A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CHOOSING HOMEOPATHIC PILLULES, TABLETS, AND POWDERS
March 11, 20256 min read
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CHOOSING HOMEOPATHIC PILLULES, TABLETS, AND POWDERS
As a practitioner or student homeopath, you’re likely encountering a dizzying array of options for remedy carriers—pillules, tablets, powders—each with different sizes, compositions, and purposes. How do you decide which to use and when?
At hsconline, we offer a range of high-quality options, from LM sucrose granules to 6mm lactose/sucrose tablets and pharmaceutical-grade lactose powder. This guide breaks down our offerings, compares them, and explains why and when you might choose one over another—helping you build confidence in your remedy preparation toolkit.
WHY SIZE AND TYPE MATTER IN HOMEOPATHY
In homeopathy, the carrier (pillule, tablet, or powder) serves as a vehicle for the potentised substance, enabling its effective administration. The size of the carrier influences dosing flexibility, while its composition (sucrose, lactose, xylitol, etc.) is tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient and practitioner preferences.
Choosing the right carrier is essential for ensuring ease of use and patient compliance. For example, smaller sizes are ideal for infants or sensitive patients, while the composition ensures compatibility with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. Additionally, the right choice can influence potency retention and the effectiveness of the remedy.
Why Use It: A size step up from LM granules, these pillules provide precise dosing while remaining easy to handle and water-soluble.
When to Choose:
Less fiddly than 0.5mm granules, making them a great option for those new to medicating pillules.
More economical for first aid kits—you get more per bottle, making them ideal for small vial kits where space is limited.
Slightly easier to medicate than LM granules, offering a good balance between precision and convenience.
Top Tip: If you're new to medicating pillules, start with 1mm before moving to smaller granules—they're easier to handle while still offering fine dosing control.
Specs: 2.5mm diameter, lactose-free, 40-50 per gram (fit approx. 230 in our S5, 4-gram bottle or 430 in our S10, 8-gram bottle), EU-made, organic, medicinal-grade.
Why Use It: As our smallest certified organic pillule, these provide a natural, lactose-free option that packs more doses into each bottle compared to larger pillules like 5mm sizes. Their organic production supports eco-friendly practices, blending practicality with a sustainable choice.
When to Choose:
Ideal for patients who prioritise organic ingredients.
Great for filling bottles or kits where more pillules are needed, though they’re more fiddly to dispense due to their smaller size.
Suitable for vegans and lactose-intolerant clients seeking a mid-sized pillule.
Top Tip: If you prefer organic remedies but still want a higher pillule count per vial, these offer the best of both worlds.
Specs: 3mm diameter, lactose-free, 24-27 per gram (fit approx. 110 in our S5, 4-gram bottle or 215 in our S10, 8-gram bottle), EU-made, organic, medicinal-grade, most common size used, same pillule used by Helios Homoeopathy Pharmacy in their Basic 18 Kit and off-the-shelf licensed remedies.
Why Use It: The most commonly used pillule size, matching Helios Homoeopathy Pharmacy, these organic, lactose-free pillules offer a familiar and versatile option for practitioners at all levels.
When to Choose:
Perfect for everyday remedies as a standard, widely recognised size.
The only size that can be used with our Dosage Dispensers for efficient dispensing.
Suitable for vegans, lactose-intolerant clients, and practitioners seeking a reliable, organic choice.
Top Tip: Pair these with a Dosage Dispenser for the perfect dispensing solution.
Specs: 5mm diameter, lactose-free, 10 per gram (fit approx. 40 in our S5, 4-gram bottle or 80 in our S10, 8-gram bottle), EU-made, organic, medicinal-grade.
Why Use It: The largest in our organic range, these pillules are easy to handle and count, offering psychological benefits from their larger size for a more substantial single-dose experience.
When to Choose:
Ideal for patients who find smaller pillules tricky to manage or prefer a larger format.
Suitable for vegans and lactose-intolerant clients seeking an organic, user-friendly option.
Top Tip: Use these when size matters psychologically—offer a single 5mm pillule to patients who feel reassured by a larger, more tangible dose.
Specs: 2.5mm diameter, xylitol-based, 40-50 per gram (fit approx. 230 in our S5, 4-gram bottle or 430 in our S10, 8-gram bottle), EU-made, medicinal-grade. (Not suitable for animals).
Why Use It: Made from xylitol, a tooth-friendly sugar alcohol, these pillules offer a distinct alternative to sucrose, catering to patients with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
When to Choose:
Ideal for diabetic patients or those with sugar sensitivities needing a sucrose-free option.
Avoid for animals due to xylitol’s toxicity.
Top Tip: These are the same size as our Organic SL84 2.5mm Sucrose Pillules, albeit more expensive. Use them when you need a non-sugar option for patients with specific dietary restrictions.
Specs: 5mm diameter, lactose with wheat starch/magnesium stearate, 13 per gram (fit approx. 30 in our S5, 4-gram bottle or 60 in our S10, 8-gram bottle), EU-made, medicinal-grade, 15-second dissolve time.
Why Use It: A fast-dissolving option prized for its soft composition and 15-second dissolution, these tablets are ideal for quick administration and rapid absorption.
When to Choose:
Perfect for infants, the elderly, or animals needing fast, gentle dosing.
For infants under three months, dissolve in a small amount of water on a spoon for easy administration.
Great for acute prescribing where speed and versatility are essential.
Top Tip: When medicating, add 2-3 drops of medicating potency to an empty bottle, run it around the inside of the bottle, then add the soft tablets and gently shake—this keeps them intact, avoiding mushiness while ensuring effective potentisation.
Specs: 6mm diameter, 80% lactose/18.9% sugar DC/1.1% magnesium stearate, 10 per gram (fit approx. 40 in our S5, 4-gram bottle or 70 in our S10, 8-gram bottle), UK-made, medicinal-grade, not suitable for vegans.
Why Use It: Durable and non-rolling, these tablets are a staple in manufacturing pharmacies, offering easy medicating and dispensing with a familiar format.
When to Choose:
Ideal for patients new to homeopathy, as the size and feel resemble conventional tablets.
A practical choice for dispensing due to their easy handling and non-rolling nature.
Not suitable for vegans but provides a reliable option for traditional tablet-based prescribing.
Top Tip: These tablets are much easier to medicate than our soft lactose tablet due to their firm composition. For best results, use a minimal amount of liquid remedy to avoid excess moisture—just enough to coat the tablets without causing them to break down. Shake gently after adding the remedy to ensure even distribution.
Specs: Fine white powder, EU-made, pharmaceutical-grade.
Why Use It: Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical standards, this high-purity lactose powder ensures consistency and reliability for professional use in homeopathic dispensing.
When to Choose:
Suitable for lactose-based remedy dispensing where tablets or pillules aren’t preferred.
Provides a neutral medium for remedy preparation while maintaining purity.
Top Tip: While we don’t offer powder papers, our WM1 white paper envelope serves as an effective dispensing option. Put 1-2g (one dose) in the WM1 white paper envelope, add a drop of medicating potency to the outside of the envelope, and allow to air dry. Only make-up when required.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Choosing the right size and type of homeopathic carrier is essential for both practitioners and patients. Whether you’re opting for granules, pillules, or tablets, each form serves a unique purpose, offering varying levels of ease, precision, and potency retention.
By understanding the differences in our range of products, you can tailor your choice to suit your patient’s needs, ensuring optimal results and patient compliance. At the end of the day, the goal is to provide a remedy that is as effective and easy to use as possible—helping your patients experience the full benefits of homeopathy.
Why not use this quick comparison table of our offerings to help you choose:
