Wondering if those “healthy, nicotine-free aromatherapy devices” that use essential oils are really safe to vape?
Short answer: No, essential oils can break down into abnormal compounds at high temperatures, which can cause severe side effects when inhaled. And vaping devices typically operate at temperatures higher than the flashpoints of most essential oils.
Let’s uncover what essential oil vaping entails, the potential health risks, and whether essential oils are safe to vape at lower temperatures.
We’ll also introduce you to safer, no-nicotine vaping products for stress-free enjoyment.
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This Article Contains:
- What Is Essential Oil Vaping?
- Is Vaping Essential Oils Safe? (Potential Health Risks)
- Cyclone Pods: A Safer Vaping Alternative
- Other FAQs About Vaping Essential Oils
What Is Essential Oil Vaping?
Essential oil vaping is a relatively new trend that involves replacing regular e-liquids with essential oils.
You can vape essential oils using a specialized device known as an essential oil vape pen.
But first: what are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts of beneficial plants typically used for aromatherapy benefits and to treat many ailments. An oil is “essential” as it contains the essence of a plant’s scent.
Some popular essential oils include peppermint oil and tea tree oil. When diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin, tea tree oil can help treat acne and athlete's foot.
Essential oils are made by steam distilling or cold pressing different parts of the plant (flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, etc.,) which extracts the beneficial compounds. Sometimes, manufacturers may also use a dry herb, like rosemary, to make the oil.
Since they are plant extracts, essential oils usually contain aromatic hydrocarbon compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.
Did you know? Terpenes in plants create unique flavors and aromas. These chemical compounds give captivating scents to fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Now you may be wondering…
What Does an Essential Oil Vape Contain?
An essential oil vape pen, also known as a personal diffuser, diffuser stick, or aromatherapy vape pen, usually contains a blend of:
- Essential oil
- Water
- Vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol (responsible for producing the vapor)
Once heated in the vaping device, this liquid mixture turns into an inhalable aromatherapy vapor. Essentially, an aromatherapy vape pen works like any regular vaping device or e-cigarette.
Here are some essential oils frequently used in vape pens:
- Peppermint oil
- Lavender oil
- Rosemary oil
- Orange oil
- Lemon oil
Did you know? Lavender essential oil can lessen anxiety and improve your mood.
The good part is essential oil vaping devices don’t contain nicotine.
With beneficial essential oils and zero nicotine, it’s no wonder that manufacturers market aroma vape pens as a safe alternative to an e-cigarette.
Some companies take it a step further and make tall claims of essential oil vaping being therapeutic (with anti anxiety properties) and nutritional.
And while taking vitamins traditionally offers many benefits, there’s no evidence to suggest vaping vitamins provide the same benefit.
You’ll commonly see tags like “vitamin-infused vaporizer” and “dietary supplement” on aroma vapes. These products are usually fortified with vitamins and other ingredients like melatonin, ginseng, caffeine, and CBD oil.
But the truth is: There’s hardly any science-backed data to back this up.
On the contrary, studies suggest that vaping essential oils can lead to serious side effects.
Is Vaping Essential Oils Safe? (Potential Health Risks)
Most essential oils could pose serious health risks when vaped.
How?
Essential oils can produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when heated over 150° to 180° Fahrenheit (65.5° to 82° Celcius). They may also release carbon monoxide and other harmful gases at high temperatures.
Now, the general temperature range for a vaporizer is 392-482° Fahrenheit (200-250° Celcius) — which is higher than the flashpoints of most essential oils.
And what do health experts think?
According to Dr Susan Chiarito – a Mississippi-based family physician – inhaling VOCs and other abnormal compounds via essential oil vaping can damage your mouth, nose, teeth, and lungs.
But here’s the kicker:
Dr Susan Chiarito claims that long-term use of aroma vapes can be as damaging to your lungs as other inhalable products, such as regular vapes. These symptoms include chronic bronchitis and recurring infections of the lungs.
And it gets worse.
As per a 2016 Surgeon General report, ingesting high levels of a volatile organic compound can even be fatal.
Having said that, you can safely vape certain heat-stable and pure essential oil via a low-heat device (but that’s a tall ask, as we’ll see later!)
Note: Some no-nicotine vape pens or e-cigarettes may contain essential oils. Always check out the ingredient label to know exactly what you’re inhaling!
Now that it’s clear that vaping essential oils can be harmful, let’s take a look at some potential side effects you may experience when vaping essential oils.
Potential Side Effects of Vaping Essential Oils
Here are a few possible side effects you may encounter when vaping essential oils:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Swelling/itching of the throat
- Coughing
- Aggravation of asthma
- Bronchospasm
- Allergic reaction affecting the skin
- Loss of smell
- High blood pressure
And that’s not all…
Some vape pens may contain non-organic essential oils laced with harmful substances like pesticides and heavy metals — increasing the risk of high blood pressure, long-term toxicity, and many other health risks.
But look:
Not all essential oils are made the same.
Some heat-stable essential oils can withstand higher temperatures without breaking into toxic chemicals.
Such essential oils turn to a volatile organic compound at much higher temperatures and should be safe to vape, provided they’re not mixed with other harmful additives, like diacetyl and vitamin E acetate.
Did you know? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vitamin E acetate (a popular carrier oil) is linked to the outbreak of EVALI.
Now you may be wondering: Is it safe to vape essential oils at lower temperatures?
Let’s find out.
Can You Safely Vape Essential Oils at Lower Temperatures?
In theory, yes. You can safely vape certain essential oils at lower temperatures, but only if they are:
- Pure (shouldn’t contain vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol)
- Safe to ingest in small amounts
- Heat stable (the flashpoint of the oil should be higher than the temperature of the vaping device)
That being said…
Most commercial aromatherapy vapor devices do not meet the above criteria, making them unsafe.
Luckily, there are ways to enjoy your vaping experience without the risk of harmful ingredients.
Cyclone Pods: A Safer Vaping Alternative
High-quality nicotine-free vape products eliminate the health risks associated with nicotine and other harmful chemicals like essential oils in regular vapes.
Based in California, Cyclone Pods specializes in accessible and non-addictive vaping products free from nicotine, diacetyl, and vitamin E acetate, ensuring worry-free enjoyment.
Here are two of Cyclone Pods' impressive vape pens:
1. Surge
If you’re looking for the ultimate vape companion, look no further than the Surge Collection. This innovative vape device delivers an unmatched vaping experience while actively tackling the rising issue of e-waste.
It offers a reusable battery and long-lasting pod, meaning you get over 6000 puffs of pure satisfaction. Treat yourself to the irresistible range of 13 flavors, including:
- Blue Razz Ice
- Pineapple Mango
- Mint
- Fruit Punch
- Watermelon Raspberry
2. Gust Super
Need a vape to fit into your active lifestyle?
The Gust Super is Cyclone Pods' longest-lasting vape pen offering up to 5000 puffs worth of vape juice!
The best part?
This device is chargeable, so that you can get even more out of it.
These delicious flavors include Bold Tobacco, Guava Passionfruit, Watermelon, Mint, and more.
Now:
We’ve seen that vaping essential oils come with a fair share of risks. But you may still have some questions about it. Let’s tackle those.
Other FAQs About Vaping Essential Oils
Here are the answers to some other concerns you may have regarding vaping essential oils.
1. How Does Vaping Essential Oils Compare to Nicotine?
When it comes to the actual vaping experience, vaping essential oils may provide a more aromatic experience than regular nicotine vapes.
Besides, nicotine is highly addictive, and vaping may lead to dependency in no time. That’s a risk you don’t have to worry about when vaping essential oils.
What about the safety aspect?
As discussed above, vaping essential oils could be extremely dangerous, just like vaping nicotine, especially if you don’t know what the vape pen contains.
Did you know? Neither e-cigarettes nor essential oil vaping pens are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a smoking cessation aid.
2. What Are the Best Practices for Using Essential Oil Vape Pens?
To prioritize safety and enhance your vaping experience, follow these essential measures.
- Always opt for an oil vaporizer or oil vape pen when vaping essential oils. They’re specifically designed for this purpose.
- Stick to high-quality essential oils that don’t contain harmful chemicals or additives. Steer clear from oils containing synthetic fragrances.
- Allow about 10 minutes for the essential vape oil to prime the coil. This ensures the oil is properly distributed and saturated within the vaping device, providing consistent flavor and vapor production.
- Start with small puffs and gradually increase the intensity for an enhanced experience.
- Take sufficient breaks between vaping sessions to avoid overexposure. This allows your body time to process and enjoy the effects of essential oils.
- To preserve the quality and integrity of your essential oils, store them in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight.
3. Are There Any Health Benefits to Vaping Essential Oils?
Essential oils, in general, offer a range of health benefits, including aromatherapy uses. But there are no conclusive studies to show if vaping them is beneficial.
Moreover, the potential health risks of vaping essential oils could outweigh their benefits.
4. Is There a Safer Way to Enjoy the Aromatherapy Benefits of Essential Oils?
Yes! Here are a few ways to safely relax with your favorite essential oil:
- Ultrasonic essential oil diffuser
- Humidifier
- An essential oil inhaler
You can also apply a few drops of pure essential oil to your shower walls and inhale as you shower. Or dilute a few drops with a carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.) and use it as a massage oil.
You may be wondering:
Is diffusing essential oils safe for your lungs?
While inhaling diffused essential oils is generally safe, it's important to note that some may experience asthma attacks or develop pneumonitis, a severe lung infection. However, when used externally and in low concentrations, essential oils are generally safe. These include tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, and more.
Ideally, it’s recommended to use diffusers in a well-ventilated area and limit usage to 15 minutes per hour.
5. Can You Vape Essential Oils with Cannabis Oil?
You can vape essential oils with cannabis oil products like hemp oil and CBD oil.
But remember, vaping essential oils can cause respiratory issues. Besides, mixing essential oils and CBD oil could increase the risk of lung irritation.
However, if you must vape them together, the best essential oils are lavender oil, lemon, and eucalyptus.
Keep in mind that while CBD oil is derived from cannabis, it does not contain THC, the psychoactive component found in marijuana or THC oil.
Note: Cannabis oil and other products with THC may not be legal in your state (USA). So, check the local laws and regulations around using and possessing marijuana based products in your area.
Opt For Nicotine-Free Vaping to Ensure a Safe, Pleasurable Experience
Essential oils are a great way to enjoy the pleasures of aromatherapy, be it through a personal diffuser, like a diffuser stick, or a humidifier.
But vaping essential oils may lead to harmful side effects.
Instead, opt for nicotine-free vaping products that are free from dangerous additives.
Why?
Because vaping is only as safe as the quality of the product you choose!
Head to Cyclone Pods to discover their wide range of high-quality, no-nicotine products. Not only do they provide a safe and pleasurable experience, but they can also be used to curb your nicotine cravings!