It can be very overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to taking your first step into the dry herb aromatherapy vaporizer scene. Here at Pocket Ovens, we welcome you with a cushy couch and a hot cup of basic info to get you started. Read on to begin the exploration!
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What is a Dry Herb Aromatherapy Vaporizer?
Taking a quick scroll through the vaporizer devices available on the market today, dry herb aromatherapy vaporizers exude a vibe of highly engineered space technology. Given the modern and sleek look, you would be surprised to learn that the beginnings of dry herb vaporization date back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and India. As early as 5BC, Herodotus the ancient Greek historian recorded his observation of the ancient nomadic warrior tribe of Scythia vaporizing. He recounts them using red, hot stones around a bonfire to heat herb seeds until they pop and crackle (but not catch fire), then inhaling the vapor from them.
From then to now, the same principles apply. Nevertheless, we have modernised our devices from the red, hot stones of yore. All vaporizers essentially directly heat, but do not set fire to, aromatherapeutic herbs using a heated surface or heated air until a vapor is emitted, that can then be inhaled. Most devices today have the same building blocks in their components, which are:
- A battery: Where the energy source to the heat generator comes from.
- A heat generator: Where a heating element supplies specific, constant high temperatures. Could also include a fan and air slot to flow hot air to the treatment compartment.
- A treatment compartment (Chamber/Oven) : Where the dry aromatherapy herbs are contained to be treated with high heat.
- An inhaler (Mouthpiece) : Where the vapor is directed into your mouth for inhalation.
We said most, because not all dry herb vaporizers are made the same. For example, the Dynavap vaporizers are battery and electricity-free vaporizer marvels, which utilizes an external heating source like a torch flame to heat the chamber.
There is a delightful variation in types of vaporizers and their component parts. One key differentiator between vaporizers is the heating methods used; whether it uses a conduction, convection or a hybrid of the two. Depending on your preferences, there is a device that would be suited specifically for you!
Is a Dry Herb Aromatherapy Vaporizer the same as an E-cigarette?
No, it is not. Dry herb aromatherapy vaporizers are very different devices compared to e-cigarettes or liquid cartridge vape pens. Dry herb vaporizers are for use with only dry herbs, it would be damaged if used with liquids or vape juices. Aside from that, dry aromatherapy herbs are just dried plant materials that do not contain any nicotine, unlike the liquids in vape cartridges and vape juices for use in e-cigarettes or vape pens. Plus, high-quality, legal dry aromatherapy herbs like these are relatively pure and free from harmful chemicals, carcinogens, additives, and other contaminants. In fact, the aromatherapy herbs we carry are produced and certified as Organic according to European Union regulations! Liquid concentrates and vape juices, on the other hand, contain nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine or glycerol, and other chemicals.
Beginning from the early 2000s onwards, the popularity of liquid cartridge vaping and e-cigarettes kept growing. Inevitably, along with the market growth came a slew of new products and types of devices, some of which were unregulated, illegal, and not governed by any quality control standards. Likely contributed by that factor, in late 2019, came a rise of severe lung illnesses related to using e-cigarette products. Initially known as VAPI (vaping associated pulmonary illness), scientists have created a new term EVALI, which stands for “e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury,” to refer to the syndrome. Although scientists have not yet discovered conclusive evidence on the causes of EVALI, early research shows that it could be caused by a single ingredient called vitamin E acetate, and it is typically used as a thickener in liquid cartridges or vape juices.
Most crucially, we want to highlight that vaping-related illnesses like EVALI are not associated with vaporizing dry aromatherapy herbs. The illness is associated with e-cigarettes and vape pens which use liquid cartridges or vape juices, instead of dry aromatherapy herbs.
If you put in the time and effort to learn the correct methods of using dry herb vaporizers as advised by manufacturers and the community, it is one of the safest methods to heat and consume your material. It has turned into the preferred choice of many seeking better alternatives to tobacco smoking and is quickly becoming favoured among the different types of dry herbs users due to its consistency and efficiency. Heck, even the big cigarette players like Philip Morris have unveiled tobacco-heating devices like the IQOS, which do not burn but rather heat.
Why use a Dry Herb Aromatherapy Vaporizer?
Dry herb vaporizers today have come a long way in terms of quality, usability, and temperature control which is the key differing factor between smoking versus vaporizing dry herbs. Botanical herbs are heated to specific temperatures to optimise the delivery of their beneficial active ingredients in vapor with less harmful toxins.
The vapor produced by a dry herb vaporizer is smoother, smells better and tastes more flavourful than smoke. On the other hand, combustion (which happens at temperature greater than 230°C), more commonly known as smoking, applies direct fire to burn dry aromatherapy herbs, releasing smoke with hazardous compounds. Exactly like smoking a cigarette. As we all know, smoking is harmful to our health and those around us.
There’s many ways, tips and tricks to using dry herb aromatherapy vaporizers, so we will be covering this in more detail in our future articles. Stay tuned.
Is a Dry Herb Aromatherapy Vaporizer for me?
If you are looking for a healthier, more efficient and more enjoyable way to consume herbs, a dry herb vaporizer is the best option. Ultimately, in the experience of enjoying dry aromatherapy herbs, you are the only one that can decide what is best for you. The negative side effects of combustion methods are exceedingly proven in studies across the years, but it remains the more accessible option. However, investing in a dry herb vaporizer means choosing a cleaner method for your lungs, optimising the properties and benefits you get out of your aromatherapy botanicals, and allowing you to experience the aroma and flavours of dry herbs in a whole new way. It may mean you have to spend a bit more and there is a slight learning curve to it, but we at Pocket Ovens aim to make it as stress-free as possible for anyone who wants to make the switch. It is up to you to decide!
Best Dry Herb Aromatherapy Vaporizer for beginners
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