Recipes for a Herbal Vaporizer

Herbs were among the first medicines. The leaves, flowers, berries and bark of many plants have long been known to provide therapeutic relief. Essential oils, derived from herbs, are popular for many aromatherapy applications. And these same oils and herbs can be used in vaporizers, then inhaled for their medicinal benefits. Use herbs or essential oils according to your herbal vaporizer's directions.

Some Popular Choices

• The use of a vaporizer with your herb does not alter the herb's effectiveness. The basic recipe is simple: Add in a couple of drops of a favorite essential oil, or mix together more than one oil, to the pan of water. The heat and rising steam does all the work. Always be sure to clean out your machine when finished as oils can leave behind residue. In some vaporizers, you may be able to use fresh herbs added directly. Be sure to read your machine's directions for this to avoid clogging up the mechanism.

  While you can use any herbs you like, here are some popular choices. Chamomile is long recognized for its calming effects and many drink chamomile tea before bed. The herb can be used in a vaporizer as well as to help with insomnia and for calming upset stomachs. Sage is a good herb for calming nerves. It also alleviates lung congestion and aids in reducing coughs. Mint and eucalyptus help one relax overall. They are used for relieving headaches and eucalyptus is another good herb for opening up the lungs and sinuses to get rid of congestion. For combating depression, try St. John's wort. And thyme is good for boosting the immune system while easing symptoms of coughing and sore throats. Echinacea and astragalus are other good immune boosting herbs. Chickweed is another good herb for reducing mucus buildup in the lungs. Comfrey root is a general blood cleanser that is beneficial for asthma and coughs. If you feel tired, try peppermint to invigorate you. Rosemary is good to stimulate your mind and relieve depression. Basil, too, is a good mental stimulator that restores alertness. Bergamot has a history of being used for oily skin, but is also good for stabilizing moods. And for something spicy that is uplifting and revitalizing, try clove.

Flowers and Fruits

• Lemon can help you feel uplifted, stimulated and refreshed. The sweet scent of ylang ylang can help reduce feelings of stress, tension, anger and even depression. For relieving anxiety and tension, lavender is popular. It's one of the reasons why lavender is such a popular bath soap. Many flower essences can produce uplifting feelings. Jasmine is used to help people feel more confident about themselves. Evening primrose oil is good for skin disorders, female cramps and may help reduce high blood pressure. And sandalwood, too, can help combat stress and depression.

  Never underestimate the benefits of sweet smelling flowers for general calming and relaxing. Consider using essence of rose, lily, gardenia, plumeria, sweet pea, violets and any other flower you find particularly comforting.