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Portable Vaporizer Tips

A portable vaporizer is a small, hand-held device that is used to heat herbs, essential oils or tobacco for inhalation. The vaporizer heats the material via conduction or convection, rather than by burning. Because vaporizers are smokeless, you can use them where smoking is prohibited. The health risks associated with smoking are eliminated, and the nuisance of secondhand smoke is nonexistent. While vaporizers are simple to use, some tips can improve your vaporizing experience.

  1. Herb Preparation and Use

    • Dried herbs are best for use in a vaporizer. The herbs should be ground as finely as possible. A powder-like consistency is preferable. Do not overfill the chamber of the vaporizer. You need room for air to circulate for optimum benefit. Overfilling can cause overheating of the herbs and the unit. Only a small amount of material is needed in a vaporizer. Follow the instructions that came with your vaporizer.

    Essential Oil Use

    • Check your vaporizer instructions to ensure that it is suitable for use with essential oils. Not all models are equipped for liquid. Verify that the oil you plan to use is appropriate for inhalation. Not all of them are, and some can be harmful. Lavender, peppermint, pine needle and tea tree are all acceptable for inhalation. Others like citronella, eucalyptus, patchouli, rosemary and orange oils are not intended for use with a vaporizer.

    Temperature Settings

    • Different substances require different temperatures. Consult your user's manual or a guide for this purpose to ensure that you use the optimum temperature setting for the material in the vaporizer. Too low of a temperature will reduce the results and too high a temperature will overheat the herbs.

    Cleaning and Care

    • Clean your vaporizer after each use. Use the included device to scrape any residue or remaining herbs from the chamber. If you use essential oils, remove the chamber and wash it in warm, soapy water. Allow it to dry completely before reattaching it to the vaporizer. Clean the mouthpiece after use by wiping it with a damp cloth.

    General Use

    • Always keep needed equipment on hand, such as extra batteries and butane, if your model requires them. If your vaporizer is rechargeable, follow all instructions, and allow it to charge fully before use. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation and allow the unit to heat to the optimum temperature. Allow your unit to cool before you store it away. Put it out of reach to avoid unintentional burns until fully cool.

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