All about vaporizing herbs: benefits and risks, overview of the best herbs and vaporizers
- What is vaporization of herbs?
- Vaping herbs and health: Is vaping herbs safe?
- Table of benefits and risks of vaping herbs
- Would you like a dried herb and/or herbal extract?
- How to prepare herbs for vaporization
- Overview: what are the best herbs to vaporize?
- Examples of vaporizers for herbs and herbal extracts
- Conclusion: storage of herbs and extracts
What is vaporization of herbs?
Vaporization (inhalation) of herbs is an activity in which herbs are heated to a temperature that releases their active ingredients in the form of vapour, which is then inhaled through the mouthpiece of a vaporizer. If vaporisation is carried out correctly, the herbs are not burned as they are in traditional smoking.
Vaping herbs and health: Is vaping herbs safe?
Overall, vaporising herbs is considered a healthier alternative to smoking, but even this is not entirely without risk.
Potential risks of vaping herbs include:
- Possible exposure to toxins: Although vaporization reduces the amount of harmful chemicals, it can still release some potentially dangerous substances, especially if the herbs are heated at higher temperatures.
- Possible contamination of herbs: Herbs can be contaminated with undesirable substances such as pesticides, heavy metals and fungi.
- Potential respiratory problems: vaping can irritate the respiratory tract and cause health problems, especially in people who already have respiratory problems. With long-term use, some individuals may develop chronic respiratory problems.
- Potential risk of addiction: tobacco or cannabis contain psychoactive or addictive ingredients (nicotine or THC) that can lead to addiction.
Despite the fact that vaping herbs is more health-friendly than smoking, it should be added that scientific studies have not yet fully investigated the long-term effects of vaping herbs.
Even when vaporizing, it is important to be aware of the possible risks and it is also necessary to take proper care of the vaporizer and the material being inhaled to minimize any health problems.
Table of benefits and risks of vaping herbs
The following table shows the benefits/risks of vaping herbs.
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Vaping herbs |
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Benefits |
Risks |
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Vaping releases more of the active ingredients from the herbs, increasing efficiency and reducing the amount of material consumed. |
Possible allergy or hypersensitivity to an herb |
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Precise dosage control |
Herbs can be contaminated with fungi, pesticides and heavy metals. |
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Vaporisation heats the herbs to a lower temperature so that harmful combustion-related products such as tar and carbon monoxide are not released. |
Some individuals may experience side effects such as dry mouth, throat irritation and other respiratory symptoms.
With long-term use, some individuals may develop chronic respiratory problems. |
Would you like a dried herb and/or herbal extract?
Deciding between dried herbs and herbal extracts? Check out this overview for basic information and individual advantages/disadvantages.
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Dried herbs |
Herbal extracts |
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Description |
Herbs that are allowed to dry to preserve their active ingredients and extend their shelf life.
Drying is carried out by various methods, such as:
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Concentrated forms of herbs that are obtained by extracting the active ingredients from plants using various solvents such as:
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Image |
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Different forms depending on the extraction method and purpose of use:
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Vaporization temperature |
Varies, depending on the specific herb, generally 125-200 °C. |
The inhalation temperature of herbal extracts depends on their form and composition.
In the case of oil extracts, temperatures may be lower to avoid damage to the active ingredients. |
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Conduction vaporizers for dry herbs, suitable for portable, desktop, manual vaporizers and vaporizer pens |
Convection flow equipment for concentrates and oils, desktop or portable vaporizers and vaporizing pens can be purchased |
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Benefits |
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Disadvantages |
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How to prepare herbs for vaporization
When you prepare your dry herbs for vaporization by grinding them, they will optimally release the active ingredients while providing an overall better inhaling experience.
Below you will find the appropriate tools and steps to properly prepare dry herbs.
3 tips on tools for preparing dry herbs
- Grinders: grinds herbs into smaller pieces, allowing for even heating and effective release of aromas and oils. A variety of grinders are available, the choice is a matter of preference.
For example, you can get the iconic metal grinder from Dutch brand Bulldog, the stylish and elegant Best Buds Flat Square Flamingo aluminium grinder, which is ideal for easily grinding all kinds of dry herbs, or the sleek and ergonomic OTTO from Banana Bros, which turns dry herbs into the perfect consistency in just seconds at the touch of a button.
- Storage containers: storing herbs in suitable storage containers is important to maintain their freshness and quality. They help keep herbs in a dry and dark environment, which is ideal for long-term storage.
- Vaporizing tools and accessories.
Steps to prepare herbs for vaporization
- Choose your herbs and crush them: Choose good quality dried herbs and use a crusher or grinder to crush them evenly.
- Fill the vaporizer: evenly fill the heating chamber of the vaporizer with crushed herbs. Be careful not to press too hard on each other, as this may prevent optimal air flow.
- Set the appropriate temperature: set the vaporizer to the recommended temperature for the herb you want to inhale. Different herbs may require different temperatures for optimal vaporization, see the overview: what are the best herbs to vaporize.
- Don't forget to clean: after vaping, clean the vaporizer regularly to prevent the accumulation of residues that affect not only the taste of the herbs, but also the potency.
Overview: what are the best herbs to vaporize?
In this table you will find an overview of the best herbs for vaporization, including possible properties, uses and suitable temperatures for vaporization.
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Tips on the best herbs for vaporization |
Possible properties of the herb |
Usage |
Main bioactive component |
Suitable temperature for vaporisation |
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Blue lotus (water lily or sacred blue lily) |
Sedative, calming, slightly euphoric, psychoactive |
Meditation, relaxation and sleep support |
Aporphine (alkaloid) |
125 °C |
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Lavender |
Soothing and anti-inflammatory |
Aromatherapy, stress relief and sleep support |
Linalool (terpene) |
130 °C |
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Linden |
Soothing, aiding digestion and detoxification |
Relaxation and sleep support |
160-180 °C |
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Peppermint |
Soothing property on the digestive system, refreshing |
Aromatherapy, headache relief and digestive support |
Menthol (terpene) |
170 °C |
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Lemon balm |
Calms nerves, antiviral |
Promoting mental well-being and sleep |
Citronellal (terpenoid) |
142 °C |
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Nettle |
Anti-inflammatory properties, rich in nutrients |
Detoxification and blood support |
Iron, vitamins, minerals |
200 °C |
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Birch |
Detoxifying and anti-rheumatic |
Detoxification and immunity support |
Betulin (triterpene) |
175 °C |
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Hops |
Soothing |
Sleep support, used in herbal blends designed for relaxation |
Myrcene (terpene) |
190 °C |
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Calendula |
Promotes skin health and healing, anti-inflammatory |
Help with skin problems and promote wound healing |
Lutein (carotenoid) |
160 °C |
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Basil |
Antioxidant and antimicrobial |
Aromatherapy and soothing of the digestive tract |
Linalool (terpene) |
130 °C |
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Chamomile |
Soothing and anti-inflammatory |
Sleep support and help with digestive and respiratory problems |
Bisabolol (sesquiterpene) |
190 °C |
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Eucalyptus |
Antiseptic |
Help with respiratory problems and relief from stuffy nose |
Eucalyptol (terpene) |
130 °C |
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Ibisek |
Metabolic and antioxidant support |
Promoting heart health and blood pressure |
Antokians |
130 °C |
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Sage |
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial |
Aromatherapy, relieve excessive sweating (suitable for women in transition) |
Thujone (terpene) |
190 °C |
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St. John's Wort |
Mental health support, calming |
Helps relieve mild depression and nervous conditions |
Hypericin (phenol derivative) |
175 °C |
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Valerian |
Soothing, sleep promoting |
Used to help with insomnia and anxiety |
Valerian Acid (seskviterpen) |
200 °C |
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Thyme |
Antimicrobial, respiratory support |
Helps with respiratory infections |
Thymol (phenol) |
175 °C |
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Passion flower |
Soothing and sleep support |
Helps fight nervousness and promotes sleep |
Harman (alkaloid) |
150 °C |
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Various therapeutic potential, it contains cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, CBG and THC. |
Traditionally, industrial hemp has been used for various industrial purposes. For example, CBD is used to relieve pain and inflammation, promote mental health and help with sleep problems. |
180-220 °C |
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Stimulant, contains the highly addictive substance nicotine |
It is used for its stimulating properties |
Nicotine (alkaloid) |
180-200 °C |
Examples of vaporizers for herbs and herbal extracts
If you want to buy a vaporizer for herbs or herbal extracts, it is a good idea to compare several models and their specifications. Vaporizers differ not only in size, but also in the way they heat up and other features. In this table you will find an overview of the most popular and affordable vaporizers.
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Type of vaporizers |
Model |
Specifications |
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Tip: You can find great vaporizers at lower prices from global brands, for example, unboxed, tested or used, in the online vaporizer bazaar.
Conclusion: storage of herbs and extracts
In order for herbs and extracts to retain their active substances, aroma and taste, it is necessary to follow a few basic rules when storing them.
The best choice for storing dried herbs and extracts is airtight containers that prevent airflow and protect the material from light. For example, purple glass containers are ideal, as they block the full spectrum of visible light except UV rays, which helps keep herbs fresh for longer.
Get, for example, the Miron airtight purple glass container, the Qnuba California vacuum canister, the resealable pocket canister or the Oil Black Leaf container with silicone interior.
Author: HotHouse Cucumber
Photo: Shutterstock
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