True domestic goddesses know how to pamper themselves without even leaving the kitchen. Everything you need for a pampering spa experience is right there in your larder. So why not kick back, relax and take some tea time-out...

To refresh puffy tired eyes and soak aching feet

Brew 1/2 cup of unscented black or green tea leaves in two pints of boiling bottled water for at least 10 minutes. Strain the leaves and set them aside. Cool this liquid and refrigerate. This solution will keep in your fridge for up to 7 days.

For puffy tired eyes:

Soak cotton pads in the cold tea brew and lay them on your eyes. Keep the pads on your lids for about 10 minutes. You can also refrigerate your used tea bags and lay them on your eyes.

For aching feet:

Soak your feet in the cold tea brew for about 15 minutes. This is a great way to treat your feet after a long day of standing, walking, or running. You can also try soaking your feet in a peppermint herbal tea brew for an aromatic soak.

Fantastic face packs (not for sensitive skins)

Mix one teaspoon of fine cornmeal with cooled chamomile tea to form a gentle scrub. Let dry, then gently rub off.

Or

Make an exfoliating paste using chamomile tea and powdered milk. Rub on skin, let dry, and then rub off before washing.

Hair treatments

Dark hair

In a small saucepan, warm (do not boil) 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons fresh ground lavender, and the dry contents of 2 good quality peppermint tea bags. Massage into scalp over damp hair. Cover hair with shower cap to keep heat in for 20-25 minutes. Shampoo and rinse hair. Repeat this treatment once a month to nourish and strengthen hair.

Light hair

To bring out highlights and lighten blonde hair, steep 1/2 cup of camomile tea in two pints of boiling water. Strain and cool slightly. Shampoo hair until oil free, and then rinse with the tea infusion.