Steam in the Cup

Steam rose slowly from the mug, carrying the scent of peppermint through the quiet room. Peppermint tea has been shown to support digestion and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort by relaxing smooth muscle in the digestive tract (McKay and Blumberg 2).

Warm beverages also promote relaxation by activating sensory pathways associated with comfort and safety (Spence 59). She held the cup with both hands, letting the warmth steady her breathing. The moment did not rush her. It allowed her to rest.

Works Cited (MLA)

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.
Spence, Charles. “Comfort Foods: The Psychology of Warmth.” Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, vol. 30, 2019, pp. 56–61.