VMs: Astragalus - f20r

[Luis Vélez <legal1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Five main uses for Astragalus during medieval times:

* being a bitter medicinal herb, increases production of saliva, which in
turn stimulates appetite.

* medicinal: it can improve liver functions and boost the immune system; for
many years was mostly used by Oriental doctors to treat diabetes, heart
disease, and high blood pressure

* as an aphrodisiac herb.

* painting: another use of its gummy sap, Tragacanthus, is as a binding
agent in watercolor paints and pastels.

* as poison: induces locoism, often fatal.

Thanks to Dana for his precise efforts in the positive identification of
f20r.

Luis