Ayurvedic and herbal products are one of the fastest-growing uses of empty hard gelatin capsules. A capsule turns a bitter, strong-smelling powder into a convenient, accurately measured dose. Herbal powders behave differently from typical pharmaceutical blends, though, so they need a little extra care.
The short answer
Herbal powders are often light and bulky, so they usually need a larger capsule size such as 0 or 00, or granulation to increase density. Many extracts attract moisture, so fill in a dry room and keep capsules sealed. Opaque colours protect light-sensitive ingredients and give a consistent look.
Why herbal powders need special attention
Low bulk density
Many herbal powders are light and fluffy. A size 0 capsule holds about 340 mg of a powder at 0.5 g/mL, but about 544 mg at 0.8 g/mL. Measure your density before you choose a size.
Moisture-sensitive extracts
Dry extracts can be hygroscopic. They can draw moisture from the gelatin shell and make it brittle, or become sticky in humid air.
Strong taste and smell
A capsule masks bitterness and odour far better than a loose powder or tablet.
Natural colour variation
Plant powders vary in colour between harvests. An opaque shell keeps the finished product looking consistent.
Choosing the right capsule
| Size | At 0.4 g/mL | At 0.5 g/mL | At 0.6 g/mL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | about 548 mg | about 685 mg | about 822 mg |
| 00 | about 360 mg | about 450 mg | about 540 mg |
| 0 | about 272 mg | about 340 mg | about 408 mg |
| 1 | about 192 mg | about 240 mg | about 288 mg |
If the dose does not fit, consider granulating the powder to increase density, using a concentrated extract instead of a whole-herb powder, or splitting the dose across two capsules. Compare sizes in our size 0 vs size 00 guide.
Filling tips for herbal powders
- Dry and sieve the powder to break up lumps so it flows evenly.
- Fill in a dry room, ideally 35 to 65 percent relative humidity, and keep opened capsule bags sealed between runs.
- Tamp gently in several passes to fill light powders evenly. See how to fill empty capsules by hand.
- Check weights often, because natural powders vary more than synthetic blends.
- Choose opaque colours such as green, brown or maroon for a natural look and light protection.
Also check the regulations that apply to your product, for example AYUSH licensing for Ayurvedic medicines or FSSAI rules for nutraceuticals in India.
Frequently asked questions
Which capsule size is best for herbal powders?
Usually size 0 or 00, because herbal powders are light. Measure the bulk density of your powder first.
Why do my herbal capsules become sticky or brittle?
Herbal extracts can attract moisture. Fill in a dry room and store capsules sealed at 35 to 65 percent relative humidity.
Do gelatin capsules suit Ayurvedic products?
Yes. Hard gelatin capsules are widely used for Ayurvedic and herbal powders, masking taste and giving accurate doses.
Which colours are popular for herbal capsules?
Opaque green, brown, maroon and two-tone combinations are common for herbal and Ayurvedic products.
Making herbal or Ayurvedic capsules?
Tell us your powder, dose and preferred colours. We will recommend a size and send samples.
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