Introduction:
Tea is one of the most popular non-alcoholic and aromatic beverages consumed in the world. Tea is a zero calories beverage that comes second after water (CABRERA et al., 2006). The origin of tea is from China. India is the 2nd largest tea producer, exporter and consuming country in the world. Around 80% of total tea produced in India is consumed by the domestic population. Tea is mainly used as an excellent drink, owing to its attractive colour, fragrance and taste. All types of tea come from the mother plant Camellia sinensis which is a bountiful plant that provides us with this delicious and healthy drink. Tea is a natural healthy and magical elixir that is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, phytochemicals, anti-inflammatory, catechins and caffeine substances, as it contains tannic acid which protects us from many diseases.
Tea has become and has also been used regularly as a part of our daily diet for thousands of years. As we know, large amount of brewed tea leaves are being discarded after their usage, which has led to the loss of precious substances such as caffeine, catechins and melanin which are still present in the waste (used) tea leaves. These brewed tea leaves are called ‘Chagra’. These have been used in special countless ways by people from all over the world, particularly in Japan, for thousands of years. You simply dry your brewed tea leaves out in the sun or in a dry place to remove the moisture from the used tea leaves and subsequently use them for a range of activities, such as fertilizer, plant food, beauty products, cleaning, deodorizing, bath sachets, dyeing and many more. While tea leaves are steeped and consumed as a drink that contains health benefits, it is not the only way it could be used, because there are dozens of magical ways to use the brewed tea. In fact, even the boiled tea leaves are not to be put into waste, as they still aid us in our everyday use. Our project’s aim is to promote the awareness about the 3 useful chemicals that are extracted from waste tea leaves and the application of 3RS (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), which would be suitable for waste tea leaves in an eco-friendly way for a better tomorrow. The discussion of this study is to try to encourage the people to reuse the brewed tea leaves, owing to its countless uses.
Value Added Uses of Brewed Tea Leaves
Tea has been a part of our daily lives and it enjoys a huge consumer base around the world. Many people throw the tea leaves after it has been used, but they are unaware of the fact that brewed tea leaves have amazing benefits and uses. There are many other ways in which brewed tea leaves can be used, as they can be beneficial for skincare, gardening, cleaning your home and many more.
Here are some ways in which brewed tea leaves can be used:
1. Brewed Tea Leaves as Fertilizer:
The brewed tea leaves are the best fertilizer for growing plants. Brewed tea is full of tannic acid nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus which are great nutrients and plant food for the growth of plants. It can be used to protect garden or pot soil from pests, insects, mice, cats, weed and other fungal infections. Tea is highly acidic in nature which helps to speed up the process of decomposition. These leaves are beneficial for indoor and outdoor plants growth, as the tea leaves possess nutrients in abundance, which are essential for the health of plants and the environment.
2. Brewed Tea Leaves Water as a Fertilizer and for Hair Conditioner:
This is an eco-friendly solution and can be used not only as good fertilizer, but also used as hair conditioner and hair dye which makes the hair black, silky, soft and shiny. This water acts as a natural and chemical-free hair conditioner and hair dye. Besides this, these leaves are full of nutrients for the growth of plants and hair.
3. Brewed Tea Leaves as a Good Cleaner:
They are a very effective and natural cleaning solution for wooden furniture, wooden flooring, leather products like bags, wallets, purse, etc. They also help to clean the mirror, window, glass surface, sink and are even used for ash cleaning. It can also help in polishing and shining the wooden furniture and wooden floor.
4. Brewed Tea Leaves as an Air Freshener and Deodorizer:
The eco-friendly brewed tea leaves solution help to clean and remove the stains, dirt, stinky smell and odours from antique and delicate carpet and rugs. It also helps to get rid of fishy smell in fridge, unwanted smell from shoes, drawers, chopping board, cupboards, foot and hand. It also neutralizes the garbage odor, as these leaves are very absorbent and have the ability to absorb any odors that are around them. It acts as a chemical-free air freshener for car, room, office and sleeping pillow.
5. Brewed Tea Leaves For Eye Treatment:
Everyday stress, lack of proper sleep, allergy, spending more time in front of a laptop, mobile phone or a T.V. screen can be the first sign of appearance of tired and puffy eyes with dark circles. The brewed tea leaves are highly rich in antioxidants and contain anti-inflammatory properties. This most budget friendly, cheap and effective solution can provide relief from tired and swollen eyes. It can help to reduce puffiness and the presence of dark circles under the eyes. Moreover, it helps brighten the eyes.
6. Brewed Tea Leaves for use as an Exfoliant in the face or body:
These tea leaves possess essential nutrients in abundance and antioxidants which are beneficial for skin and body. They are used for making face scrub, face toner, face masks, boost the skin, treat acne, skin tightening, improving skin’s health and also help in maintaining a healthy glow of the skin. It also helps to treat the sunburn, bee stings and skin rashes. The brewed tea contains many nutrients which has the capacity to treat several of our skin problems.
7. Brewed Tea Leaves with Detoxifying tea bath:
Tea has many essential nutrients and antioxidants which are beneficial for detoxifying and relaxing the body in spa like tea bath with brewed tea. It can also rejuvenate and revitalize the skin beauty.
8. Brewed Tea leaves for making Oil, Soap and Tea extracts that find their usage in the Pharmaceutical industry:
They have been a useful addition while making glycerin soap. The texture and scent can help make the soap smell and cleanse better.
References:
1. Helen, S. (2010). Tea, a global history. England: Reaction books Ltd.
2. Jane, P. (2004). “The discovery of Tea”. Afternoon tea. England: The Jarrold Group. p.10.
3. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) monograph (n.d). Chemical composition of tea. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
4. Lee, K.O., Kim, S.N., & Kim, Y.C. (2014). Anti-wrinkle Effects of Water Extracts of Teas in Hairless Mouse. Toxicology Research, 30(4), 283-28.
5. Urchin, tea. (2012, December 11). The Oldest Tea Tree on the Earth.
About the Authors:
1. Renu Gupta
MSc (Food & Nutrition), M.Ed,
IGNOU Study Center, NIFTEM Kundli, Sonepat,
Regional Center, Karnal,
IGNOU New Delhi.
2. Himani Singh
PhD Scholar,
Department of Food Science and Technology,
National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management,
Kundli – 131028,
Sonipat, Haryana, India
3. Dr. Murlidhar Meghwal*