Leaves That Heal

She steeped the leaves slowly, honoring the patience of the process. Herbal teas have been used across cultures for digestive comfort, immune support, and symptom relief, with compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids contributing to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects (Heinrich et al. 158).

Chamomile, for example, has demonstrated mild antimicrobial activity and calming properties that support relaxation and gastrointestinal health (McKay and Blumberg 523). As the steam rose, she understood that medicine did not always arrive loudly. Sometimes healing unfolded leaf by leaf.

Works Cited (MLA)
Heinrich, Michael, et al. Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy. 2nd ed., Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2012.
McKay, Diane L., and Jeffrey B. Blumberg. “The Role of Tea in Human Health: An Update.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, vol. 21, no. 1, 2002, pp. 1–13.