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Oblate discs are small sheets of edible film that allow a person to consume multiple grams of powder at once, all while being much easier to swallow than capsules or tablets. The term originates from the Dutch "oblaat," which was a thin, edible layer of starch introduced to Japan in the 19th century as a way to wrap some candies and pharmaceuticals[1] .
Older international versions are disc-shaped and range from 7cm to 9cm (2.75 to 3.5 inches) in diameter. However, in more recent years, the USA’s larger, square-shaped papers (10cm/4in cross section) have become the most efficient and widely-used oblate type. Up until then, the films were a much lesser-known and underutilized tool for taking powders in the west.[2]
Originally imported to the US to be used for herbs like Kratom[3] , oblates are becoming more popular with the health and fitness industry simply because there is no other method for taking as much powder without tasting it.
Steps
Drop in Water Method
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1Lay a sheet of oblate film on a clean, dry surface or scale.
- Make sure your hands are completely dry before touching the oblate pape!
- This method works best for powders that float, such as kratom and other herbs or plant matter.
- A scale is always recommended to ensure an accurate dosage.
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2Add your desired powder to the center of the film.
- Oblate squares are recommended for their shape and greater surface area
- If using traditional oblate discs, it's wise not to exceed 2-3 grams, as they may overfill and tear
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3Pick up the film by the corners and fold it into a narrow pouch.
- The narrow shape will be easier to swallow than a spherical shape
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4Drop your narrow pouch in a cup of water slowly, being sure it gets wet before letting go
- This seals the powder shut within the oblate and allows it to form a gel around the powder for very easy swallowing
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5Pick up the cup and swallow the pouch while it floats.
- If it's too far from the edge of the glass, use your finger to push it toward the side.
- You can also use a spoon to grab the floating pouch and put it into your mouth
- Do not grab it with your hands and pick it up from the water, as the wet pouch will stick to your fingers and tear.
- Because it is wet and starting to gel up, it will form to your mouth and throat, allowing it to be swallowed much easier than hard capsules and tablets. This is why one can consume many grams at once this way, while capsules only allow up to one gram.
- Gelling up also keeps the pouches from ever sticking in your throat.. such as how capsules are well-known to.
Dip in Water Method
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1Lay a sheet of oblate film on a clean, dry surface and add your desired powder
- Make sure your hands are completely dry before touching the blate pape.
- This method works for all powders, including dense water soluble powder
- Oblate squares are recommended for their shape and greater surface area
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2Pick up the film by the corners and fold it into a narrow pouch.
- The narrow shape will be easier to swallow than a spherical shape
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3Dip your pouch in water halfway, (do not get your fingers wet) and immediately place it in your mouth
- Dipping halfway seals the sides of the pouch shut around the powder ensuring it does not open once placed in your mouth.
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4Swallow the pouch with water
- Drinking with water is very important. Without enough moisture, the pape can stick to the saliva on the side of your mouth and tear open.
- If you're taking a dense, water soluble powder and you begin to taste it while swallowing, use the "Seal the Top" Method instead.
Seal-the-Top Method
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1Lay a sheet of oblate film on a clean, dry surface and add your desired powder
- Make sure your hands are completely dry before touching the blate pape.
- This method works best for dense, quick dissolving powders such as BCAAs
- Oblate squares are recommended for their shape and greater surface area
-
2Pick up the film by the corners and fold it into a narrow pouch.
- The narrow shape will be easier to swallow than a spherical shape
-
3Seal the blate pouch shut using a small lick or dab of moisture and place it in your mouth.
- Sealing the sides of the pouch shut around the powder ensures it does not open once it's placed in your mouth.
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4Immediately swallow the pouch with water
- Immediately drinking this with water is very important, especially because it has not been moistened beforehand like in the other methods. Without enough moisture, the pape can stick to the saliva on the side of your mouth and tear open. So make sure to drink enough water!
- This is the best method for dense, water soluble powders because it doesn't give the water enough time to reach the quick-dissolving powder within the blate pape.
Warnings
- Be careful not to overfill your oblates! Taking too much powder at one time, even if in an oblate, still carries with it the possibility of choking.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Make sure to drink enough water to ensure an adequate flush! This is very important and always highly recommended in order to keep the oblate disc from sticking by absorbing the saliva on the walls of your mouth or throat while swallowing.⧼thumbs_response⧽
