There’s nothing like coffee to start the morning, but in the evenings, I always switch to tea. Boiling the kettle and dropping in my favorite tea bag has become a comforting ritual.

Like most people, I used to toss out my tea bags after one use. But that changed after my grandmother showed me clever tricks for reusing them — and they’re surprisingly handy!

1. Soothe sunburns

Black tea bags, when cooled and applied to sunburnt skin, offer relief thanks to their tannic acid content, which cools and promotes healing.

2. Treat minor burns
For small burns, apply a cold, used black tea bag to the area. The tannins help soothe pain and reduce inflammation.

3. Remove warts
Green tea is full of antioxidants. Placing a cooled used bag on a wart for 15 minutes twice daily may help it shrink and fall off within days.

4. Reduce puffy eyes
Refrigerated tea bags work wonders for tired, puffy eyes. Just place one over each eye for a few minutes for a refreshing lift.

5. Cut grease on dishes
Throw a few used tea bags into a sink full of greasy dishes. The natural compounds help break down grime, making cleanup easier.

6. Natural weed killer
Steeped tea mixed with vinegar and citrus peels makes a gentle, effective spray for unwanted garden weeds.

7. Boost plant growth
Used tea bags or loose leaves can be composted or buried near plant roots as a natural fertilizer — especially loved by roses and ferns.