Taking into consideration the real possibility friends and family suffered more than the usual amount of economic-induced stress and insomnia throughout 2008, I chose to give an herbal tea legendary for its relaxing properties as Christmas gifts.
Fidnemed is a blend of seven calming herbs in equal measure: hibiscus flowers, hops flowers, lavender flowers, lemon balm, passionflower, skullcap, and valerian root.
One part organic hibiscus flowers
One part organic hops flowers
One part organic lavender flowers
One part organic lemon balm
One part organic passionflower herb
One part organic skullcap
One part organic valerian root
Mix and keep in tightly sealed container. Using a tea ball or tea sock, measure out one teaspoon of herb blend for each cup of tea and place in tea pot. Add hot water. For a french press, simply add the herbs to bottom of carafe. Add hot water.
Depending on the desired strength of tea, allow to steep 5 to 15 minutes.
According to the Library of Ireland’s Social History of Ancient Ireland, the land surrounding early churches were considered a heavenly or sacred sanctuary. Trees in the sanctuary were planted for ornament and shelter. These sacred groves were known as Fidnemed.
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