Green Tea is the most-consumed beverage in Japan. Perhaps not so coincidentally, the Japanese also boasts the second-highest average lifespan in the whole world. For thousands of years, green tea has been a cultural and ceremonial staple in Japan, and today, it’s widely celebrated all over the globe for its numerous health benefits. With all its rich antioxidants, green tea is known to improve blood circulation and lower cholesterol. While simply drinking a cup or two of green tea throughout your day is the most common, there are several other creative ways to benefit from this superfood. A great way to explore all the uses of green tea is in your own self-care routine. Here are five creative ways to use green tea to enhance your personal care routine and treat yourself.
1.Green tea to start your morning
A cup of green tea in the morning is a wonderfully healthy substitute for coffee. While coffee has some of its own health benefits, green tea has been proven to be a much healthier caffeine alternative. In the long term, green tea has been proven to improve brain function, boost fat loss, protect against cancer and lower the risk of heart disease.
Green tea still offers the alertness you get from its caffeine content, but its caffeine content is lower. By switching your morning beverage from coffee to green tea, you can reap the benefits of caffeine, while minimizing the negative effects that accompany over-consuming it. Green tea will give you the same morning clarity and alertness, without the accompanying jitters, anxiety, sleeplessness and indigestion.
2.Green tea breakfast smoothie
Once it’s cooled down, you can use brewed green tea to add antioxidants and health-promoting compounds to your morning or post-workout smoothie. Smoothies are a quick and easy way to fuel your body with nutrients, and by simply adding green tea you’re already infusing your beverage with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fibre and potassium. It also works as an anti-inflammatory and can help with high blood pressure. Choose a green tea that contains your favourite herbs and spices, and you’ll be boosting the flavour of your smoothie as well!
3.Green tea in your skincare routine
Green tea is widely used in skincare lines because of its protective, anti-ageing properties. The antioxidants in green tea are incredibly beneficial for your skin, and contribute to:
- Fighting skin cancer
- Reducing inflammation
- Preventing acne through antibacterial properties
- Maintaining collagen levels for youthful skin structure
- Shrinking blood vessels and dark circles around the eyes
- Stimulating hair growth
You can look for products in your preferred skincare provider, or you can make your own green tea products at home. Try any of these simple at-home recipes to minimize your complexion complications:
- Green tea spot treatment: Brew a cup of green tea with 2 bags, add 2 drops of tea tree and lavender oil and freeze the mixture in an ice cube tray. This solution also works to minimize and heal bug bites.
- Green Tea Treatment for Under-eye Circles: Take 2 green tea bags, soak in cold water, then simply plop over your eyes for 20 minutes. The chill will soothe and revive the eye area while the caffeine can ease swelling.
- Green Tea & Lemon Juice Toner Mask: Take 2 Tbsp of strong, brewed green tea, ½ tsp of lemon juice and a bit of turmeric. Mix and apply the solution to your face. Leave on for ten minutes and rinse.
4.Green tea hair products
Similar to the benefits it has on the skin when applied topically, green tea is great for your hair. If you’d like to improve the overall health and look of your locks, consider a green tea rinse or a product infused with green tea. The antioxidants and nutrient compounds in green tea can help to:
- Prevent hair loss
- Encourage hair growth
- Enhance nutrient delivery
For your own at-home, green tea hair remedy, simply brew and chill a large pot of green tea. Once the tea has cooled down, use it to rinse your hair at the end of your shower.
5.Green tea to enhance your meditation practice
Green tea and meditation have gone hand-in-hand for centuries; Buddhist monks would use green tea—especially matcha—to stay alert during long periods of meditation. The caffeine content of green tea will help you focus on your breath, while the amino acid ‘L-theanine’ will promote alpha wave production in the brain. Alpha brain waves are the types of brain waves we produce when we are in a deep sleep, and their production helps reduce stress and anxiety. Meditation itself also increases alpha brain waves, which is why the green tea & meditation combination is so therapeutic and healthy
You can pour from an empty vessel – remember to fill your cup 🤍
Green tea is definitely an amazing addition to any diet plan. I have been drinking green tea since last two years and every day it helps me refresh my mood.