10 Amazing Uses Of Used Tea Bags

Image – NatureHacks.com

Most people just toss the teabag when they are done making the tea – however we discovered a fantastic page listing 10 top uses of used tea bags. Some of these benefits were quite surprising! The link to the original list follows at the end of our additional notes.

Tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camillia sinensis). In a 2007 study, tea was found to contain over 700 different phytochemicals, many of which are recognized for their potential to fight disease. Among these compounds, the most widely-recognized and well-understood are flavinoids, amino acids, vitamins and polysaccharides. Tea varieties–green, black, white and oolong–were found to contain high concentrations of antioxidants.

Many of the herbal benefits derived from the used teabags are from the tannins in the tea – so if you are going to do this, note that for best results you will want to use black, green or white tea, as opposed to a herbal tea made with some other herb or fruit.

Having said that, herbal tea bags may of course have herbal benefits of their own and are likely to have some interesting uses. If you are curious about this you could look up the herb / fruit from your herbal tea on our website and see if you can get some ideas!

Beyond The Cup: 10 Surprising Things You Can Do With Tea Bags:

Note: None of this is medical advice nor a substitute for such.

1. Transform Your Meats:

Before you fire up the grill for that sumptuous steak, consider a secret ingredient for impeccable tenderness: used tea bags. Create a marinade by infusing four tablespoons of black tea in a cup of boiling water, then strain and cool. Marinate your meat—whether it’s a tough cut or not—in this tea along with your favorite seasonings like broth, onions, vegetables, and a hint of garlic. The result? Exceptionally tender meat with a subtle, earthy undertone that enhances the natural flavors.

2. Protect Your Cookware from Rust:

Preserve the life of your cast iron cookware with a simple trick using used tea bags. Gently rub a damp used tea bag over your pots and pans, ensuring you cover every surface. The tannins in the tea form a protective barrier that inhibits oxidation and wards off rust, keeping your cookware in pristine condition.

3. Accelerate Healing of Minor Wounds:

After a rough game or an accidental scrape, a used tea bag can be a quick remedy. Dampen a used tea bag with cool water and press it against the affected area. The tannins help constrict blood vessels, reducing bleeding and swelling, thus speeding up the healing process of cuts and bruises.

4. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Agent:

Tea is not just for drinking; it can also clean your home. Boil a few used tea bags in water to create a potent cleaning solution. Soak a soft cloth in this tea solution, wring out the excess, and use it to wipe down windows, mirrors, and even polish furniture. This natural cleaner removes dirt and grime, leaving a streak-free shine.

5. Enrich Your Garden Soil:

Don’t discard your used tea bags—add them to your compost pile! Tea bags contribute to creating an acid-rich environment in your compost. This not only speeds up the decomposition process but also attracts beneficial acid-loving bacteria, enriching the soil and making it perfect for your garden plants.

6. Revitalize Your Eyes:

Fatigue and stress often show first in our eyes. Used tea bags can be a soothing salvation. Rich in tannins, these bags help minimize puffiness and refresh tired eyes. Simply chill used tea bags in the refrigerator and place them over your closed eyelids. Take a moment to relax, and let the natural properties of the tea reduce swelling and bring life back to your eyes.

7. Treat Sunburn Naturally:

If you’ve spent too much time under the sun, used tea bags mayn offer a gentle, effective remedy for sunburned skin. Fill your bathtub with cool water and add several used tea bags. Immerse yourself in this antioxidant-rich bath to soothe and restore your skin. The tea’s natural properties help to calm inflammation and speed up the skin’s recovery process.

8. Quick Fix for Minor Cuts:

For those small but annoying kitchen small cuts, bypass the band-aid and grab a used tea bag instead. Press it directly onto the cut. The tannins in the tea help to quickly staunch bleeding and promote clotting, all while its antibacterial properties may reduce the risk of infection. It’s a natural first aid solution right at your fingertips. If it’s more serious of course seek medical attention asap.

9. Soothe Injection Pain:

Ease the discomfort of vaccinations or blood draws with a used tea bag. Moisten a tea bag with cool water and apply it to the affected area. The tannic acid in the tea acts as a natural pain reliever, reducing soreness and inflammation. It’s a gentle way to comfort infants or even adults after medical procedures.

10. Refreshing Herbal Mouthwash:

Turn peppermint tea bags into a refreshing mouthwash. Brew a strong peppermint tea, let it cool, and use it to rinse your mouth. Peppermint’s antiseptic properties and natural menthol soothe toothaches and gum inflammation, offering a cooling relief. It’s a natural and therapeutic alternative to commercial mouthwashes, perfect for daily oral care.

We did a little additional research and found some more unusual and interesting uses for teabags that people are suggesting online (note – we haven’t tested these):

11. Soothe nipples for the first few days of breastfeeding.
12. Hair dye.
13. Great for Fuscias in the garden. When they start to compost just cover with a little soil and start again.
14. Canker sores (topical application)
15. Foot soak for fungal infections.

Has anyone used any of these? If so, please let us know in the comments – and of course please let us know any other interesting teabag uses.

Further reading: check out our full length page on tea (Camillia sinensis) – including scientific studies and history – https://herbshealthhappiness.com/tea.html