Vital Man: Natural Health Care for Men at Midlife
This informative though sometimes frustrating guide to using herbal and natural remedies to treat the symptoms of middle age is actually three works in one. Buhner, an herbalist, begins with an excellent introduction in which he argues that the midlife "crisis" for a man is better seen as a "natural process" in the "aging of the self," a "movement into new territories of the self" that requires a better understanding of the workings of a man's body chemistry. Second, while he is not a medical doctor, Buhner does explain the research he has done in understanding the male body, in lengthy sections describing the workings of the various body parts. Third, Buhner presents an amazing range of herbal and plant remedies for various diseases related to the body parts he discusses. If readers want to know how juniper berries can aid urinary tract infections, or how ginkgo can be used in treating the heart and the mind, Buhner is a knowledgeable guide. However, his argument for the use of these herbs and supplements is rooted in a more general argument that "middle-age" problems are the result of changing levels of the male hormone androgen, which leads him to some general and strict suggestions such as his list of "things to avoid"-which includes aspirin, antibiotics and antifungal drugs as well as antidepressants. Ultimately, this book will best serve those readers already familiar with herbal medicines and ready to follow the highly specific dietary suggestions.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.