Recently, there was an article published titled 7 interesting things you can put into a vape. The headline makes it seem as if these additives might be safe to use. One of the suggestions was essential oils. And while the article does warn users to exercise extreme caution when using these oils, the vaping community took to X, formerly Twitter, to warn anyone reading this article to steer clear of trying this risky experiment. 

So why are we so vocal about why you should not try this so-called “therapeutic vaping experience”?

Vaping essential oils can be dangerous and is strongly discouraged for several reasons:

1. Health Risks: Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants, and they contain volatile compounds that can be harmful when inhaled. Vaping these oils can introduce these compounds directly into your lungs, which may cause irritation, inflammation, and other respiratory problems.
2. Lack of Safety Standards: Unlike e-liquids designed for vaping, essential oils are not regulated for inhalation. Vaping oils may contain impurities, contaminants, or additives that are unsafe to inhale.
3. Potential for Allergic Reactions: Some people may have allergies or sensitivities to specific essential oils. Vaping them can trigger allergic reactions, including skin rashes, respiratory issues, and more severe symptoms.
4. Irritation and Damage to Lungs: Inhaling essential oils can lead to lung irritation, inflammation, and long-term damage. This can be especially problematic if you have pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
5. Risk of Lipid Pneumonia: Some essential oils contain lipids (fats) that can be harmful when inhaled into the lungs. Inhaling oils high in lipids can potentially lead to a rare condition called lipid pneumonia, which can cause severe respiratory distress.
6. Unpredictable Reactions: The chemical composition of essential oils can vary widely, and not all oils are safe for inhalation. Vaping oils may lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful reactions, including nausea, dizziness, or headaches.
7. Not a Safe Alternative to Smoking: Vaping essential oils should not be seen as a safer alternative to smoking or vaping nicotine. It presents its own set of health risks and is not an approved smoking cessation method.
8. Lack of Research: There is limited scientific research on the safety of vaping essential oils, and the long-term effects are not well understood. Without proper research and regulation, it is difficult to determine the full extent of the risks involved.

In summary, vaping essential oils are not recommended due to potential health risks, lack of safety standards, and potential adverse reactions. If you are interested in using essential oils, it is safer to do so through methods like aromatherapy, where the oils are diffused into the air rather than inhaled directly into the lungs. 

Again, please remember that since there are no long-term studies in place, the health risks of directly inhaling essential oils through vaping are unknown.