<p>The versatile green tea leaves can be used as a beauty aid, both internally and externally, writes Shahnaz Husain<br /><br /></p>.<p>We have heard so much about the benefits of tea for health. But these versatile leaves can also be used as a beauty aid, both internally and externally. Tea itself has several beauty benefits. It can be used for skin and hair care. Tea leaves are said to have an anti-inflammatory action. They also help reduce oiliness. Tea bags can be steeped in water and applied over the eyelids, like eye pads. They help to reduce puffiness and add brightness to the eyes. <br /><br />For smooth skin <br /><br />Green tea, in particular, is highly beneficial in many ways. It is a powerful skin toner, especially for oily skin, as it works as an astringent. In fact, green tea suits all skin types. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to control acne. It is also said to soothe sunburns.<br /><br />Modern research has also revealed that green tea actually has sunscreen properties. It also hydrates and nourishes the skin. Since green tea contains powerful antioxidants, it also keeps the skin healthy and adds radiance. You could try simple routines at home for some natural enhancements to your skin.<br /><br />* Take half cup water and bring it to a boil. Put tea leaves in a ceramic bowl. Pour the hot water over it and keep for two minutes. Strain and cool the liquid. Apply on face with cotton wool to tone the skin. Leave on. <br /><br />* Alternatively, you can dip a tea bag in a cup of hot water. Cool and use it to tone the skin. Or make the tea-water and keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Use the lotion to tone and refresh the skin. <br /><br />* Green tea leaves may be mixed with curd and used as a scrub. In fact, ground almonds, green tea and curd will make a good face and body scrub. <br /><br />* Steep green tea bags in hot water. Allow them to cool and use as eye pads. They help reduce puffiness and stress, and induce relaxation.<br /><br />* Soaking your fingers in green tea helps to add shine to those tired nails. <br /><br />For lovely locks<br /><br />* Green tea also makes a useful hair tonic and remedy for scalp conditions like dandruff. Use a green tea bag and a cup of hot water to make green tea hair tonic. You can even add a little lemon juice to it. Apply it on the scalp with cotton wool and leave it on for 20 minutes. <br /><br />* Green tea is also said to help control hair loss and condition the hair, as it contains Vitamins C and E. It not only restores health to the hair and softens it, but also adds a healthy shine. <br /><br />* Green tea can also be used as a hair rinse after shampoo. Boil four to five cups of water. Put green tea leaves in a bowl and add the hot water to it. Cool and strain. Add the juice of a lemon and use it as a last rinse after shampoo. <br /><br />(The author is a beauty expert)</p>
<p>The versatile green tea leaves can be used as a beauty aid, both internally and externally, writes Shahnaz Husain<br /><br /></p>.<p>We have heard so much about the benefits of tea for health. But these versatile leaves can also be used as a beauty aid, both internally and externally. Tea itself has several beauty benefits. It can be used for skin and hair care. Tea leaves are said to have an anti-inflammatory action. They also help reduce oiliness. Tea bags can be steeped in water and applied over the eyelids, like eye pads. They help to reduce puffiness and add brightness to the eyes. <br /><br />For smooth skin <br /><br />Green tea, in particular, is highly beneficial in many ways. It is a powerful skin toner, especially for oily skin, as it works as an astringent. In fact, green tea suits all skin types. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to control acne. It is also said to soothe sunburns.<br /><br />Modern research has also revealed that green tea actually has sunscreen properties. It also hydrates and nourishes the skin. Since green tea contains powerful antioxidants, it also keeps the skin healthy and adds radiance. You could try simple routines at home for some natural enhancements to your skin.<br /><br />* Take half cup water and bring it to a boil. Put tea leaves in a ceramic bowl. Pour the hot water over it and keep for two minutes. Strain and cool the liquid. Apply on face with cotton wool to tone the skin. Leave on. <br /><br />* Alternatively, you can dip a tea bag in a cup of hot water. Cool and use it to tone the skin. Or make the tea-water and keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Use the lotion to tone and refresh the skin. <br /><br />* Green tea leaves may be mixed with curd and used as a scrub. In fact, ground almonds, green tea and curd will make a good face and body scrub. <br /><br />* Steep green tea bags in hot water. Allow them to cool and use as eye pads. They help reduce puffiness and stress, and induce relaxation.<br /><br />* Soaking your fingers in green tea helps to add shine to those tired nails. <br /><br />For lovely locks<br /><br />* Green tea also makes a useful hair tonic and remedy for scalp conditions like dandruff. Use a green tea bag and a cup of hot water to make green tea hair tonic. You can even add a little lemon juice to it. Apply it on the scalp with cotton wool and leave it on for 20 minutes. <br /><br />* Green tea is also said to help control hair loss and condition the hair, as it contains Vitamins C and E. It not only restores health to the hair and softens it, but also adds a healthy shine. <br /><br />* Green tea can also be used as a hair rinse after shampoo. Boil four to five cups of water. Put green tea leaves in a bowl and add the hot water to it. Cool and strain. Add the juice of a lemon and use it as a last rinse after shampoo. <br /><br />(The author is a beauty expert)</p>
