Capsules are a good way to go for those who cannot handle the taste of herbs through tinctures or teas. Some herbs have a very strong, even unpleasant taste and these would be great for encapsulating. They are also good for those who like the convenience of popping a “pill” and they are easy to make and honestly are the only way I can get my hubby to participate in this herb thing I do. Sure you can buy encapsulated herbs from the health food store but you do not know the quality of the herbs they used, nor how long they have been sitting on the shelf. I like to know where my herbs came from and how fresh they are, so I make my own and you can to.
Capsules How To
You will need to purchase a capsule machine and some glycerin capsules. There are two common sizes: 00 is the most common and 0 is a little smaller for those that have a hard time swallowing the larger capsules.
Grind your herbs of choice in a coffee grinder or high-powered blender after they have been dried thoroughly or purchase powdered herbs from an organic, high quality source. I prefer and trust Dr. Christopher's Herb Shop and Mountain Rose Herbs, both carry the capsules and capsule machine.
Grind your herbs of choice in a coffee grinder or high-powered blender after they have been dried thoroughly or purchase powdered herbs from an organic, high quality source. I prefer and trust Dr. Christopher's Herb Shop and Mountain Rose Herbs, both carry the capsules and capsule machine.
Load the capsule machine with the gel caps. As you can see my 8 and 5 year old help me with this, it is that easy.
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Spoon the powdered herb over the machine and pack down with the cool little tool. Keep doing this until the herb is packed tightly in there.
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Remove the stabilizing base and press the top portion of the capsule machine down on the filled capsules
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Herbal Pills
An herbal pill is adding powdered herbs to a thick paste base and rolling into little balls. The paste can be made from dried fruit that has been mashed, honey, syrup or other substances you can think of. They are easy for children to take since they are sweeter and can be chewed up or sucked on. They are soothing for a dry and sore throat.
his recipe is taken from Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, one of my all time favorite herb books.
his recipe is taken from Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, one of my all time favorite herb books.
- Place powdered herbs in a bowl and mix with enough water and honey to make a sticky paste.
- As an option add 1 drop of essential oil as a flavoring agent: wintergreen, peppermint, lemon, orange, etc. (only use 100% genuine oil)
- Thicken the mixture with enough carob or cocoa powder to form a thick, smooth paste. Knead until the dough is smooth like bread dough.
- Break off small bits of dough and roll them into small balls, the size of pills.
- Dry the pills like you would herbs.
- Store in a glass container in a cool, dark location. They should last indefinitely.
