While coffee starts my day, evenings are reserved for tea, a soothing ritual of boiling water and steeping a bag. Like many, I once discarded tea bags after a single use, but my grandmother’s wisdom changed that forever.

She introduced me to a world of clever reuse. For instance, cooled black tea bags are excellent for sunburn relief. Their tannic acid works to cool the skin and actively promote healing.

For minor kitchen burns, a cold, used black tea bag is a handy remedy. Applied directly, the tannins help to soothe the pain and reduce inflammation effectively.

Warts can also be treated with green tea bags, which are rich in antioxidants. Placing a cooled, used bag on a wart for 15 minutes twice daily may help it shrink and disappear.

In the realm of beauty, refrigerated tea bags are perfect for tired, puffy eyes. Simply resting one over each eye for a few minutes provides a refreshing and noticeable lift.

Even household chores benefit, as used tea bags help cut grease on dishes. Tossing a few into a sink of greasy water helps break down grime naturally, making cleanup easier.

Finally, in the garden, steeped tea bags serve dual purposes. They can be mixed into a natural weed killer spray or composted as a fertilizer, with roses and ferns particularly loving the boost.