A Natural Approach to Health

Using a raw food diet for pets can significantly boost their health, and one simple yet powerful addition is the incorporation of plants like plantain and dandelion. These plants often found growing in our backyards or kitchen gardens, offer essential nutrients that can benefit both pets and their owners.

Since we grow these plants in our kitchen, picking a couple of leaves to add to our pug cross, Rocky's meals, is quick and easy. If you don’t have access to fresh leaves, dehydrating them and storing them as a powder is a great alternative. While fresh leaves retain the most nutrients, using what you have available is what matters most.

For my personal health, I eat raw, fresh dandelion and plantain leaves daily as part of my regimen, along with daily exercise. As I pick a few leaves for myself, I also prepare some for Rocky, who weighs about 25 pounds. I’ve noticed that if I simply add the whole leaves to his food, he tends to leave them on the plate. But when I chop the leaves into smaller pieces and mix them into his meal, the plate gets licked clean every time!

Why Add Plantain and Dandelion?

Including plants regularly in both your and your pet’s diet adds vital nutrients and supports overall wellness. However, it’s important to remember that each body is different, and what works well for us might not suit everyone. Before introducing any new plant or supplement into your pet’s diet, consult with a vet. Likewise, seek advice from your doctor when making changes to your own regimen.

Personally, I grow and use these fresh plants for their specific health benefits, helping with both my recovery and ongoing wellness. You can find information about a variety of plants and their benefits in the “Latest from FIFE” section of our website, where we also include recommendations for pets. If you are searching for specific nutrients like Vitamin C, we have begun compiling lists of plants that contain these benefits. Our resources, such as “FIFE In Action,” research videos, and “Research Websites,” are constantly expanding to help you on your journey to better health.

We are committed to ongoing research into the benefits of natural remedies for both humans and pets. By sharing what we learn, we aim to help you make informed choices about using natural methods for health and wellness. Remember, the health of your pet is an essential part of your own well-being. Taking responsibility for our health means understanding that we owe it to ourselves to live the best life possible.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone!

With the right knowledge, we can all live happy, fulfilling lives.

Vitamin C supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant protection, and improves iron absorption, contributing to overall health and disease prevention.

Plant list from most to the least:

Cherry Tomato, Contains a significant amount of vitamin C.

Hot Peppers, including varieties like Habanero and Cayenne, are excellent sources of vitamin C. In fact, they can be quite high in vitamin C, often exceeding the levels found in many fruits and vegetables.

Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album) does contain vitamin C. It’s actually a good source of this vitamin.

Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) does contain some vitamin C, but the amount is modest.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) does contain some vitamin C, but the amount is modest.

Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), also known as Yellow Dock, contains vitamin C, which can contribute to your daily intake of this vitamin.

Plantain (Plantago spp.), particularly the common plantain (Plantago major), contains small amounts of vitamin C.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) does contain some vitamin C, but the amount is relatively modest.

Mint (Mentha spp.) does contain some vitamin C, but the amount is relatively small.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) does contain vitamin C, but the amount is relatively small.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) does contain some vitamin C, but the amount is relatively modest.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) contains some vitamin C, but the levels are relatively low compared.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) does contain some vitamin C, but the amount is relatively modest.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) contains only trace amounts of vitamin C.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) contains only trace amounts of vitamin C.

Echinacea contains some vitamin C, but the amount is relatively small.

As we add new plants we will be updating this list if the plant contains vitamin C.

The plants available on our site in your diet can benefit from Vitamin E, which supports skin health, boosts the immune system, and provides antioxidant protection.

Plant List:

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) contain small amounts of vitamin E.

Hot peppers like habaneros do contain small amounts of vitamin E, but the quantity is relatively modest compared to other vitamin E-rich foods.

Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) does contain small amounts of vitamin E.

Mint, including common varieties like spearmint and peppermint, contains small amounts of vitamin E.

Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album) does contain some vitamin E.

Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), also known as yellow dock, contains some vitamin E.

Cherry Tomatoes contain vitamin E, although the amount is relatively small.

Echinacea contains only trace amounts of vitamin E.

As we add new plants we will be updating this list if the plant contains vitamin E.

A Journey of Love, Recovery, and Compassion: The Evolution of FIFE and the LIFE Community Project

In a world where challenges abound, the story of FIFE (Food Is For Everyone) and the LIFE Community Project is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering compassion. What began as a personal journey over 20 years ago has blossomed into a mission to assist those most in need, while also reflecting a deepening passion for understanding love in all its forms.

The Beginning of a Journey

The journey of FIFE began with a simple but profound desire: to explore the many meanings of love and to share that understanding with others. Over the years, this passion for love and compassion has guided our actions, leading to the creation of initiatives aimed at supporting the most vulnerable members of our community.

The Evolution of FIFE

Initially, FIFE was conceived as a pay-it-forward program in collaboration with local restaurants, aimed at growing and providing food for those struggling with food insecurity. The idea was simple: offer a meal to someone in need, and encourage them to pass on the kindness when they were able. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges that forced us to close our pay-it-forward program with participating restaurants.

Yet, as the world grappled with the pandemic, the LIFE Community Project—an initiative that had previously operated on a part-time basis—stepped up to meet the growing needs of our community. What began as a modest effort quickly turned into a daily commitment, providing over 150 meals a day for nearly two years. We worked hand-in-hand with other groups and organizations to ensure that those most in need received the support they deserved.

A Stroke and a New Focus

In the midst of this tireless work, founder John E. Walker experienced a devastating stroke, which led to a 29-day hospital stay. Without John’s leadership, the LIFE Community Project’s activities nearly came to a halt. The stroke marked a turning point, not only for John but for the entire LIFE Community Project, as the focus shifted from outward service to an inward journey of recovery.

From that moment on, the journey became one of healing, a path that continues to this day. John faced the immense challenge of learning to walk and talk again, all while navigating the financial hardships that accompany major health crises. Through this process, a harsh reality became evident: the cost of healthy, nutritious food is often out of reach for those already struggling with food insecurity. When the primary concern is simply putting food on the table, affording the items that could improve health and well-being is a luxury many cannot afford.

Growing Hope: From Garden to Recovery

Even before the stroke, the idea of growing food indoors year-round had begun to take shape. The limitations of Community Gardens and apartment living presented challenges, but they also sparked creativity. The focus shifted from merely growing food for sustenance to cultivating specific plants that could aid in recovery and promote better health.

This led to the exploration of various growing methods, including hydroponics, which significantly improved yields. Armed with a growing knowledge of the plants essential for recovery, we began cultivating and consuming Dandelion, Basil, Hot Peppers, and many other beneficial herbs and vegetables.

The Road to Recovery

In time, it was discovered that John’s stroke had been caused by an undiagnosed birth defect, necessitating open-heart surgery to prevent further strokes and restore his health. From July 25, 2021, to August 2024, John’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. From needing a walker and oxygen after leaving the hospital, he now walks 5-10 kilometers each day.

Our ongoing research focuses on plants that may assist with the neurological issues that persist, with the hope of achieving full recovery one day.

Our Pets, Our Wellness

Throughout this journey, we have come to understand that our pets are integral to our health and wellness. The plants we cultivate for our own well-being often have benefits that extend to our furry companions. A happy, healthy pet contributes to our overall wellness, and we have dedicated sections of our site to sharing information about how plants can support pet health.

Join Us on This Journey

As we continue to learn and grow, we invite you to join us on this incredible journey. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we hope to provide support and encouragement to those in need. Together, we can create a world where love, understanding, and compassion are truly for everyone.

LIFE - Love Is For Everyone!

Hydrosols, also known as floral waters, distillates, or herbal waters, are the by-products of steam distillation, which is primarily used to extract essential oils from plants. Hydrosols contain the essence of the plant in a less concentrated form than essential oils, making them gentler and often safer for various applications. Here are some reasons to use hydrosols and their uses with herbs:

Why Use Hydrosols?

1. Gentleness: Hydrosols are less concentrated than essential oils, making them suitable for use on sensitive skin, children, and pets.
2. Aromatic Properties: They capture the aromatic properties of the plant, providing a more subtle fragrance compared to essential oils.
3. Water-Soluble: Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are water-soluble, which allows them to be easily mixed with other water-based products.
4. Therapeutic Benefits: They carry the therapeutic properties of the herbs, offering similar benefits to essential oils but in a milder form.
5. Versatility: Hydrosols can be used in a variety of applications, including skincare, haircare, culinary uses, and home care.

Uses of Hydrosols with Herbs

1. Skincare:

   • Toners: Hydrosols can be used as facial toners to hydrate and balance the skin's pH. Examples include rose hydrosol for dry skin and witch hazel hydrosol for oily or acne-prone skin.
   • Facial Mists: They can be spritzed onto the face for a refreshing and moisturizing effect.
   • Cleansers: Used as a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin.

2. Haircare:

   • Rinses: Hydrosols like rosemary or lavender can be used as a final rinse after shampooing to promote healthy hair and scalp.
   • Scalp Treatments: Applied directly to the scalp to help with conditions like dandruff or irritation.

3. Culinary Uses:

   • Flavoring: Some hydrosols, such as orange blossom or rose, can be used to flavor foods and beverages.
   • Cooking: Added to recipes for a subtle herbaceous flavor.

4. Aromatherapy:

   • Room Sprays: Hydrosols can be used to freshen up a room with a natural fragrance.
   • Linen Sprays: Spritzed onto bedding or clothing for a pleasant scent.

5. Medicinal Uses:

   • Compresses: Soak a cloth in hydrosol and apply to the skin for soothing effects, useful for conditions like sunburn or inflammation.
   • Inhalation: Added to steam inhalation for respiratory support, such as using eucalyptus hydrosol.

6. Pet Care:

   • Sprays: Used as a gentle deodorizing spray or to soothe skin irritations.
   • Cleaning: Added to water for a safe cleaning solution for pet areas.

Popular Herb Hydrosols and Their Uses

• Lavender: Calming and soothing, used for skincare, relaxation, and as a sleep aid.
• Rose: Hydrating and balancing, ideal for skincare and adding a floral flavor to culinary dishes.
• Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory and calming, used for skin irritations and as a gentle cleanser.
• Peppermint: Cooling and invigorating, great for refreshing skin and easing digestive issues.
• Witch Hazel: Astringent and anti-inflammatory, commonly used for acne and skin irritations.

Hydrosols offer a versatile and gentle way to incorporate the benefits of herbs into daily life, suitable for a wide range of applications from skincare to culinary uses.

We encourage you to learn more about your health and wellness, you can find more with our Research Videos/Websites or seek different sites and share with us so we can do better for our education and health.

Maximizing Fresh Herbs:

A Guide to Dehydrating and Creating Nutrient-Rich Spice Blends

Fresh herbs are a wonderful addition to any kitchen, bringing vibrant flavors and aromas to meals. However, it can be challenging to use all the herbs you grow before they spoil. Fortunately, with proper dehydration techniques, you can preserve these herbs, maintain their nutritional value, and enjoy them long after their harvest.

Why Dehydrate Herbs?

Dehydrating herbs extend their shelf life well beyond a few days and retain most nutrients. This process involves removing moisture from the plants, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold, allowing the herbs to be stored for months or even years.

The Dehydration Process

To get started, gather your herbs and ensure they are clean and dry. Arrange them in a single layer on dehydrator trays or an oven-safe rack. For best results, use a dehydrator set to a low temperature or an oven with the lowest setting to avoid cooking the herbs. Monitor the herbs until they are crisp and crumble easily.

Creating Flavorful Spice Blends

Once your herbs are fully dehydrated, you can combine them to create unique spice blends that enhance the flavor and nutrition of your meals. Here’s a guide to making your own spice blends:

1. Basic Ingredients:

   • Hot Peppers: Add heat and a boost of vitamin C.
   • Tomatoes: Provide lycopene, an antioxidant.
   • Basil: Offers anti-inflammatory properties and a fragrant aroma.
   • Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting and heart-healthy benefits.
   • Onion: Adds flavor and has antioxidants.

2. Optional Additions:

   • Arugula: Adds a peppery taste and is rich in vitamins A and K.
   • Plantain Leaves: Provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Steps to Make Your Spice Blends

1. Prepare the Herbs: After dehydration, break the herbs into smaller pieces and store them in a glass jar.
2. Grind the Herbs: Use a coffee grinder to turn the dried herbs into a fine powder.
3. Mix and Match: Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend. For instance, a mix of hot peppers, tomatoes, basil, garlic, and onion creates a versatile seasoning that can be used in various dishes.

Health and Community Impact

Increasing the nutritional value of the food we consume can positively impact our health. By sharing these spice blends with those in need, particularly in communities facing food insecurity, you provide not only flavorful additions to their meals but also crucial nutrients that might otherwise be lacking.

Join the Movement

Your efforts in growing, dehydrating, and blending herbs can make a significant difference. By expanding these practices and sharing your knowledge, you contribute to a broader effort to improve nutrition and food security in your community.

Remember, every small step towards enhancing the nutritional value of our food can lead to significant health benefits. Together, we can create a positive impact, spreading love and nourishment to everyone.

LIFE – Love Is For Everyone!