Every group of people and every country in the world is famous for something that they can do better than anyone else. With the Germans, one of the best things they do is designing and engineering things.

Receiving a 2003 prize for outstanding technical design and innovation, the Volcano Vaporizer is the product of a German company specializing in vaporization technology. Since its invention, the Volcano, as it's affectionately known, has become a favorite of people wanting a healthy way to reap the benefits of herbs in all their varied forms. How it works is that the herbs or oils are heated until they vaporize, but not catch on fire, and the vapors are then collected in a bag. The user may use directly from the bag or disperse the vapors by means of valves. This method enables a user of whatever herb they have put into the vaporizer, to receive only the benefits of the herbal substance and not the dangerous chemicals often associated with some.

Also, if a tobacco product is being used, for instance, only the user is exposed to the vapors, unlike smoke which disperses and is forced upon others standing nearby. The Volcano Vaporizer is a great way to quit smoking. It is also used by folks practicing Aromatherapy. Simply put, it is a healthy way to deliver the many benefits of the multitude of herbs out there - lavender is a new favorite of mine and there are many uses for that fragrant herb, besides having a luxurious (and often thought of as 'old-fashioned') smell.

If it's an indication of longevity, the German-engineered Volcano Vaporizer will last as long as the famous line of cars which originated well over fifty years ago. I remember the various forms of these vehicles, well loved and used in many unusual ways by the Hippies and other free spirits of the seventies. Heck, I had many of these cars myself. I never saw a make of vehicle used in so many ways. One of mine was hand painted in bright green, had lilac pictures decoupaged on the inside, and carried all my camping gear plus my dog and cat, four thousand miles around the country.

We should all hope that every product we have in our home, or use, should last so long as one of these vehicles. The Volcano could turn out to be as durable. We know it will last as long. Explore the possibilities.

Be safe and healthy.