Jaipur, November 15, 2024.
Finger bowls containing lemons are commonly used in restaurants to clean your hands after meals. But have you tried finger bowls with tea leaves? Health coach Gunjan Taneja recently shared a glimpse of washing her hands with tea leaves in a finger bowl.
“Have you also tried this?” she asked. The post drew several reactions, with one user commenting, “This is such a unique way to use tea leaves! I’ve heard about their antibacterial benefits, but exfoliating and deodorising sounds like a great addition to the list,” another adding, “Chai addicts will go crazy over it now…
While lemon’s exfoliating and refreshing properties are well-known, tea leaves in finger bowls are not that common in India. According to Taneja, tea leaves are known for their exfoliating properties. “Because of their texture, they act as a natural scrub, which removes dirt and dead skin cells,” said Taneja.
She added, “Tea leaves have anti-bacterial properties which are a natural cleanser,” further stating that tea leaves have deodorising properties, which can neutralise strong smells like garlic and onion.
Intrigued, we decided to verify the claim.
Tea leaves as a hand rub are gaining attention for their unique combination of natural benefits, said Payal Sharma, chief dietician, Dharamshilla Narayana Hospital, Delhi. “Rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols like catechins, tea leaves offer anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help cleanse and refresh the skin. Tea leaves contain compounds that not only soothe the skin but also protect against free radical damage,” said Sharma.