As more people explore Kratom, there is increased interest in DIY Kratom capsules. There can be a big difference; however, between the capsules you make yourself and capsules that are professionally manufactured.
Traditional Kratom Usage
As an ethnobotanical, kratom has enjoyed centuries of use by the indigenous communities in its native forests in Southeast Asia. Traditionally, the raw or dried leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant were chewed to improve focus, increase productivity, and ease discomfort. Alternatively, the dried leaves would be steeped in hot water to make a tea that contained the active compounds to elicit the desired effect. While both of these methods are still in use, they are a far cry from the ease and convenience offered by DIY kratom capsules.
Modern Forms of Kratom
Today, kratom is still available as dried leaves ground into a fine powder. Additionally, extracts are a popular choice for those seeking increased potency, and capsules make for an easy-to-carry alternative. It is partially this versatility that has helped kratom become so popular.
For many, capsules have become the fast solution to hectic lives, so it’s a small wonder that DIY Kratom capsules are beginning to gain a following. After all, if you have empty capsules, or buy the best capsules for kratom from us, and a powder supply, what more do you need?
Modern Capsule Making
Industrial encapsulation machines are financially out of reach for most kratom enthusiasts. In semi-automatic encapsulators, the empty gel caps are fed into a ring via the machine. The ring splits in the middle, separating the top and bottom halves of the capsules. A hopper distributes powder onto the ring as it turns, the excess is scraped away, then the rings are put back together and placed in a press that seals the capsules and pushes them out of the ring. Hundreds of capsules can be produced with limited waste in minutes.
DIY Kratom capsules are usually made in one of two ways: either filling capsules by hand or filling capsules with powder in a manual encapsulation tray. Filling capsules by hand involves scoping powder into each capsule and closing it yourself. It tends to waste product that spills or sticks to your hands, and it’s extremely time intensive.
Manual encapsulation trays are the most cost effective way how to fill capsules with powder, as they are easier to use for larger batches. You put an empty capsule into each hole, usually 50-100 per batch. You scoop powder onto the tray, smoothing it around to ensure each capsule is filled, then close the capsules by hand. Because the excess powder is on the tray, it is easier to save it for later than using the hand method. This is how to fill capsules with powder when aiming for efficiency.
Both methods come with additional problems.
The Trouble With DIY Kratom Capsules
When you buy professionally manufactured kratom capsules, you’re getting a safe, consistent product. The products are thoroughly tested and inspected for quality control to ensure that you have capsules you can count on, with the bonus of not having to worry about filling capsules with powder by hand.
With DIY Kratom capsules, it can be hard to achieve this level of consistency, and without it, the predictability of what a set number of capsules will do suffers. While it seems like powder should flow freely to create a full capsule, the truth is that it doesn’t always work that way. Professionally manufactured capsules are formulated to achieve a set weight of product and potency per capsule. This might include adding a small amount of cellulose to bulk out fine powder and create a firm, full capsule, adding styloid to help it flow better through the machine, or other ingredients to provide the proper weight to the capsule for lighter powders that are more potent.
Just filling DIY Kratom capsules until they feel full can give you inconsistency. It can also result in unintentionally creating overly strong capsules, as different strains and fineness of powders will pack differently. Responsible use includes achieving repeatable results and is always taken into account when planning how to make capsules. This isn’t always possible with filling capsules by hand.
If You Have To…
If you decide that DIY kratom capsules are right for you, here are a few tips.
- Start with clean tools – You’re creating capsules to digest, so make sure your work area is sanitary. All your tools should be clean and uncontaminated. This includes encapsulation trays, scrapers, scoops, scales, and your hands.
- Research common capsule weights for your product – This helps you understand a target number. You’ll need a scale for this part to ensure you’re creating capsules in the target area.
- Figure your average weight and check it often – Start by weighing ten empty capsules and taring your scale (zeroing scale). As you weigh the capsules you make, weigh ten at a time, divide that number by 10 to get the average material weight you’re putting into the capsules.
- Learn how to adjust the packing of your capsules – You may need to let the powder settle, scrape, then add more powder to get the weight you want. You may need to forgo a hard scrape because it’s forcing too much material into the capsules and instead lightly brush the excess away. Learning how to adjust the weight you’re getting is vital to achieving consistent results.
- Keep records – This helps you understand which batches worked better and what you had to do to get the weight right so you have a starting point for the next batch.
Capsules You Can Trust
Many people find that it is more cost-effective for their time and money to buy professionally manufactured capsules vs. making DIY Kratom capsules at home. We’re proud to bring you the strains you love in clean capsules that are reasonably priced. Or even the best capsules for kratom, should you decide the DIY route. If you have any questions, contact us today at 888-510-2038 if you have any questions about our processes or products.