You’ll be surprised at how many of these are readily available in any average household, and what they are capable of!
First off, let’s get acquainted with the two main forms of aromatherapy:
- Standard aromatherapy
- Phyto-inhalation
Standard aromatherapy
The better known form of aromatherapy, a therapeutic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts and herbs to promote physical and mental health and well-being.
The procedure involves indirect inhalation of essential oils that have evaporated into the air using an essential oil diffuser, spray, oil droplets or steam.
Phyto-inhalation
The lesser known form of aromatherapy that can be done by direct inhalation of combusted or vaporized plant matter. We will largely be focussing on phyto-inhalation in this article.
Plant matter (‘pytho’) can be combusted or vaporized with a device such as a dry herb vaporizer to release the active ingredients. (Check out our blog article on dry herb vaporizers for Cannabis use, however dry herb vaporizers work excellent for all types of dry herb, not just cannabis!)
Here is our blog review on another quality dry herb vaporizer, giving you some more inside information on using a dry herb vape.Â
The benefits of phyto-inhalation over conventional smoking are substantial. Because you inhale vapor instead of smoke, you pretty much cut out all of the contaminants while keeping all the desired active ingredients.
Hint: Cannabis extract vaporizers work great for vaporizing essential oils!
Dry-herb vaporizers for aromatherapy
Vaporizers can be utilized to extract and inhale all sorts of essential oils and desired compounds from various plants and herbs.
Today’s popularity of dry herb vaping is directly linked to their superior flavour delivery, maximized effectiveness and largely (almost completely) reduced carcinogen counts.
Although it is believed to treat and cure various symptoms or illnesses, it is always recommended to seek advice from your medical professional or aromatherapist before self-medicating.
To make sure you get the most out of your dry herb vaporizer – make sure you read this.Â
Check out Vaperite & Cannarite’s superior collection of vaporizers and dry herb vaporizers here!
Is inhaling aromatherapy safe?
Inhalation is arguably the safest way to administer essential oils, and definitely the fastest way to get these essential oils into your bloodstream. It is however strongly recommended to use essential oils with caution, even when using an essential oil diffuser.
20 Legal Herbs You Can Vaporize for Aromatherapy
Apart from Cannabis, there are many other herbs that are used to benefit and treat one’s body, mind and spirit. Here are 20 (and there are many more) herbs you can use for aromatherapy – and you probably already have some of them!
- Basil
- Blue Lotus
- Catnip
- Chamomile
- Coffee
- Eucalyptus
- Aloe Vera
- Hops
- Lavender
- Damiana
- Thyme
- Green Tea
- Hemp
- Lemon Balm
- Lemongrass
- Mint (Peppermint, Spearmint)
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Hibiscus
- Passionflower
Basil
Basil offers additional benefits to simply seasoning food, to name but a few:
- Lowers your blood sugar level
- Lowers cholesterol
- Reliefs cold and digestive symptoms
These are in addition to improving your mood, making it perfect for in the morning and afternoon. Basil also contains Linalool – a terpene found in various Cannabis strains.
Ideal vaporizing temp: 130°C (266°F)
Blue Lotus
This flower was commonly used in ancient times both medicinally and recreationally, as it does have some psychoactive effects due to its aporphine alkaloid.
Vaping Blue Lotus can:
- Provide mild euphoria
- Aid in restless sleep
- Aid in anxiety
Another name for Blur Lotus is the Water Lily or Sacred Blue Lily.
Ideal vaporizing temp: 125°C (257°F)
Catnip
Yes, catnip is beneficial to humans as well:
- Mildly euphoric feeling
- Reduces anxiety and relaxes
- Helps with Indigestion and insomnia
Catnip has more prominently been used in Chinese and European history for various health ailments, however can cause headaches and nausea if taken in high doses. In extreme cases, it can even cause the giggles!
Ideal vaporizing temp: 150°C (302°F)
Chamomile
Very popular among dry herbs for vaporizing, chamomile is well known for its relaxed and calming effects. It can be used to calm you down and ultimately help you sleep.
Ideal vaporizing temp: 125°C (257°F)
Coffee
That’s right, you can basically inhale a cup of coffee.
Vaporizing coffee beans provide an almost identical set of benefits to an actual cup of coffee, the main benefit being caffeine’s stimulation of the brain and central nervous system.
Your dry herb vaporizer activates and releases the caffeine, antioxidants and flavonoids which are then quickly and easily absorbed through the lungs. It can be used as a little pick-me-up while you’re on the go, or as an alternative to drinking it.
Suggested vaporizing temp: 200°C (392°F)
Eucalyptus
A herb of Australian origin and having quite a set of benefits:
- Relieves stress
- Treatment of colds, flu and lung infection.
- Antibacterial properties
The bright menthol flavour and aroma of Eucalyptus also make it an excellent dry herb to vaporize to improve mental mental clarity and focus.
Suggested vaporizing temp: 130°C (266°F)
Green tea
Just like drinking green tea, vaping it provides the same, even slightly increased benefits.
Just like coffee, green tea contains caffeine which is said to help with minor aches and even depression. When vaped, green tea releases more caffeine than drinking it, which can provide a burst of energy.
Suggested vaporizing temp: 185°C (365°F)
Hemp
Being the same species as the cannabis plant, the main difference between hemp and Cannabis is it’s very low THC level, on average less than 0.3%.
Hemp is used for building material, cloth and cosmetics to name but a few, and its uses are expanding almost daily.
When vaped, hemp can provide similar effects to those of CBD cannabis strains. Some users report an instant feeling of calm or relaxation, however this is very mild.
Suggested vaporizing temp:193-204°C (380-400°F)
Aloe Vera
You can vape aloe vera for a soothing and relaxing quality along with its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ideal vaporizing temp:175-200°C (347-392°F)
Hops
Hops are not only for brewing beer, they can do more!
As a flowering plant of the cannabis-family, hops also contain a variety of aromatic terpenes.
Apart from being the main accent flavour in beer, when vaped, hops can provide mild euphoric effects.
Hops vaporize best at 200°C (392°F)
Lavender
A well-known ingredient to spice up many smokable dry herbs, Lavender has a nostalgic, sweet floral smell. It is also good in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing effects.
You can vape lavender for:
- Pain relief
- Insomnia
- Antibacterial properties
- Relaxation
Ideal vaporizing temp:125°C (257°F)
Damiana
Known for being a potent aphrodisiac, damiana also provides a boost in mood and energy when vaped.
Holistic approaches to damiana include aromatherapy that heal the mind, body and spirit. To add to its properties, this plant also helps with libido.
Thyme
Another herb that you could probably get from your spice cabinet, the culinary ingredient that is Thyme.
This herb relieves:
- Congestion
- Sinus infections
- Colds
Vaporizing thyme offers a woodsy herbal taste and can provide an enjoyable vape session on its own. Ideal vaporizing temp:150°C (302°F)
Lemon Balm
Apart from its delightfully fruity flavour, vaping lemon balm can be an aid in all of the following ailments:
- Headaches
- Pain
- Stress
- Muscle stiffness
There have also been reports of people using lemon balm for internal wounds and gut issues.
Ideal vaporizing temp:142°C (288°F
Lemongrass
This herb has antioxidants and antibacterial properties and can aid in stress relief.
Its crisp, citrussy mint flavour and aroma make it a delightful herb for dry herb vaporizing.
Peppermint
Vaporizing peppermint is good for mental alertness and focus. It can also give you an energy boost similar to caffeine if vaporized.
In addition, its light and refreshing aroma can help relieve colds and body aches.
Ideal vaporizing temp:170°C (338°F)
Rosemary
Another popular herb for vaporizing on its own or adding to a mix for some extra aroma and flavour. Rosemary is one of the most aromatic and pungent of all herbs and has a signature lemon-pine flavour.
Vaping rosemary can have the following desired effects:
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
Ideal vaporizing temp:125°C (257°F)
Sage
Sage is popular for its spiritual cleansing properties, and can reportedly improve brain function and the digestive system.
In addition, sage can assist in:
- Memory
- Focus
- Boosts your mood
Ideal vaporizing temp:190°C (374°F)
Hibiscus
A popular product for hibiscus is in fact tea, due to its complex aroma and taste.
The flower contains flavonoids that boost metabolism and help with anxiety.
When vaped, hibiscus does not release caffeine, but does release various antioxidants and vitamin C.
Ideal vaporizing temp:175°C (347°F)
Passionflower
Reportedly providing a similar high to marijuana, passionflower provides calmness and offers a sedating effect when vaporized.
Passionflower also assists with main management and addiction treatment.
Ideal vaporizing temp:150°C (302°F)
For more info, visit our vapeshop, or cannarite shop
