If there’s one thing everyone who knows me understands, it’s this: hands off my coffee! I’d give up almost anything before my beloved brew—not for the caffeine (decaf’s just fine), but for that rich, comforting taste and morning ritual that soothes my soul. Coffee itself brews some amazing benefits, including aiding detoxification with enemas—yep, but that’s a story for another post! And those grounds, they’re not trash either—they’re gold! From gardening to glowing skin, here’s a fun list of ways to use organic coffee grounds. I’ve had great results with my garden and facial scrubs, so let’s dive in!

Note: Make sure you follow the Wise & Wild Way and always use organic coffee grounds, especially for skin and hair, to avoid pesticides. I haven’t tested every idea, but the ones I’ve tried work wonders.

Gardening

• Plant Power: Mix grounds into potting soil for healthier plants, especially roses. Store in the freezer to prevent mold, and keep pets away—grounds can be toxic if eaten.
• Tip: Sprinkle around rose bushes for vibrant blooms, but fence off areas to protect curious pets.

Household Uses

• Natural Stain: Brew grounds to stain wood, clothing, or baskets, or cover nicks in wood furniture.
• Deodorizer: Place a small container of fresh grounds in your fridge, freezer, or near the cat litter box to absorb odors.
• Ant Repellent: Sprinkle grounds in sliding glass door tracks to deter ants.
• Grease Buster: Keep grounds by the sink to scrub grease from pots and pans.

Beauty and Skin Care

• Hair Color Boost: Apply brewed, room-temperature coffee to light brown or brunette hair for richer color and shine.
• DIY Tan: Rub grounds on skin for 30 minutes or sponge on brewed coffee for 20–30 minutes for a temporary tan. Repeat for darker results.
• Cellulite Smoother: In the shower, rub grounds on cellulite-prone areas a few times a week to reduce appearance.
• Eyebrow Tint: Brush finely ground coffee beans onto eyebrows for a quick, natural fill when your out of your eyebrow pencil——yep, they don’t call me the Glam Girl of the Holistic World for nothing!
• Body/Facial Scrub: Exfoliate with grounds for smooth skin. Add 2–3 tablespoons of jojoba or olive oil and a few drops of essential oil for extra glow.

Patch Test: New to coffee on skin? Test first:

• Wash your inner arm (wrist to elbow) and pat dry.
• Rub a small amount of grounds on a patch, then wipe off.
• Wait 24 hours. No redness, itching, or hives? You’re set. If you react, skip coffee for skin or hair.

Brown Sugar Vanilla Body Scrub Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh organic coffee grounds
• ½ cup organic brown sugar
• ¼ cup organic olive, jojoba, or sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon pure, organic vanilla essential oil or extract

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until blended. If it’s too crumbly, add a splash more oil for a smooth texture.
2. In the shower, rub the scrub onto your skin with a loofah or your hands, focusing on dry spots like elbows or heels.
3. Rinse off and pat dry—feel that silky glow!
4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Toss if you spot mold (usually lasts 1–2 weeks).

Bonus Tips (The Wise & Wild Way)

• Mix and Match: Swap vanilla for lavender or peppermint essential oil for a refreshing twist. Feeling fancy? Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
• Follow up: With Tallow Balm to complete your skin’s pampering—The Wise & Wild Way

Brew Up Some Fun!

Grab my Brown Sugar Vanilla Body Scrub recipe here and my Tallow Balm recipe here

Got a clever coffee ground hack? Leave me a voice message or find me on X—I’m dying to hear your tricks! For more brew-tiful ideas, sign up for my newsletter and stay tuned for my podcast’s next episode to fuel your holistic journey!

Dig into other Home recipes and tips here and more personal care recipes here