It started as a simple plan — just a walk to get some sun after days of being cooped up indoors. A late spring breeze moved gently through the yard as Nora stepped outside, a wicker basket in one hand and a pair of shears in the other.
Her nephew, Theo, joined her, eyes squinting up at the sky. “What are we picking today?”
“Peppermint,” Nora said. “The patch by the fence has gone wild.”
They strolled through the small garden behind the house, where rosemary bushes leaned toward the path and calendula flowers bloomed in bursts of gold. At the far edge, where the fence caught the afternoon light, peppermint grew thick and green — its scent sharp and clean even before they brushed it.
Theo crouched beside her, watching closely as she snipped stems just above the second leaf node.
“You don’t want to cut too low,” she said. “It stresses the plant. Mid-spring is the best time to harvest because the leaves have the most oils.”
Theo nodded, slipping a few stems into the basket. “It smells like toothpaste.”
“Exactly,” Nora smiled. “But better — no chemicals. Just nature.”
Back inside, they rinsed the peppermint gently and laid some sprigs aside to dry later. Nora brought water to a simmer and placed a handful of fresh leaves in a teapot.
“You don’t even have to chop them,” she said. “Just tear them gently to release the oils.”
She poured the hot water over the leaves and covered the pot. “Always cover herbal tea while it steeps — you want to trap those volatile oils.”
Ten minutes later, the kitchen smelled crisp and refreshing. Nora strained the tea into cups and added a touch of honey.
Theo took a sip. “Tastes cool and warm at the same time.”
“That’s peppermint for you,” she said. “It relaxes muscles, soothes the stomach, and clears your head.”
Her brother, Theo’s dad, came in from work a few minutes later, rubbing his temples. Nora handed him a cup. “It’s not magic, but it helps.”
He took a slow sip, and after a pause, nodded. “Tension’s already fading.”
🌿 Peppermint Tea Facts
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Scientific name: Mentha × piperita
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Benefits:
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Soothes digestive issues: gas, bloating, indigestion
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Eases headaches and tension
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Provides mild decongestant effects for colds
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May reduce nausea
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Preparation:
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Use fresh or dried leaves
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Steep covered in hot water (not boiling) for 5–10 minutes
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⚠️ Side Effects and Cautions
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Avoid in large quantities if you have acid reflux (it may relax the esophageal sphincter too much).
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Not recommended for infants or people with severe GERD.
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May interact with some medications (consult a doctor if unsure).
That evening, Nora dried the rest of the peppermint in small bundles hung upside down in the pantry. The tea leaves would last through the year — but the real benefit, she thought, was the time spent together, outside in the sun, harvesting something simple and good.
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