Green Tea Uses
Not Just a Drink
In Japan, the amount of green tea uses is quite amazing. Green tea is commonly used as a gargle- to ward off colds.
It can also be used to make a refreshing facial mask, or used in a calming bath soak. Here are a few ideas to get more out of your green tea.
Green Tea Gargle
One of the most common green tea uses is as a gargle. Winters are long in Japan, and Japanese people not only drink green tea as a cold preventative, they also gargle with it after meals.
It is effective in killing off potential germs and bacteria. After living in Japan for 4 years I can attest that it really does work.
Green Tea Spritz Spray or Toner
Another great green tea use is as a refreshing facial and body spritz or toner. Just take your used leaves and after re-brewing the leaves, pour the tea into a pump spray or small bottle.
Put it in the fridge and cool. You will then have a reviving mist which will keep you calm and cool on those hot summer days.It can also be used to provide relief from minor sunburn and insect bites.
If you want to maximise the antioxidants of your spritz or toner (which are diminished with each brewing), try this suggested guide below.
Ingredients
4 teaspoons of
loose leaf green tea
1 cup boling mineral water
Steep the tea for 10 minutes in a teapot. Then pour tea into a small bottle and refrigerate until cool. Appy with cotton pads as a regular toner. Or use as a spritz to cool and refresh the skin. It is best used while fresh.
A Healthful Bath Soak
Another wonderful green tea use is as a soothing bath soak. Simply take your used green tea leaves and put them in a cotton muslin bag (available from many speciality tea stores or online). Then slip them into your bath to infuse - enjoy the aroma and calm.
Disinfectant Remedy
Soak a cotton pad in brew made from used green tea leaves. And apply to minor cuts and abrasions. The tannin in green tea provides a natural disinfectant remdedy.
A Deodorizer
Another simple green tea use is as a deodarizer. First dry the used tea leaves in the sun. Then put them into cotton bags, and put them in the toes of your shoes, in your cupboards, and even in your refrigerator.
Natural Fertilizer
Mix used green tea leaves with your garden soil, to give your flowers and plants a boost.
Green Tea Facial Mask
Ingredients
2 teaspoons
matcha green tea
1 teaspoon water.
Some suggested optional ingredients
Witch Hazel - for oily skin
Honey - for hydrating
Rose water - for sensitive skin
Egg yolk - for nourishing
Egg white - for skin firming
Mix the matcha with water to make a paste. Add 1 teaspoon of any optional ingredients if you like.Spread the mixture onto the face for 10 minutes. Then wash off with warm water. Your skin will feel soft and refreshed!
If you have sensitive skin please test the mask on the inside of your wrist first for any irritation or allergic reaction.
Learn about Antiaging Skin Care and Green Tea here.
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