Herb Vaporizer

How Herb Vaporizers Work

Some herb vaporizers use the convection method. In this way, heated air is transferred through the dried herbs and the vapor is released into the air. This produces a gas that can be readily inhaled as it spreads throughout the room. Recently, people have begun using their tobacco or marijuana in this way instead of smoking cigarettes. While this method of inhaling tobacco doesn’t appear to have any ill effects on the lungs or other parts of the body, the FDA hasn’t approved this inhalation method. Because of this, several herbal vaporizers (such as the Volcano) are prohibited from being sold in the United States.

Other vaporizers use steam and essential oils. This method allows the user to place a few drops of the desired essential oil directly into warm water in the vaporizer, or the oils may be placed in a reservoir where the steam passes directly over it. Both of these methods are effective in the aerial diffusion of a scent.

Purchasing Vaporizers

Vaporizers are readily available in most retail stores. They are often sold as humidifiers that have a reservoir for essential oils. Dried herb vaporizers can easily be found online and occasionally in cigarette and cigar specialty stores. Good quality vaporizers can be found ranging in price from $20 for steam vaporizers to $100 or more for dried herb vaporizers.

Benefits of Using Vaporizers

People that use herbal vaporizers to diffuse herbal essences in their home may be reaping health benefits, however skeptics believe that it is all in the mind. Few studies have been done on the effects of herbal essences on people, primarily because patents cannot be given on herbs. Nonetheless, individuals using this form of aromatherapy believe that herbs have indeed contributed to their health.

The following common herbs have been used in vaporizers with success, according to users:

• Clary Sage- used to aid in sleeplessness
• Eucalyptus- used to help clear nasal passages
• Jasmine- used to help people feel confident and uplifted
• Lavender- used to relieve stress, headaches and migraines
• Lemon- used as a stimulant and a refresher
• Peppermint- used to stimulate people who are fatigued
• Roman Chamomile- used to aid in sleep and relaxation
• Rosemary- believed to be a mental stimulant and an anti-depressant
• Sandalwood- used to combat depression and stress
• Ylang Ylang- helpful in reducing stress, depression and nervous tension

Purchasing Herbs and Essential Oils

Dried herbs and essential oils can be found many places online, and locally you may find them in health food stores, drug stores or in herbalist stores. The following sites sell herbs and essential oils to the public:

• Penn Herb Company
• San Francisco Herb Company
• Monterey Bay Spice Company
• American Indian Herb Company
• Thyme Garden Herb Company

Safety Tips for Herb Diffusion

The safe use of any oil or herb is recommended by individuals who work as herbalists and by the people who sell these items. Unfortunately, there are a few oils that are considered unsafe to use. A complete listing can be found at the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

The recommended time for using a steam vaporizer is two hours. The recommended time for using a dried herb vaporizer is 15 minutes every two hours. Never use a light bulb as a vaporizer for essential oils as many of these oils are combustible.

Vaporizers are a great way to enjoy your herbs or essential oils. Observe safety precautions and study the types of herbs and their effects before you use them in order to enjoy them to their fullest.