Tea is an art. In Japanese culture, the art of tea is practiced in a ritualistic setting, often called the Way of Tea, as a means to relax the body and mind, and remedy whatever ailments may have risen that same day. We recently sat down with a Sakara beauty (be on the lookout!) who relayed how terribly ill she was feeling the day before, yet after a 3 hour long tea ceremony at Sky Ting Yoga, she was feeling as good as new.

Something truly magical happens when we drink tea. Life can by sweet like Vanilla Rooibos, crazy like Chai, or calm like Chamomile. And other than drinking it, there are a plethora of benefits that you can get from tea leaves. Here's a list of some more of our favorite ways to get the most out of your tea bag:

  • Puffy Eyes - If you find yourself waking up with eyes as puffy as a Christmas marshmallow, place tea bags over your eyelids. A type of polyphenol, tannic acid, in the tea promotes blood circulation and will reduce the inflamed skin.

  • Burns - To assuage a minor burn, place steeped tea bags over the infected area. Your body will relax and appreciate this natural remedy!

  • Athlete's Foot - Soaking your feet in tea infused water or wrapping tea bags on the affected area is a traditional Japanese remedy for curing various types of foot fungus including foot odor.

  • Cold Sores - After steeping a tea bag in boiling water for a couple of minutes, remove the bag (let it cool a bit!) and place directly on your sore. The antioxidants, polyphenol, and caffeine in the leaves work with your cell defense to attack and dry out the virus. I like to use an Earl Grey bag because of the healing powers of bergamot, but any kind of black or green tea will do the trick just as well!

  • Fertilizer - The acidic and nitrogen-rich aspects of tea leaves will serve as a great fertilizer for your plants. Compost leftover tea leaves by mixing them in dirt or water plants with your leftover tea.

  • Cleaning Material - Wipe off glass and wood surfaces with a cloth dipped in brewed tea. The aroma of the tea will permeate throughout your clean home.

  • Incense - Gather your favorite smelling tea leaves and create your own incense! Simply roll fresh leaves into a tight ball and leave them to dry in front of a window that get's plenty of sun. After the ball is completely dry, place them in an incense burner and enjoy your personalized and exotic fragrance!

As C.S. Lewis said, "You can never get a cup of tea large enough..."

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