Let’s face it: herbs can more than often taste like the dirt they grew in. For this reason, most people find themselves in a vitamin store looking for “natural supplements.” Regrettably, many of these supplements are untrustworthy or as effective as they should be. As the saying goes, “If you want something done right, you must do it yourself.” Let’s look at how to encapsulate our own powdered herbs.
For starters, you will need to turn your herbs into powder. A food processor, electric coffee mill, mortar, and pestle are the best tools for this task. If you plan to make any herbal blend, a measuring scale will also be needed to ensure that you have evenly measured your various herbs. Mix your powdered herbs effectively to prevent an uneven concentration of herbs in your capsules.
Here is your warning: the next part of this process can be considered tedious and time-consuming! This will be one of those tasks where you’ll want to sit down and watch a family night game show to pass the time. After making a selection between the three different sizes of capsules (“0,” “00,” and “000,” you will take your empty capsule and fill it by hand. You can easily separate the capsule into two pieces, fill both sides moderately full, and then put them back together. This was the method I used until I got a capsule machine.
My first mistake with a capsule-filling machine was that I did not pay attention to the sizes of my capsules compared to the machine I purchased. This mistake had me filling capsules by hand for the first month. There are a few different types of capsule-filling machines:
1. Manual filling machine
2. Semi-automatic capsule filling machine
3. Automatic capsule machine
Manual:
Manual capsule fillers are used when the amount of ingredients needed for the capsule is the same as the amount that needs to be filled. The smallest filler set sells for under $10, which is a great way to begin learning to pack your own capsules.
This filling machine can produce 100 to 800 capsules in a single press. A good starter press, like this one, costs around $50. To purchase, click on the picture.
Semi-Automatic:
The following is a description of the semi-automatic machine according to CapsCanada.com
“As its name suggests, it is a hybrid filling machine that mixes the manual process with the automatic. This way, there is less dependency on the operator, and it is designed so that the equipment must comply with the hygiene requirements used in the industry. Its design and construction make it durable and low maintenance. With proven, non-corrosive elements, it eliminates contamination and facilitates cleanup after use to make capsules acceptable for filling powders and granular substances.”
Automatic Machine:
These types of machines are generally used in large-scale production. Using these machines, any powder or granule can be used to fill a capsule without the efforts of an operator.
No matter which mechanism you’re using, the process of working the machine is standard.
Step one is feeding the machine. In this step, you load the capsules into the machine, making sure to align the body of the capsule at the bottom and the lid at the top.
Step two is called separation. The machine will separate the capsule into two pieces. Discard any capsules that do not get separated properties.
Step three is filling the capsules. Note whether you are filling the capsules with a liquid or a solid. The mechanism compresses the powder/filling into each capsule piece.
Step four is the completion. The capsules' body and lid are locked back into position until step five…
Which is the discharge step. The capsules are dispelled from the machine and are ready to be cleaned.
Filling capsules are most convenient for herbs that taste awful. It’s also a good way to make your own vitamins targeted for your specific needs. This method is the most trustworthy when it comes to knowing what you’re actually ingesting.
Sources:
Nicole Apelian, Ph.D. & Claude Davis, The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies. Copyrighted by Global Brother SRL © 2019
About Me:
Hello, my name is Shannon. I joined FireKeepers International as a volunteer in 2023. In 2014, I began the Master Herbalist program at Trinity School of Natural Health and completed the program in September 2017. Since then, my main studies have been Biblical truths, astronomy, and the Hebrew language. I am a born and raised “Michigander,” currently living in one of Northern Michigan’s beautiful national forests. When I’m not keeping busy with the homestead, you can find me out in nature or hibernating in my cabin.
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