Homemade Herbal Vaporizers

Vaporizers utilize extremely hot air to extract compounds from tobacco and other herbs. Unlike standard cigarettes and pipes, vaporizes do not use an open flame to extract these properties. By not burning the tobacco leaves, harmful constituents, such as tar and other chemicals, are not released. According to Leiden University, vaporizing ingests the same amount of active compounds as smoking without the respiratory harm smoking causes.

Purpose and Benefits of a Vaporizer

• The main purpose of a vaporizer is to extract the active compounds from tobacco, or from herbs such as peppermint, passionflower, clove and sage. Vaporizers utilize a flow of heated air, normally 226 degrees C, to run past the leaves of these plants. As the air brushes past the herb, it extracts the active compounds, such as nicotine, without releasing harmful compounds that standard smoking does. While no form of smoking is 100 percent safe, vaporizing does not cause extreme lung irritation.

Materials Used

• The materials used to make a homemade vaporizer include a rubber pipe, electrical tape and a glass jar. To begin, secure the rubber pipe to the glass jar using heat-safe electrical tape. Never use plastic or standard adhesive tapes, as these can emit dangerous fumes when heated. After you have secured the pipe to the jar, ensure that it is airtight by placing the end of the pipe to your mouth and gently blowing. If you are able to continually blow air into the pipe, then there is a leak within the tape. Correct by applying another layer of electrical tape. Drop your tobacco into the glass jar and with a lighter. Heat the bottom of the jar until vapor begins to form. Gently inhale the vapor out of the rubber tube.

Warnings

• Never utilize a light bulb to create a homemade vaporizer. While there are two types of bulbs--clear glass and frosted glass--both have the danger of shattering when introduced to high heat. The frosted glass light bulbs contain a film that diffuses the light to create a soft glow, which if you were to inhale these compounds, it would be dangerous to your health.