Jul 10, 200608:03 AMThe Life

Desert flora: creosote bush

The creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is a hardy desert plant, also known as chaparral, greasewood and stinkweed. One bush up in the Mojave Desert has become famous as The World's Oldest Living Thing.

Creosote is used as a wood preservative, primarily to protect utility poles and railroad ties. It also serves many medicinal purposes: cure of fever, influenza, colds, upset stomach, gas, gout, arthritis, sinusitis, anemia and fungus infections. Creosote has antimicrobial properties, making it a useful first aid. It is also beneficial in the treatment of allergies, autoimmunity diseases and premenstrual syndrome. Creosote serves as an analgesic, antidiarrheal, diuretic and emetic. The bush is used as livestock feed, firewood and roofing material for adobe houses. Creosote can be used to prevent rancidity of vegetable oils, as a mild sunscreen or massage oil. It also serves as a disinfectant for homes, an insecticide and fish poison.

Is there anything it DOESN'T do?!

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