Tired of overpriced supplements filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce? You're not alone. More and more people are ditching pre-made pills for DIY capsules—and for good reason. Making your own capsules at home is simple, affordable, and puts you in total control of what goes into your body.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through how to fill your own capsules using the Capsule-It Capsule Filling Machine, with detailed explanations, troubleshooting tips, and recipe ideas to help you become a capsule-making pro.
Table of Contents
1. Why Fill Your Own Capsules?
2. What You Need to Get Started
3. Choosing the Right Capsule Size
4. Step-by-Step: How to Fill Capsules at Home
5. Pro Tips for Success
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
7. Popular DIY Capsule Recipes
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Fill Your Own Capsules?
1. Cost Savings That Add Up
Pre-made supplements often come at a premium. You're not just paying for the ingredients—you’re also paying for branding, packaging, marketing, and middlemen. When you make your own capsules, you can save up to 80% compared to store-bought supplements.
For example, a bottle of 90 turmeric capsules might cost $25. But with a 4 oz. bag of turmeric powder and empty capsules, you could make 300+ capsules for less than $10. Over time, the savings become significant.
2. Full Ingredient Transparency
Many commercial supplements contain additives like magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, artificial coloring, and preservatives. These fillers help with manufacturing but provide zero benefit to your health. When you make your own, you know exactly what's inside every capsule.
3. Customize to Fit Your Needs
Need a specific dose? Want to combine two or three herbs? DIY capsules let you tailor your supplements to your health goals. Whether you're looking to improve focus, reduce inflammation, support immunity, or boost energy, you can blend your own personalized stack.
4. Avoid Bad Tastes
Let’s be honest: some herbs and supplements taste awful. Powders like turmeric, spirulina, and ashwagandha are potent but can be hard to take in a smoothie. Capsules let you take powerful herbs without suffering through the flavor.
5. It’s Surprisingly Easy
With a capsule filler like Capsule-It, you can make 100 capsules in under 10 minutes. It’s simple, satisfying, and kind of addictive. Some people find it meditative—others turn it into a weekend ritual.
What You Need to Get Started
- Capsule-It Capsule Filler (100-hole tray)
- Empty Capsules (Size 00 recommended)
- Herbal Powders (Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Beet Root, etc.)
- Spreader card or scraper
- Tamper (optional, for denser filling)
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Clean tray or surface
- Airtight storage container
Choosing the Right Capsule Size
| Capsule Size | Capacity (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 000 | 800–1600 mg | Large dosages |
| 00 | 600–1100 mg | Most adults |
| 0 | 400–800 mg | Smaller dosages |
| 1 | 300–600 mg | Children or sensitive users |
When making your own supplements at home, choosing the right capsule size is key to getting the correct dose and ensuring the capsules are easy to swallow. Herb Affair offers a range of capsule sizes to suit different needs, including Sizes 000, 00, 0, and 1.
- Size 000 is the largest available size, which most commonly holds around 800 to 1,000 milligrams of powder depending on the density. This is ideal if you want to minimize the number of capsules you take per day, though it can be more difficult to swallow for some people.
- Size 00 is the most popular size for home capsule making. It typically holds about 600 to 800 milligrams and is considered the best all-around option for adult users, offering a good balance of capacity and ease of swallowing.
- Size 0 capsules hold around 400 to 500 milligrams and are better suited for those taking smaller doses or who have a slight sensitivity to larger capsules.
- Size 1 is the smallest of the common sizes, holding roughly 300 to 400 milligrams for most powders. It’s ideal for beginners, children, or individuals who prefer smaller servings.
If you’re just starting out, Size 00 is a safe and versatile choice. But if your needs lean toward higher or lower doses, Sizes 000 and 1 give you the flexibility to adjust accordingly.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Capsules at Home
Step 1: Load the Bottom Tray with Capsule Halves
Start by separating your empty capsules into two parts: the longer bottom half and the shorter top half. To save time, you can purchase pre-separated capsules. Pour a small pile of bottom halves onto the Capsule-It tray. Gently shake the tray side to side so that the capsules fall into the holes. The Capsule-It is designed to help align them automatically, but use your fingers to fix any that are upside down or misaligned. Remove any extra capsules once all holes are filled.
Tip: Do this step over a tray or clean bowl to catch runaway capsules for reuse.
Step 2: Add Your Herbal Powder
Next, scoop or pour your herbal powder across the tray. Using the spreader card, gently sweep the powder back and forth to fill each capsule evenly. Take your time to ensure each hole is fully filled.
If you want a higher fill weight, use a tamper tool to press down the powder, creating more space. Then, add another layer of powder and repeat the tamping step. This is especially useful for fluffy herbs like Lion’s Mane or Ashwagandha.
Tip: Make sure your powder is dry and finely ground. Clumpy or moist powders can lead to uneven fills or jammed capsules.
Step 3: Load the Capsule Tops
Place the shorter capsule tops into the top alignment tray. This tray is separate and helps you line up the tops easily. Similar to Step 1, pour a pile of tops into the tray, shake gently, and adjust any misaligned ones manually.
Once loaded, carefully align the top tray over the bottom tray. Press down slowly and firmly until you feel or hear the capsules click into place. This joins the filled bottoms with their tops, completing the capsule.
Tip: Don’t force it—if the trays don’t align properly, double-check that all capsules are seated straight in the tray.
Step 4: Remove and Store Your Capsules
Lift the top tray and gently release the filled capsules onto a clean surface or into a bowl. Inspect a few to ensure they’re sealed properly. If any didn’t snap shut, press them together by hand.
Transfer your capsules into a labeled glass jar, sealed bag, or supplement bottle. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.
Pro Tips for Success
- Label Your Batches: Include the date, ingredients, and intended use.
- Weigh Sample Capsules: For consistent dosing, weigh a few filled capsules to calculate approximate milligrams per capsule.
- Use Gloves or Wash Hands: Keeps your workspace sanitary.
- Tidy Up with a Small Brush or Vacuum: Powders can get messy—keep a soft brush on hand.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Capsule Tops Not Snapping On? Make sure you’re not overfilling the bottoms. Try tamping or using less powder.
- Powder Flying Everywhere? Some fine powders (like mushrooms) are dusty. Use a mask and work slowly. Humidity helps.
- Capsules Getting Stuck? Check if they’re inserted upside down or misaligned.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After each use, clean your Capsule-It tray with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh detergents or dishwashers that could warp the trays. Let it air dry completely before storing.
Capsule-It is made with food-safe materials, but like any tool used with powders, it needs regular cleaning to avoid residue buildup.
Popular DIY Capsule Recipes
1. Calm & Collected
- 2 parts Ashwagandha Powder
- 1 part Magnesium Glycinate Powder
Supports stress relief, mood balance, and nervous system health.
2. Mushroom Mindset
- 1 parts Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder
- 1 part Cordyceps Mushroom Powder
- 1 part Beet Root Powder
Designed to enhance focus, endurance, and mental clarity.
3. Inflammation Buster
- 2 parts Organic Turmeric + Black Pepper Powder
- 1 part Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Power
Helps combat chronic inflammation and supports joint health.
4. Immune Booster
- 1 part Organic Moringa Powder
- 1 part Organic Cordyceps Powder
- 1 part Organic Turmeric + Black Pepper
A revitalizing blend for immune health, energy, and daily wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do homemade capsules last?
Airtight capsules stored in a cool, dry place will stay fresh for 12+ months, depending on the ingredients.
Can I use liquid ingredients?
Not recommended. Gelatin and vegetarian capsules will dissolve with most liquids. Stick to dry powders unless you use specialty capsules made for oils.
What herbs should I start with?
Popular beginner herbs include Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Lion’s Mane, and Beet Root.
Where can I get quality herbs?
We recommend Herb Affair’s organic herbal powders, which are third-party tested, sustainably sourced, and offered in bulk for cost savings.
Can I mix multiple powders in one capsule?
Absolutely. Just pre-mix your powder blend thoroughly before filling.
Can kids take these capsules?
Yes, but make sure the dosage and size are appropriate. Use size 1 capsules for smaller doses and always consult a healthcare provider.
