Tisanes make for a wonderful alternative when you’re not in the mood for a caffeinated drink. They are delicious whether consumed hot or cold, and many come in bright colours that are an instant mood-lifter. However, there are several clever uses for tisanes besides its most obvious one, as a beverage. Here are a few to get your imagination revving.
For art projects
When you don’t want to use artificial paints and dyes, tisanes are a good choice. Temporary and non-toxic, they’re perfect for an afternoon of art and DIY. They work on paper for an almost watercolour-like effect. They also work as mild dyes for fabric (think tie-dye tea cloths to spruce up your kitchen). For this, find one with the most vibrant colour – a ruby-red hued strawberry tisane would work nicely here. And unlike regular paint, there’s the added benefit of your artwork smelling like berries!
As room fresheners
If you find the scent of commercial air fresheners overpowering, as many people do, this might be the perfect option for you. Pick a fragrant tisane – you can’t go wrong with a full-bodied citrus one with hints of orange leaf and lemon grass – dampen the teabag with warm water, and let it dry. Add a few drops of essential oil or natural oil over it to enhance its aroma, and you could have a room that smells like your favourites berries, herbs or even spices!
Inside drawers and cupboards
The insides of drawers and cupboards tend to get mouldy especially if you live in an area with high humidity. While mothballs are the usual go-to, a stronger tisane, like peppermint could also get the job done. There is also the added benefit of your clothes smelling like a fresh herb, rather than the chemicals of a mothball!
As a condiment in the kitchen
The uses of tisanes in the kitchen are endless –from the more obvious ones like adding oomph to your desserts to more creative uses like soaking a in a pot of gently simmering oats, or in a pot of rice as it cooks, they act as gentle flavour boosters. In the summer months, consider freezing a cold brew of a berry tisane in popsicle molds for an instant pick-me-up.
Eye Mask
The most common use of teabags other than making tea is to use as eye masks for tired eyes, and with good reason – the bags are cooling and reduce puffiness. However, tisanes that contain herbs make for even better eye masks than regular tea bags due to their healing, medicinal properties. For best results, place the damp teabags in the refrigerator for half an hour before using – a quick act of self care before carrying on with your day.
There are as many uses to tisanes as there are varieties and combinations of herbs, spices, berries and citrus. Once you get started, you’ll find countless uses for them around the house. Provided youdon’t finish your stash by drinking them of course, because there really are few drinks as refreshing and comforting as a good tisane!