Last updated: March 4, 2025
Make Your Own Capsules: Complete Guide with a Capsule Filling Machine
With a capsule filling machine, you can make your own capsules with herbs, supplements, or other powders in just a few minutes. This way, you know exactly what you’re taking, without fillers or additives. Whether you want to dose kratom, create your own herbal blend, or practice microdosing, making your own capsules is more accessible than most people expect.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about capsule sizes, choosing the right machine, filling capsules, and practical tips for the best results.
Contents
Why make your own capsules?
Many herbs and supplements have a strong or unpleasant taste. Valerian, kratom, certain mushroom extracts—they’re effective but not exactly pleasant to take on their own. By putting them in capsules, you can swallow them effortlessly without tasting the flavor.
But there are more reasons to make your own:
Full control over the contents
Ready-made supplements often contain more than just the active ingredient. Fillers, anti-caking agents, colorants, and preservatives are standard. By making your own capsules, you know exactly what’s inside: just your chosen herb or powder, nothing else.
Precise dosing
With a precision scale and the right capsule size, you can determine exactly how many milligrams you’re taking per capsule. This is particularly important for herbs where dosage is critical, or when you’re following a personalized dosing schedule.
Cost savings
Buying loose herbs and powders is significantly cheaper than ready-made capsules. A bag of empty capsules and a simple capsule filler quickly pay for themselves, especially if you use supplements regularly.
Creating your own combinations
You can combine multiple herbs into a single capsule. This allows you to create a formula that perfectly suits your needs—something that isn’t possible with ready-made products.
What do you need?
Materials for making capsules
- Capsule filler — Makes 24 capsules at once in a single step
- Empty capsules — Gelatin or vegetarian, in the correct size
- Finely ground herbs or powder — As fine as possible for even filling
- Precision scale — For accurate dosing (accurate to 0.01 grams)
- Coffee grinder or mortar — To finely grind herbs
- Shallow dish — To place under the machine
- Airtight jar — For storing the capsules
The capsule filling machine
A capsule filling machine is a plastic device that allows you to fill and seal 24 capsules at once. It operates without electricity and can be used by anyone. The machine consists of a bottom part (where the long ends of the capsules go), a top part (for the short ends), a spreading card to distribute the powder, and a tamper to press it down.
Make sure the size of your machine matches the size of your capsules. A size 0 capsule filling machine works only with size 0 capsules, a size 00 machine only with size 00 capsules, and so on.
Capsule sizes: which one should you choose?
Capsules come in different sizes, numbered from 000 (the largest) to 5 (the smallest). Size 00 is larger than size 0—the table below quickly illustrates the difference.
| Size | Capacity (approx.) | Length | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | 1000 mg | 26 mm | High doses, bulk powders |
| 00 | 650–735 mg | 23 mm | Standard supplements, herbs |
| 0 | 500 mg | 21 mm | Average dosages |
| 1 | 400 mg | 19 mm | Smaller doses, easy to swallow |
| 2 | 300 mg | 18 mm | Low doses |
| 3 | 200 mg | 16 mm | Very low doses |
| 4 | 120 mg | 15 mm | Microdosing |
Which size should I choose?
If in doubt, choose a size larger than you think you need. Powders have different densities—a light, airy herbal powder takes up more space than a compact mineral. With a slightly larger capsule, you have some leeway if your dose requires more volume than expected.
For most applications, sizes 00 and 0 are the standard. These are large enough for an effective dose and still easy to swallow.
How much herb do you need?
One teaspoon of herbal powder fills about 7 size 0 capsules, or 5 size 00 capsules. Two tablespoons are enough to fill a full batch of 24 capsules.
Gelatin or vegetarian capsules?
Empty capsules come in two varieties: gelatin capsules and vegetarian capsules (also known as HPMC or plant-based capsules).
Gelatin capsules
Made from animal gelatin, usually from beef or pork. They are slightly cheaper than vegetarian capsules and have been used in the pharmaceutical industry for decades. Not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or people who do not consume animal products for religious reasons.
Vegetarian capsules (HPMC)
Made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a plant-based substance derived from cellulose. Suitable for everyone, regardless of diet or beliefs. Vegetarian capsules are more stable under varying temperatures and humidity levels, which improves shelf life.
In terms of filling and swallowing, there is no difference between the two types. The choice depends on your personal preference and any dietary requirements.
Step-by-step: filling capsules with a capsule filling machine
With a capsule filling machine, you can make 24 filled capsules in about 10 minutes. Follow these steps for the best results:
Grind the herbs
Grind your herbs as finely as possible using a coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, or spice grinder. The finer the powder, the more evenly it will distribute throughout the capsules and the more you’ll be able to fit inside.
Prepare your workspace
Wash your hands and work on a clean, dry surface. Place the capsule machine in a shallow dish to catch any spilled powder. Place the machine on the included stand.
Open the capsules
Each capsule consists of two parts: a long part (the body) and a short part (the cap). Carefully pull the capsules apart. This is easiest by twisting slightly while pulling.
Placing the capsules
Place the long parts with the opening facing up in the bottom of the machine. The short parts go in the top, also with the opening facing up. Fill all the holes.
Adding powder
Sprinkle the spice powder over the capsules in the bottom section. Use the included spreading card to distribute the powder evenly by moving it back and forth over the top.
Tamping
Lightly press the powder down with the tamper. Then add more powder and tamp again. Repeat this until the capsules are well filled. Wipe away excess powder with the spreading card.
Closing the capsules
Place the top of the machine (with the short capsule sections) onto the bottom. Press down evenly until you feel the capsules close. A click confirms that they are securely sealed.
Removing the capsules
Remove the top and press the filled capsules out of the bottom. Check that all capsules are securely closed. Store them in a clean, airtight container.
How many capsules at a time?
A standard capsule machine makes 24 capsules at a time. With a little practice, this will take you 5 to 10 minutes. If you want to make larger quantities, repeat the process or consider a larger machine that makes 50 capsules at a time.
Popular uses
Making your own capsules isn’t just useful for supplements from the drugstore. There are numerous applications for which people make their own capsules:
Herbs & Botanicals
Valerian, ashwagandha, ginseng, turmeric, and other herbal extracts
Mushroom extracts
Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, and other medicinal mushrooms
Kratom
Various kratom varieties for personal use (18+)
Microdosing
Dried truffles in microdoses (18+)
Sports supplements
Creatine, caffeine, amino acids, and other supplements
Custom blends
Personalized herbal blends and stacks
Capsules for microdosing (18+)
A common use for homemade capsules is microdosing with psilocybin from magic truffles. With microdosing, you take a very small dose—roughly 5 to 10% of an experience-oriented dose—to experience subtle effects without a psychedelic trip.
Why capsules for microdosing?
Consistent dosing is crucial for microdosing. By finely grinding dried truffles and placing them in capsules, you know exactly how much psilocybin you’re taking per dose. This prevents you from accidentally taking too much and experiencing unwanted effects. Dried material also has a more stable composition than fresh material, which improves the reproducibility of the dose.
Microdosing Dosages
The standard microdose for dried truffles is between 0.1 and 0.3 grams. For dried mushrooms, the dose is lower: 0.05 to 0.2 grams. These are guidelines—the effective amount varies by batch and by person. Always start at the lower end of the range.
| Capsule size | Capacity | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Size 1 | ~400 mg | Higher microdoses |
| Size 2 | ~300 mg | Average microdoses |
| Level 3 | ~200 mg | Lower microdoses |
| Size 4 | ~120 mg | Very low microdoses |
Tips for microdosing capsules
Weigh accurately: Use a precision scale with at least 0.01-gram accuracy. Subtract the weight of the empty capsule using the tare function.
Grind thoroughly: Grind your material as finely as possible for a homogeneous distribution of the active ingredients.
Start low: Begin with a lower dose than you think you need. You can always increase the dose, but you can’t reverse it if you’ve already taken too much.
The Fadiman Protocol
Dr. James Fadiman, a researcher in the field of psychedelics and microdosing, describes the following schedule: use on day 1, observe after-effects on day 2, rest on day 3, repeat on day 4. This limits the development of tolerance and allows sufficient time to evaluate the effects.
Important considerations for microdosing
Microdosing is not suitable for everyone. Do not use psilocybin if you are taking SSRI antidepressants or other medications that affect the serotonin system. Microdosing is strongly discouraged if you have a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric conditions. If in doubt, consult a doctor. For individuals 18 years of age and older only.
Tips for perfect capsules
Work in a clean, dry environment
Moisture is the enemy of capsules. Even a small amount of moisture can make capsules soft or cause the contents to clump. Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly before you begin. Work in a dry room, not in the kitchen while cooking or in the bathroom.
Grind your herbs finely enough
Coarse pieces fill the capsule less effectively than fine powder and can damage the capsule when closing it. If necessary, sift your powder to remove clumps or coarse pieces.
Don’t overfill
Overfilled capsules do not close properly. Leave a little space at the top. The capsules do not need to be filled to the brim to be effective.
Use the spreading card
By distributing the powder evenly with the spreading card, you’ll get consistently filled capsules with the same amount in each one.
Invest in a good scale
A precision scale is essential for accurate dosing. A scale with 0.01-gram accuracy is ideal for most applications. For microdosing, 0.001-gram accuracy is recommended.
Storing capsules
Airtight and dry
Store your capsules in a clean, airtight jar or container. Glass jars with a tight-fitting lid are ideal. You may want to add a packet of silica gel to absorb moisture.
Cool and dark
Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a kitchen cabinet. Do not store in the refrigerator, as the humidity there is too high. Avoid places where the temperature fluctuates significantly.
Labeling
Label your jars with the contents, dosage per capsule, and the date you made them. This way, you’ll always know what you’re taking and how old the capsules are.
Shelf life
Properly stored capsules can last for months. Shelf life depends on the contents: some herbs retain their potency longer than others. Check regularly for discoloration, unusual odor, or changes in texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard gelatin and vegetarian capsules are only suitable for dry powders. For oils and liquids, you need special softgel capsules, which cannot be filled yourself with a simple capsule machine.
With 100 empty capsules and a machine that makes 24 capsules at a time, you can fill four full loads (96 capsules) with 4 capsules left over. You can fill these by hand or save them for next time.
Yes. Mix the powders thoroughly before filling the capsules so that each capsule contains the same ratio. Make sure the herbs you combine do not have any negative interactions. If in doubt, consult the product pages or contact us at support@dutch-smart.nl.
First, weigh an empty capsule on your precision scale. Then fill a capsule and weigh it again. The difference is the amount of contents. Do this with a few capsules to check for consistency.
This is usually because the capsules are too full. Remove some powder and try again. It’s also possible that the capsules have become damp—in that case, use a new bag.
No, the machine size must match the capsule size. A size 0 machine only works with size 0 capsules. Always purchase a matching set.
When stored in a dry, dark place in an airtight container, kratom capsules generally remain good for 3 to 6 months. Over time, the mitragynine content decreases due to oxidation. Check for discoloration or an unusual odor as an indicator of quality loss.
Everything you need to make capsules at Dutch-Smart
At Dutch-Smart, you’ll find everything you need to make your own capsules. Capsule filling machines are available in sizes 00, 0, and 1, found in the empty capsules category. We sell empty capsules in packs of 100, including both gelatin and vegetarian varieties in various sizes. A precision scale is also available.
Questions about making capsules or need help choosing the right products? Contact us at support@dutch-smart.nl.
About the author
Editor
Derek writes for Dutch Smart about smart shop products, cultivation techniques, and harm reduction. He combines practical experience with factual, evidence-based information, without hype or vague promises.
