Uses of Tea
First, making tea-based delicacies: Tea can not only be brewed but also used to make tea-infused dishes, such as tea cakes or tea-flavored meals. These are not only delicious but also healthy.
Second, making a tea pillow: The aroma of tea can help refresh the mind and calm the spirit. Sun-dry used tea leaves, and once enough is accumulated, they can be used to make a tea pillow. Sleeping on a tea pillow can significantly improve sleep quality.
Third, the nutrients in tea include water-soluble and fat-soluble parts. The latter does not dissolve in water and remains in the tea leaves no matter how many times they are brewed. Therefore, eating tea leaves allows for better absorption of these nutrients.
Note: Be cautious when choosing tea leaves for consumption. Some tea leaves may contain pesticide residues and heavy metals, which are not easily dissolved in water but can be absorbed by the body when ingested.
Fourth, Iron Goddess tea emits a rich orchid fragrance after brewing and has a light taste, making it particularly suitable for tea-infused dumpling soup.
Fifth, Pu-erh tea has a mellow taste and can cut through the greasiness of food, making it an excellent pairing for meat dishes like tea-infused pigeon or Pu-erh spare ribs.
Sixth, Biluochun tea, also known as "beauty tea," is suitable for making soups for women's skincare. It can also be used in quick stir-fries like Biluochun chicken shreds.
Seventh, tea-smoked chicken. The chicken turns golden yellow, with tender meat and a smoky aroma infused with tea fragrance, creating a unique flavor.
Eighth, refer to my previous blog post on cooking rice with tea for weight loss and health benefits.
Note: Some studies suggest that drinking strong tea during meals can affect digestive function. Therefore, the tea used in cooking should be lightly brewed (the concentration is crucial, as overly strong tea can make dishes taste astringent).
Ninth, anti-diarrhea remedy. Consuming multiple infusions of tea can help alleviate diarrhea caused by unhygienic food during travel.
Tenth, motion sickness remedy. Mix half a cup of strong tea with two spoonfuls of soy sauce and drink it to effectively prevent motion sickness.
Eleventh, hair rinse. Traveling can leave hair dry and dull. Washing hair with tea can make it soft and shiny.
Twelfth, cold remedy. Brew strong green tea with rock sugar to alleviate cold symptoms like cough and phlegm caused by chills.
Thirteenth, post-sunburn relief. Apply cooled strong tea to sunburned skin to reduce heat and pain.
Fourteenth, natural ointment. Chew tea leaves and apply the paste to insect bites or stings to reduce swelling, itching, and pain.
Fifteenth, eye wash. Tea has long been used in folk remedies to treat eye inflammation. For pollen-induced allergic conjunctivitis or symptoms like redness, tearing, or bloodshot eyes, washing the eyes with tea can provide relief.
Sixteenth, deodorizer. Chewing tea leaves or rinsing with strong tea can eliminate bad breath.
Seventeenth, after eating extremely spicy peppers, rinse your mouth with water and then chew tea leaves to neutralize the spiciness.
Eighteenth, soak meat in a 5% concentration of high-quality tea before refrigerating or freezing it. This improves preservation and prevents spoilage.
Nineteenth, tea for quitting smoking. Those who rely on smoking to stay alert can replace cigarettes with tea, with oolong tea being the most effective for quitting smoking.
Twentieth, drinking green tea while watching TV or using a computer can effectively reduce radiation exposure. (This tip is a must-remember for computer users! I drink green tea while working.)
Twenty-first, for minor burns or scalds, applying strong tea can relieve pain and prevent fluid leakage, aiding in wound healing.
Twenty-second, the same method can be used to soothe hands burned by cutting spicy peppers.
Twenty-third, for chapped skin or frostbite caused by cold and dryness, apply chewed tea leaves to the affected area and cover it with gauze or a bandage to promote healing.
Twenty-fourth, washing feet with strong tea nightly can cure athlete's foot.
Twenty-fifth, pregnant women chewing dry green tea can alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness.
Twenty-sixth, rinsing the mouth with tea can relieve itching, eliminate bad breath, treat oral conditions like stomatitis, tongue pain, and gum bleeding, and strengthen teeth. (As recorded in Dream of the Red Chamber, the Jia family rinsed their mouths with tea after meals. Su Dongpo also noted this habit.) Tea can also inhibit the formation of nitrosamines, a gastric cancer trigger, in the mouth.
Twenty-seventh, boil leftover tea leaves in utensils to remove fishy or onion odors.
Twenty-eighth, use leftover tea leaves to scrub greasy pots, dishes, or bamboo/wooden items for a cleaner shine.
Twenty-ninth, dry leftover tea leaves and spread them in damp areas to absorb moisture.
Thirtieth, sprinkle leftover tea leaves on carpets before vacuuming or sweeping to remove fine dust.
Thirty-first, chew leftover tea leaves after eating raw onions or garlic to neutralize the odor.
Thirty-second, water plants with leftover tea after soaking it for a few days to promote growth.
Thirty-third, dry leftover tea leaves and burn them in toilets to eliminate odors and repel mosquitoes and flies.
Thirty-fourth, bathe with overnight tea to relieve skin itching and treat skin conditions.
Thirty-fifth, wash and dry leftover tea leaves to fill pillowcases. These pillows are soft and help reduce "head heat," aiding those with insomnia. Long-term use can also dispel wind-heat and prevent dizziness or headaches. (Note: Tea pillows may get damp and require frequent airing.)
Thirty-sixth, tea has multiple skincare benefits, including whitening, acne treatment, moisturizing, anti-aging, deep cleansing, and softening the skin.