Interesting ways to use tea

The tea plant belongs to the camellia family which it derives its scientific name. The leaves of the tea shrub are high serrated and contain numerous oily glands. The flowers are white and give off a delicate fragrance.

There is now a greater acceptance of the numerous benefits that –green tea in particular brings to one’s health and its direct relation to the longevity of the population in some regions of China and Japan.

Aside from the therapeutic properties of tea, it has other wonderful and interesting use especially at home. Here are 10 interesting ways of using the Camelia Sinensis (which refers to the Chinese variety).

1. TEA BATH - For a revitalizing and purifying bath put a pinch of green tea leaves already boiled into a filter bag or any other bag made out of net material.

Tie it up tightly and submerge it in hot-water bath tub. Used teabags will also do.

2. EYE REFRESHER - To soothe and refresh tired eyes, put a used teabag, still wet and warm, on each eyelid for 5-10 minutes.

3. MOUTHWASH - Gargling with green tea helps to fight bad breath and bacteria that causes bad breath. The natural fluoride in tea strengthens the tooth enamel and prevents infections such as gingivitis. It is not necessary to use the first tea infusion for mouthwash; the third infusion will do.

4. INCENSE - Green tea has also been made into incense, coming in various shapes such as bars or cones, or as essential oils. Green incense has a delicate and pleasant aroma that soothes the senses and aids concentration.

5. PREPARING FISH AND MEAT - Washing fish in tea before cooking it helps to reduce its strong fishy smell in addition to eliminating bacteria. This is why the Japanese drink tea when eating sashimi (raw seafood). Cooking pork in tea-together with the leaves – helps to reduce the fat and cholesterol levels in the meat.

6. RUST PREVENTER - A secret known to Asian chef rubbing pots and pans with old tea leaves helps prevent cooking utensils from rust since the tannin found in tea adheres to the steel and creates a fine protective film on the surface.

7. MOSQUITO REPELLENT - Burning tea leaves helps keep mosquitoes at bay. To do this, place a few dry leaves in an incense burner and light them up. Leave to smoke for a few minutes .

8. PLANT FERTILISER - Used tea leaves is an excellent fertilizer for all kinds of plants, since it possesses valuable organic nutrients. Used teabags may even be buried whole in flower pots

 9. AIR FRESHENER FOR THE REFRIGERATOR- Putting a sachet of dried tea leaves in the refrigerator helps to absorb and eliminate any unpleasant smells, because of this, the refrigerator is not a good place to store tea leaves, since its delicate aroma may be lost as it absorbs other stronger food odours.  

10. CHOPPING BOARD CLEANER- a common problem with chopping boards, particularly those used to cut meat and fish is the difficulty in eliminating the smells which persist even after washing the board with soap. Green tea is very useful in this situation. 

 After using the chopping board, rub the wood with wet, old tea leaves and leave a layer of leaves on it for a few minutes.  Thereafter, remove the leaves and rinse the board with water.  Tea liquor can also be used to clean chopping boards and other kitchen utensils.