attempting to foretell the future. Tea leaf reading involves the of interpretation of what the person “sees” in the leaves. Different symbols can mean different things. Tasseography , another word for reading tea leaves, is an ancient Chinese practice that spread to Europe with nomadic gypsies in the mid-1800s. While most people do not take tea reading very seriously, it is an interesting art form with quite a long history behind it. Here is a quick how-to guide on the art of tea leaf reading.
Pouring and Drinking the Tea
You should brew the tea to be read using loose tea leaves in a wide-brim white teacup, without using a strainer or teabag. As the person whose tea leaves are to be read drinks the tea, he or she should focus on a specific question they would like to “ask” of the tea leaves. They should drink almost all of the tea, leaving behind just a tiny bit of liquid and the tea leaves.
Reading the Tea Leaves
When you have finished drinking the tea, take the cup in your left hand and swirl it around clockwise 3 times. Cover the top of the cup with your right hand and give it a little shake. The reader then peers into the teacup and uses their imagination to discern symbols within the tea leaves – for example one might see a ring, a rose, a snake, etc. The reader should use their intuition as well as standard Tasseography symbolism and meanings (e.g. House: comfort, home ; Star: hope ; Leaf: a new life).
In most tea reading traditions, the cup is “read” from the rim at the handle of the teacup and then the symbols seen are followed downward in a spiral pattern, until the bottom is reached, which symbolizes the distant future. An alternative method of tea leaf reading portrays the most important events near the rim of the cup and the least important (or most likely to change) at the bottom of the cup.
Tea leaf reading is a long standing form of entertainment involving tea, that has a colorful history and is easy for anyone to do at almost any time.
