he following appears as an introduction to the book:

“Ron Roberts has suffered from asthma since childhood, but has managed to control his condition using the techniques he describes in this book. He has worked with asthmatics in a number of complementary medical fields for many years. He trained first as a teacher, then as a natural therapist, gaining qualifications in naturopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture. He has also run successful swimming programs for asthmatics."

Several quotes are presented from the chapter entitled "Aromatherapy" as follows:

"Aromatherapy makes therapeutic uses of essential oils extracted from nature's kingdom: from flowers, trees, bushes, roots, seeds, herbs and even bark."

"Robert Tisserand, in his book Aromatherapy for Everyone (Penguin), divides aromatherapy into three main areas: clinical, holistic and aesthetic. In clinical or medical aromatherapy, essential oils are prescribed along with herbal preparations to treat disease. This is especially popular with doctors in France."

"The antifungal and antibacterial properties of essential oils also supply the asthmatic with protection against airborne viruses and bacteria."

Under the subtitle of "Eucalyptus", appear the following quotes:

"A great deal of Australian history can be traced from the bushman who first distilled eucalyptus from the leaves of the blue mallee gum tree, in the very early days of settlement in Australia. Although almost all Australian gum trees are eucalyptus, this particular species contains the most aromatic and potent oil, and so is the most suitable to harvest from. Today, the blue mallee gum grows in abundance throughout the world, so the oil is also produced worldwide.

Eucalyptus oil is probably the most effective and natural remedy to help reduce the severity of an asthma attack. It can also prevent attacks even starting, as the vapor stops airways becoming dry and so reduces upper respiratory tract infections. There are specific vaporizers on the market, to help relieve asthma, croup, head colds and respiratory ailments, and you can add eucalyptus oil to make the vapor more effective. Eucalyptus massaged into the chest before bed will help those who tend to wake during the night with asthma.

When early warning of asthma such as mild wheezing appear, place one or two drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl with steaming hot water, drape a towel over your head and inhale the vapor. This will also help to clear the head and ease nasal congestion if you have a cold or influenza. Likewise, a few drops on a handkerchief can be inhaled throughout the day to keep your nasal passages clear. Sprinkle one or two drops on your pillow for a pleasant night's sleep.

The therapeutic properties of eucalyptus go beyond asthma and respiratory problems, though, as it is also an effective remedy for muscular aches and pains, and insect bits. Eucalyptus can be used as a mouthwash and bath refresher, as a hand and skin cleanser or in a vaporizer, humidifier and in a sauna. Eucalyptus nasal sprays, joint and muscle ointments and chest rubs are available - even eucalyptus sweets with lemon and honey."

"Eucalyptus will protect your whole environment. Use it as your disinfectant, room deodorizer, insect repellent and spot cleaner."

"For a more efficient distribution of aroma you can use a fan-forced, air-filtered vaporizer and add the oil to it. This safe, sloe-release system can be used in rooms with limited ventilation to help relive asthma and respiratory conditions. A smaller version of this air vaporizer has been designed to sit snugly on air vents of cars."

Reference: Ron Roberts and Judy Sammut, in the book entitled "Asthma: An Alternative Approach, Keats Publishing, Inc., New Canaan, Connecticut, 1997, and the above quotes have been excerpted from an introductory page and from pages 133-137.