Steam and Solace

She poured hot peppermint tea into her favorite mug, watching the rising steam swirl gently. Peppermint has been studied for its ability to soothe digestive discomfort and calm the gastrointestinal tract, making it useful for minor stomach ailments (McKay and Blumberg 99).

The warmth of the tea also encouraged deep, mindful breathing, which has been shown to reduce stress and lower cortisol levels (Sahni et al. 215). Each sip grounded her in the moment, blending care, comfort, and quiet restoration.

Works Cited (MLA)

McKay, Diane L., and Jeffrey B. Blumberg. “A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea (Mentha × Piperita L.).” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 20, no. 8, 2006, pp. 619–633.
Sahni, Sonal, et al. “Mindfulness and Its Benefits on Stress: A Review.” International Journal of Yoga, vol. 12, no. 3, 2019, pp. 213–218.