Botanical Dosage Forms:Oils, Pastilles and Capsules

Let’s make sense of the colorful world of botanical oral dosage forms in Australia—where botanicals, including plantextracts, are available in oils, pastilles (gummies), and capsules. These options are designed for daily ease and confident dosing…but how do they work, and what’s the best way to take them? Here’s your friendly guide—science-backed and made simple.

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What are Oral Oils, Pastilles and Capsules?

Oral Oils: Oral oils areliquid drops made from plant extracts mixed with oils like MCT or olive oil,packaged in bottles with droppers for easy use. These are usually taken by placing a few drops in the mouth, and can be swallowed with food or drink forcomfort and better absorption. Some people hold the drops under the tongue for a few moments before swallowing, which may help the body take in certain plantcompounds, though how much is absorbed this way can differ. Oral oils offer a gentle taste and allow you to easily adjust the dose, making them simple to fit into regular routines.

Pastilles (Gummies):  Pastilles (also known as “gummies”)  are chewable, flavored confections infused with botanical extracts. Their pleasant taste and straightforward dosing make them well-suited for individuals who prefer not to swallow tablets.‍

Capsules: Encapsulated botanical extracts in oil form are designed for taste-free, predictable dosing. Capsules ensure discretion and convenience, while offering extended-release properties and stability

Oral oils, pastilles, and capsules all work by heading through your digestive system, so a little patience is required. Most people notice effects kicking in after about 1 to 2 hours, with benefits lasting from 6 up to 8 hours. Why do people love these formats?

- They offer steady,longer-lasting effects—perfect for busy routines.

- You can measureyour dose and know exactly what you’re getting, every time.

- They’re discreet—nosmells, no smoke, and no extra equipment to carry around.

So what’s the catch?

Oral botanical formats aren’t perfect for everyone. Because they travel through the digestive system, effects can be slower and are sometimes less predictable—especially if meals, metabolism, or medications play a role in absorption. A portion of the active ingredients may be lost through digestion,and some people find the taste, texture, or swallowing pills to be a challenge. So while oral formats are convenient, a little patience (and the occasional adjustment) may still be required.

Did You Know? Fatty Foods Can Help!

Here’s a simple tip backed by real clinical science: Having your botanical oil, gummy, or capsule with a meal rich in healthy fats (like avocado toast, nuts, or olive oil) can help your body absorb more of the fatty plant compounds inside. One well-designed human study found that the absorption of a common fat soluble (or fat-loving) botanical compoundwas almost twice as high when taken with a high-fat meal compared to on an empty stomach ⁴. Fats help the good stuff move through your digestive tract and into your bloodstream, turning each dose into the best version of itself.

Summary

Choosing between oils, pastilles, and capsules lets people enjoy botanical extracts in a way that fits their lifestyle—whether it’s flexibility, convenience, or taste that matters most. Each format has its own advantages, from easy measuring to lasting effects and discreet use. While it’s helpful to remember that eating these products with healthy fats can boost absorption, the key is finding the option that works best for individual needs and routines. With a little experimenting and patience, incorporating botanicals into daily life can be straightforward,reliable, and tailored for comfort.

References:

1. Saals, B.A.D.F.,van den Brink, W., Roffel, S., Doorn, J., van Velzen, E.J.J., Klumpers, L., etal. (2025) ‘A high-fat meal significantly impacts the bioavailability andbiphasic absorption of cannabidiol (CBD) from a CBD-rich extract in men andwomen’, Scientific Reports, 15, Article 3678. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87621-4.

2. SupplySide SJ(2023) ‘A breakdown of dosage forms’. Available at: https://www.supplysidesj.com/manufacturing/a-breakdown-of-dosage-forms

3. Tabboon, P.,Pongjanyakul, T., Limpongsa, E., & Jaipakdee, N. (2022) ‘Mucosal Deliveryof Cannabidiol: Influence of Vehicles and Enhancers’, Pharmaceutics, 14(8), p.1687. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9412444/

4. Yao, Y., Melough,M.M., Xiao, H., Chun, O.K., Koo, S.I. and Liu, Z. (2023) 'Effects of dietaryfat type and emulsification on carotenoid absorption in healthy adults: Arandomized crossover trial', American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 118(6),pp. 1392-1404. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523462673