Teas Aren’t Just for Drinking

When you hear the word ‘Tea,’ you probably immediately think about drinking a cup of hot tea before bed, or a glass of sweet tea in the summer. But did you know that tea has many more uses beyond drinking?

History of Tea 

It is thought that tea originated, or was at least first documented, in ancient China around 2700 B.C. With deep ties to many cultures and communities, herbal tea consumption has spread worldwide and is commonly used socially and medicinally today. 

The most common teas include black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea. Interestingly, black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all derived from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, and factors such as their geographic origin, growing conditions, and processing methods help differentiate these types of tea. Herbal teas belong to another category, as they do not belong to Camellia sinensis. While teas derived from Camellia sinensis are made from the plant’s leaves, herbal teas are typically made from other plant parts, including flowers, stems, berries, and bark, which can make for a more palatable experience. 

Traditional Uses of Tea

When most of us think about tea, we think about drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed to help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. We think about drinking fennel tea after meals when we feel bloated and uncomfortable. We may also think about drinking a cup of ginger tea to help with motion sickness, morning sickness, or nausea. What we may not think about is the different ways that we can get creative with our teas! 

Creative Uses of Tea

Herbal Mouthwash:

Prepare 1 cup of strong peppermint tea and allow it to cool to room temperature. Swish and rinse the mouth for 30 seconds, then spit out the tea. Peppermint has antimicrobial actions that can help combat bacteria within the mouth, and will also leave you with minty fresh breath! 

Sitz Bath:

A sitz bath is commonly used for postpartum healing or to manage painful hemorrhoids. Add 1/2 cup of dried herbs (or 2-3 tea bags) to a pot of boiling water and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid, then add the tea to a bathtub filled with warm water and Epsom salt. Common herbs that can be used include calendula (vulnerary), chamomile (anti-inflammatory, vulnerary), and lavender (stress- and nervous-system-calming effects). 

Topical Compress:

A black or green tea bag can be used as a topical compress to help alleviate a stye. You can steep a tea bag as you would to prepare a cup of tea, allow it to cool slightly, and apply the warm tea bag over the affected eyelid. Black tea and green tea contain tannins, astringent compounds that can help draw out excess moisture and reduce swelling. You can also take a warm tea bag and place it under your eyes to help reduce puffiness in the morning! 

Bug Repellant:

Tea can be an effective way to help keep your home free from bugs and rodents. You can steep a combination of peppermint leaves and cinnamon sticks together in a pot, allow to cool, pour into a spray bottle, and dilute with water, if needed. This aromatic spray can be applied to door frames and windowsills to help keep unwanted bugs and rodents from entering your home. 

Wanting to explore more about teas? Carytown Teas is a great place to start! They offer a plethora of options and also opportunities for tea education! You can also ask your Naturopathic Doctor which teas would best support your health goals.

You can check out some of our Practitioners’ favorite teas HERE.

Or if you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, check out THESE TEAS.

References:

Huda HS, Majid NBA, Chen Y, et al. Exploring the ancient roots and modern global brews of tea and herbal beverages: A comprehensive review of origins, types, health benefits, market dynamics, and future trends. Food Sci Nutr. 2024;12(10):6938-6955. Published 2024 Jul 21. doi:10.1002/fsn3.4346