Quick Specs
- Type: Empty Gelatin Capsules, Size 0
- Quantity: 50 capsules per package
- Capacity: 500 mg per capsule
- Best for: Encapsulating powdered herbs, herbal formula blending, practitioner supply
Empty Gelatin Capsules in Herbal and Folk Magic Practice
Size 0 empty gelatin capsules have a standard capacity of approximately 500 milligrams of powdered herb, making them the most commonly used capsule size in home herbalism and folk magic practice. The size 0 sits between the smaller size 1 and the larger size 00, offering a manageable swallowable form factor without the bulk of the larger sizes. Gelatin capsules are derived from animal collagen, which is worth noting for practitioners with dietary restrictions, as vegetarian cellulose capsules are an alternative for those who require them.
In Southern conjure and hoodoo practice, powdered herbs have a long history of use in formulaic combinations. Practitioners familiar with the tradition of “warding powders” or “crossing powders” sometimes encapsulate blended herb and mineral powders for convenience, portability, and discretion. The capsule format keeps powders contained during storage and measurement. In herbal practice more broadly, capsules allow practitioners to work with bitter or strong-flavored herbs without encountering the taste of the raw powder directly, including protective formula blends from traditions like Ayurveda or Chinese herbalism.
Blending and Filling Capsules at Home
Filling capsules by hand requires only a clean surface, the powdered herb or blend, and a bit of patience. The capsule separates into a longer body half and a shorter cap half. You pack the body with powder by pressing and tamping until it’s reasonably dense, then close the cap. A capsule filling machine designed for size 0 significantly speeds up this process if you’re filling batches of 24 or more at a time, and manual capsule fillers are available as inexpensive tools. For storage, filled capsules keep best in a dark glass jar or airtight container in a cool, dry place away from humidity, which can cause gelatin capsules to stick together. Explore my herbs and accessories collection for the powdered herbs and botanical supplies to fill these capsules.
How to Use Size 0 Gelatin Capsules
Three steps for filling size 0 gelatin capsules with powdered herbs or custom blends at home.
- Prepare Your Herb Powder
Grind your chosen herb or blend to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or electric grinder. Sift out coarse particles that could prevent the capsule from closing cleanly. Spread the powder in a shallow dish to make hand-filling easier.
- Fill the Capsule Body
Separate each capsule into its two halves. Hold the longer body half upright and press it into the powder repeatedly, allowing it to pack inside. Tamp gently between presses until the body is filled to within a few millimeters of the rim.
- Cap and Store the Capsules
Press the shorter cap half firmly onto the filled body until it locks with a click. Inspect each capsule for gaps or incomplete closure before storing. Place finished capsules in a glass jar with a tight lid in a cool, dry location.
The Tarot Fellow Standard
I carry these capsules because they fill a practical gap in my practitioner supply inventory. Someone who takes herbal practice seriously enough to grind and blend their own formulas shouldn’t have to source their capsules separately from their botanical supplies. The 50-count package is an accessible quantity for someone experimenting with a new formula before committing to larger production, and the size 0 is the right format for the herb-blend quantities most practitioners work with. For the grinding tools you’ll need to prepare your herbs for encapsulation, take a look at my mortar and pestle collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size 0 capsules hold approximately 500 mg of finely powdered herb, mineral, or custom blend. Common fills include single herbs, protective formula blends, and supplement powders. The material should be dry and finely ground for best results.
Standard gelatin capsules are derived from animal collagen and are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Cellulose-based vegetarian capsules are available as an alternative and behave similarly, though they may be more moisture-sensitive.
You can blend multiple powdered herbs into one capsule as long as the combined powder is dry and finely ground. Many practitioners blend two to five herbs in measured ratios before filling. Keep notes so you can replicate your formulas.
Unfilled gelatin capsules remain usable for two to five years when stored properly in a cool, dry place. Humidity causes gelatin to become tacky and the capsule halves to stick together, making them difficult or impossible to use.
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