Capsules are a popular and effective way to consume prescription and over-the-counter medications or supplements. They are easy to swallow, have a smooth taste and dissolve quickly in the digestive tract.
They’re also a very inexpensive way to take your favorite herbal and dietary supplements! You can buy them ready-made in a variety of convenient capsule sizes, and they’re very easy to make yourself at home.
You can fill empty capsules with powders, or a mix of herbs and vitamins, using the following methods:
Scoop and push (filling) method: Dip the tip of a small tipped lab scoop into your powder, then shake it until you get the right amount of powder to fill the capsule. This works best for fly-away or ultra fluffy powders.
Pour or clump together: If your powder is too dry, you can pour it into a bowl and mix it well. If it’s too sticky, you can clump it with your hands before adding it to the capsule.
Store your filled capsules in a cool, dark place. Manufacturers recommend storing them in an area with a temperature of 16-25 degC and humidity of 35-65% to keep them fresh for the longest possible time.
If you want to increase the shelf life of your homemade capsules, add oxygen packets to the jar with your powders, or use a vacuum sealer lid/food saver. This is similar to how bartenders pump the oxygen out of wine bottles at the end of their shift to make them last longer.