Powders, Pills, & Capsules
Powdered herbs are simply dried herbs ground into a fine powder. Powdering herbs makes them easy to work with—you can turn them into pills or capsules that fit right into a daily supplement routine or mix them into food. If you take remedies regularly, consider getting a weekly pill organizer. It makes remembering your herbal capsules (and everything else) so much easier.
Powdered herbs can be taken in capsules, rolled into pills, stirred into water, or sprinkled on food.
Pills and capsules are simple to make, and it’s a fun project to get kids involved in. Pills don’t require casings, but capsules do—these can be found online or in most health food stores. They take a little time and patience, but like any handmade remedy, the process is part of the medicine.
If you make something with love and good intentions, you make a stronger remedy. It’s the same energy as the saying, “Never cook dinner while you’re mad.” The energy and mindset you bring to your work matter, so relax, enjoy the process, and let it be healing from the start.
Making Herbal Pills
NOTE: To powder your herbs: a cheap coffee grinder works great, or go the traditional route with a mortar and pestle. The finer, the better.
-Place powdered herbs in a bowl. Add small amounts of water and honey (or maple syrup) until a workable paste forms.
You can experiment with replacing water with a tincture for added benefit—just record what you try so you can recreate it later!
-Add a drop or two of essential oil if desired—wintergreen, peppermint, or other internal-use-safe oils may improve flavor and complement the herbs. (A drop or two goes a long way.)
-Thicken the paste with unsweetened cocoa powder, licorice root powder, or a similar herb to create a smooth, kneadable dough.
-Pinch off small pieces and roll into pill-sized balls. Keep the intended user in mind—children or elders may need smaller pills. Rolling them in cocoa powder prevents sticking and tastes nice, too.
You can also use molds to press your pills into uniform shapes.
-Dry the pills in a dehydrator or in an oven below 150°F (65°C). In warm months, they can even be sun-dried.
-Once fully dry, store in glass jars in a cool, dark place. Properly dried pills keep for a very long time.
Making Herbal Capsules
Capsules take a little more precision, but they’re wonderful for strong-tasting herbs or when you prefer convenience. They can be filled with powdered herbs, and in some cases oils or tinctures, but this post focuses on powdered blends.
Choosing Capsules
First choice: Plant-based or animal-based?
-Vegetarian capsules: made from cellulose (often poplar-based).
-Gelatin capsules: made from beef gelatin and are usually the more affordable option.
They look and work the same—just choose what aligns with your preference.
Second choice: What size?
| Size | Approximate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | ~750 mg | Larger; can be harder to swallow for kids |
| 0 | ~500 mg | Most common; standard adult dose is usually two |
| 1 | ~400 mg | Smaller; great for children or sensitive users |
| 2 | ~350 mg | Smaller yet |
| 3 | ~200 mg | Very small |
Important: The smaller the number, the larger the capsule.
Capsules are usually sold in packs of 100, 500, or 1,000.
How to Fill Capsules
-Powder the herbs finely and place them on a plate or shallow bowl.
-Pull the capsule halves apart and press each half into the powder to fill.
-Fit the halves back together firmly until they click or seal.
-Store capsules in a labeled glass jar in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, they keep for a long time.
Capsules can be a bit fiddly to put together, but once you get the rhythm, it becomes meditative. There are also capsule presses available for purchase that can produce 100 capsules at a time, which is particularly useful if you make a large quantity, as I do. They save a ton of time.
Note: Capsule capacity varies based on how tightly they’re packed. The measurements above are averages. If you want exact amounts, weigh a filled capsule on a kitchen scale.
A Note of Caution
This post is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. I am not certified to diagnose, prescribe, or treat. Always research herbs thoroughly and consult reliable sources before trying a new preparation.