Top 10 Aromatherapeutic Herbs You Can Vape

If you own a vaporizer, it is likely that you use it for one of only two things: To vape cannabis or an e-liquid containing nicotine. Although smoking has been the most popular way to consume marijuana for millennia, recent research suggests that the process of combustion releases carcinogenic compounds which smokers subsequently inhale.

Yes, smoking weed is still less dangerous than smoking tobacco, but do you really need to risk your health when there is a safer, and some would say better, alternative? Vaping heats your weed to a high enough temperature to vaporize the substance, but the heat remains low enough to avoid releasing cancerous compounds, AND you retain most of the plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids.

What you may NOT realize is that you can vape hundreds of different herbs aside from marijuana. While you won’t get stoned, there could be some physical and mental benefits. In this guide, we take a look at the top 10 non-cannabis herbs you can vape.

1 – Blue Lotus

If you are seeking a psychoactive high, the water lily could be an unexpected ally. This flower was found in the tomb of the famous Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. It was not that big a surprise since the Blue Lotus was widely used in ancient Egypt for spiritual and recreational use. The Egyptians created a concoction made from wine and Blue Lotus.

The Blue Lotus could also provide you with a psychedelic high of sorts because it contains an alkaloid called aporphine. Unlike most psychedelics, however, Blue Lotus relaxes the body and acts on your dopamine receptors rather than your serotonin ones.

If you decide to vape the water lily, make sure you avoid stimulants such as coffee or sugar as it could impact the flower’s effects. Begin with 0.1 grams to test your tolerance and increase gradually if needed. Blue Lotus is illegal in a handful of nations such as Latvia, Poland, and Russia, and it vaporizes well at a temperature of 257 degrees Fahrenheit.

2 – Basil

Although it is best known as an excellent herb to add when cooking, vaping Basil comes with an array of benefits. The name ‘basil’ comes from basilikohn, a Greek word for ‘royal,’ and the herb has been used for centuries because of its apparent healing properties. For example, Basil is used to protect our DNA from oxidative and radiation damage.

It is used to treat colds and flu, menstrual disorders, and indigestion & constipation. There is even a suggestion that Basil has uplifting effects which may prove useful for individuals with depression or anxiety. Basil contains a terpene called linalool which is commonly found in dozens of marijuana strains. You can vaporize Basil at 266 degrees, and it is best used in the morning and afternoon.

3 – Catnip

This is another surprising entry; not least because it is associated with providing cats with great joy! While Catnip doesn’t invoke the same feelings in humans, it is still potentially capable of providing relaxation. Best of all, it is easy to find because you’ll find it in pet and garden stores.

Catnip is usually associated with anxiety relieving properties, and it is also mildly sedative. It is said that you can experience euphoria if you use Catnip in large amounts, but we don’t recommend it. The herb’s antipyretic effects could prove useful if you have a cold or flu, and it may aid restful sleep. The best temperature to vape catnip is 302 degrees.

4 – St John’s Wort

This is another popular medicinal herb that has been widely used for centuries. It is a natural antidepressant and is believed to have strong sedative properties when vaporized. As one of the most widely used herbal supplements in the U.S., St John’s Wort is better studied than most and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Other possible benefits include alleviating anxiety, improving sleep, and antibacterial & antiviral properties to help combat infection.

However, it is important to avoid this herb in certain circumstances. A 2009 study by Borelli and Izzo, published in The AAPS Journal, found that St John’s Wort decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills and has potentially negative interactions with drugs such as SSRIs and anticancer agents. If it is safe for you to use this herb, vaporize it at 302 degrees.

5 – Valerian

In ancient history, Valerian was the first Roman Emperor ever to be captured as a prisoner of war. It happened after the Battle of Edessa in 260 AD. The herb Valerian has a less unfortunate history as it has been used for centuries. It was initially used as a perfume, but soon enough, it was discovered that the root of the plant has an array of medical benefits.

Valerian is associated with anxiolytic and sedative effects, which is why it is found in a high proportion of natural sleep remedies. It is also used to treat anxiety and is occasionally used in the treatment of depression. When you vape this herb, it has a similar effect to lavender. The best temperature to vaporize Valerian is 302 degrees.

6 – Chamomile

This is another herb with a rich history of use in natural medicine. It grows in the wild in Western Asia and Europe. For centuries, Chamomile has been used to relieve anxiety, depression, stress, headaches, and indigestion. It is commonly found in the form of tea which people use to relax them before bedtime.

However, Chamomile works well with most vaporizers, and you can mix with other herbs (including marijuana) to enhance its stress-busting properties. Chamomile is safe for pregnant women and children, and could also prove useful if you have gas pains. This herb vaporizes best at a temperature of 374 degrees.

7 – Eucalyptus

It is likely that you have used eucalyptus to try and treat a sore throat or head cold at some point in your life. It has potent soothing effects and is often used to combat anxiety and stress. Eucalyptus is also known for its antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties.

It was originally found in Australia and is a very versatile herb. Its oils are often used in industrial solvents, cleaning agents, food supplements, decongestants, and insect repellents. Overall, however, vape this herb at a temperature of around 266 degrees to get the most out of its ability to hit back against colds and flu.

8 – Green Tea

This herb was a staple of ancient Chinese medicine and is still incredibly popular today. While it is prepared in a variety of ways, it is consumed as a tea in the vast majority of cases. However, Green Tea is well suited to vaporizers because its effects become more apparent faster than if you drink the concoction. It contains caffeine, which means it is not the best option for late night use.

Green Tea is associated with the alleviation of depression, and could also be used to treat aches and pains. This herb contains a huge array of flavanols and polyphenols, and when you vape it, you will adore the taste. Other possible benefits include increased focus and anti-aging properties. Vape Green Tea at a temperature of 356 degrees to derive the greatest benefit.

9 – Ginseng

You will find this herb in a lot of energy drinks which gives you some indication as to what it can do! Once again, it has long been associated with Chinese medicine and is believed to act as a potent remedy for conditions such as depression and fatigue. Ginseng achieves these goals by promoting vitality, endurance, and overall better health.

As well as providing you with an energy boost, Ginseng has been linked with boosting male sexual function. If that wasn’t enough, this herb could reduce your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Consider vaping Ginseng at a temperature of up to 392 degrees.

10 – Hops

This herb is commonly associated with the creation of beer, but it also offers a fantastic vaping experience. You will be taken aback by the complex yet subtle flavor although you need to remember that because there are so many types of hops, your experience could vary from one batch to the next.

Benefits of Hops include reducing stress and helping with insomnia. In general, you should benefit from deep relaxation, but if you vape a large amount of this herb, you could experience mild euphoria and drowsiness. Vape Hops at around 392 degrees to get the benefits.

Final Thoughts on Vaping Natural Herbs for Aromatherapy

Aside from Blue Lotus, which is only illegal in a few countries, all of the above herbs should be legal to purchase and vape. Each of them has a unique flavor, and you will be surprised by how relaxed you feel after vaping any one of these herbs.

Don’t mistake anything written in this article for sound medical advice. We recommend consulting with a physician before vaping any herb. This advice is especially important if you are sick, pregnant, or using any other medication. It is also unwise to operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery after using any herbs on this list.

If you decide to go ahead, make sure the herbs are taken from an organic source. If your herbs contain fungicides, pesticides, or chemical treatments, you could be inhaling dangerous compounds. Once you vaporize any of these herbs at a temperature above the recommendation, you risk releasing dangerous toxins. No matter what, it is imperative that you don’t combust the herbs.

To get the most out of your herbs, look for a vaporizer that allows you to pre-set the temperature. This gives you more control and allows you to experiment with different temperatures.