Herbal Calm

She poured hot lemon balm tea into her cup, letting the aroma rise slowly. Lemon balm has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote calmness by modulating GABA neurotransmitters in the brain (Kennedy et al. 114).

Drinking warm herbal teas can also support focus, relaxation, and sleep quality, making it a simple yet effective self-care ritual (McKay and Blumberg 625). She held the cup with both hands, savoring the warmth and letting the moment ground her. Each sip reminded her that care could be quiet, deliberate, and restorative.

Works Cited (MLA)
Kennedy, David O., et al. “Modulation of Mood and Cognitive Performance Following Acute Administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm).” Psychosomatic Medicine, vol. 69, no. 2, 2007, pp. 113–118.
McKay, Diane L., and Jeffrey B. Blumberg. “A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 20, no. 8, 2006, pp. 619–633.