It can be fairly easy and satisfying to make your own mushroom supplements at home by using your excess harvest material. While it is empowering to source and make your own medicine, it can prove to be time-consuming, frustrating, and even hazardous without the proper setup and hygiene. Here are eight tips for successfully making mushroom capsules at home.
Tip 1: Use a Scale to Measure Your Mushroom Powder
It is important to measure your dry material prior to filling the capsules. This is the easiest way to get your dosage as accurate as possible. A compact digital scale that reads in milligrams is recommended. This will be helpful when measuring mushrooms prior to filling the capsules and also when testing the final weight of each capsule after it has been filled.
Tip 2: Dry Your Mushrooms Until Cracker-Crisp
If drying your own mushrooms at home, having a small dehydrator is crucial to making your supplements. Your mushrooms must be “cracker-crisp” dry prior to powdering them. This will also allow for a finer powder, which will make it easier to fill the capsules and maintain consistent weights. If you’re making your supplements using purchased powders, you can skip this step.
Tip 3: Grind Your Mushrooms Into a Fine Powder
If making your own mushroom powder at home, use a blender or electric grinder to grind your mushrooms as finely as possible. A finer grind lets more material fit inside each capsule and makes the weights more consistent from capsule to capsule.
Tip 4: Wear a Mask to Avoid Inhaling Mushroom Powder
For safety reasons, it is important to wear a mask or face covering when grinding mushrooms and filling capsules. You do not want to inhale any of the fine powders that may float into the air while you are processing the harvest.
Tip 5: Wear Gloves to Keep Your Capsules Clean and Intact
It is important to wear gloves when you are making your capsules for two reasons: the first is to avoid contamination from germs, and the second is to prevent the capsules from dissolving from the moisture on your hands. Skipping this step means you risk damaging the capsule itself.
Tip 6: Sanitize Your Workspace With 70% Alcohol
Sanitize your space. Make sure to spray down the capsule machine inside and out with the alcohol and dry it thoroughly before use. You can use a spray bottle with 70% alcohol to clean the surface you are working on as well as your gloves before you get to work.
Tip 7: Research Species-Specific Mushroom Dosage
Daily amounts for functional mushrooms often fall somewhere between 0.2 and 5 grams, but the right amount varies by species, how the mushroom was prepared, and the person taking it. Some mushrooms have stronger effects than others, so research the specific species you are using, pay attention to how your body responds, and be vigilant about your own personal tolerance and the best use case for your homemade capsules.
We highly advise you work with a licensed medical practitioner when incorporating DIY supplements into your daily routine. It is also important to double check for any existing contraindications if you are currently taking medications, other supplements, or have certain health risks. Always check with your doctor first!
Tip 8: Stay Dry to Prevent Mold in Your Capsules
The most important thing to remember is to keep everything as dry as possible, from the capsule maker itself, to your hands, the empty capsules, the surface you are working on, and most importantly the supplement material itself. Any moisture that enters the powder or capsules could cause significant contamination and lead to mold.
Desiccant packets are an easy extra layer of protection. Tuck a food-safe packet into the airtight container that holds your dried mushrooms or powder, and add one to the container of finished capsules, to help absorb stray moisture and keep everything fresh. The packets go in the container with your capsules, never inside the capsules themselves. Look for packets labeled food-safe, keep them out of reach of children and pets, and do not eat them.
Whatever you do, it is paramount to keep cleanliness in mind above all while you make your own products at home. Any small contaminants (pet hair, food crumbs, dirt) could cause some serious issues that would make your homemade supplements far from beneficial. The power is literally in your own hands when it comes to using our Capsule Filling Tray, so be sure to use it wisely!
The information presented is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Mushroom Capsules
What do I need to make mushroom capsules at home?
At a minimum, you need dried mushroom powder, empty capsules, a capsule filling tray, and a digital scale that reads in milligrams. For safety and cleanliness, add a mask, gloves, and a spray bottle with 70% alcohol. If you are drying and grinding your own mushrooms, you will also need a dehydrator and a blender or grinder.
Do I need to dry mushrooms before making powder?
Yes, if you are starting with fresh mushrooms. They should be “cracker-crisp” dry before you grind them, which also gives you a finer powder that fills capsules more evenly. If you are using purchased mushroom powder, you can skip this step.
Why do I need gloves to fill capsules?
Gloves do two jobs. They help prevent contamination from germs, and they keep moisture from your hands off the capsules, which can cause them to dissolve or become damaged.
How do I keep homemade mushroom capsules from getting moldy?
Keep everything dry and clean, from your tools and work surface to the powder and the empty capsules. Store dried mushrooms and finished capsules in airtight containers with a food-safe desiccant packet to absorb stray moisture. Even small contaminants like pet hair or crumbs can cause problems, so sanitize your workspace first.
Is it safe to make mushroom capsules at home?
It can be, with the right setup and hygiene. Wear a mask and gloves, sanitize your space, and keep your materials dry. Because dosage varies by species and by person, research the mushroom you are using and talk with a licensed medical practitioner before adding homemade supplements to your routine, especially if you take medications or have health risks.