5/28/2012

Types of Vaporizer

 An herbal vaporizer is an electronic device that heats herbs such as tobacco, lavender, chamomile and many more types of plant material. A vaporizer works by heating herbs such as tobacco with direct heat or through the use of hot air in one of three ways. The first is thermal conduction where the herbs are set directly on a heating element, like a metal plate such as the Iolite Portable Vaporizer. The second is convection where herbs are heated with hot air, or forced air vaporizers such as the Volcano Vaporizer. The third is thermal radiation in which light is used to heat the herbs. After the herbs are heated, a mist or vapor containing the active ingredients of the herb is released into an inhalation tube or into a storage container such as a bag or jar. Storage of the vapor allows for future inhalation, like the Balloon with the Volcano Vaporizer.

Vaporizers are favored over traditional methods of smoking herbs due to the reduction of harsh side effects. Some of these side effects include inhalation of tar, carbon monoxide and other carcinogens either directly or from second hand smoke. With many states now imposing smoking bans in public areas, vaporizers have become popular substitutes. There are no current bans on vapor inhalation and without the production of second hand smoke, there is no complaint from the public. Do keep in mind local laws and popular opinion in your area before using a vaporizer.




When buying a vaporizer, it is very important to verify the temperature that your vaporizer will heat to. At lower levels of heat, vapors from vegetative materials are mainly aroma therapeutic and do not usually contain the active ingredients of the herb. Without the active ingredients being present, there is no physiological reaction. At higher levels of heat, active ingredients will be included in the vapor from the vaporizer. With some herbs the active ingredients appear at different levels of heat. Also, keep in mind that at higher heat levels, usually aromatic vapors have already been released and are not always present.

Popular opinion seems to be that it is best to create vapors in a vaporizer by beginning with low heat and slowly increasing the heat level. This insures the best combination of active ingredients along with aromatic vapors. Also, when shopping for your own vaporizer, remember that the warm air generally produced by vaporizers can be harsh on the throat and bronchial tubes. Some vaporizers use a cooling down process that allows water moisture to be included in the vapor produced. These vaporizers enable the user to inhale a cool and moist vapor that is less harsh and irritating. Just keep in mind that if water vapor cools too much or is left sitting too long it will change into condensation.