Good Sunday Morning from Madera Reserve Arizona where it was 66 arroyo-level™ degrees at daybreak.
We've enjoyed a steady, soaking, gentle rain during the last twenty-four hours and later in the afternoon a thunderstorm or two may roll in. Or Not. Rainfall coaxes Greasewood (Creosote Bush) to release a distinctively pleasant aroma that simply means rain in the desert. The aroma is much more pronounced in the Sonoran Desert than elsewhere. Why? More rain equals more and healthier specimens of the world's oldest living organism. Wait. Wut? You and I always thought that Bristlecone Pine was the oldest living organism on earth. Bristlecone Pine is certainly far more gorgeous than Greasewood but its 4,000 year lifespan is only a third of the desert dwelling Creosote Bush.
Folk medicine practitioners have used creosote for centuries as a salve or ointment, especially as an antiseptic and pain reliever. Creosote is known as a blood cleanser, an antioxidant, antiviral and antibiotic agent, and is used for infections, skin problems, and auto-immune diseases such as arthritis, and may help to lower blood cholesterol. It is currently under research as a chemotherapeutic agent for cancer, and shows promise.
Me? I throw a little Greasewood on the coals sometimes, which adds a subtle smoky flavor to the meat.
Note: My sunrise pic didn't come out well. This one is from a different morning some time ago.
As Always,
Photo Credit (unless otherwise noted): ©TWC, all rights reserved
