Wonderfully knowledgeable proprietor. I visited based on a recommendation, and left feeling confident in the solution. Wonderful herbal mastery solutions to meet the needs of everyone.. read more

I trust Henry Lau more than 100. He has helped me on several occasions where western medicine did not. He also has an incredible memory of his patients and their ailments. read more

One of the best natural doctors in the area. He healed me many times. I have seen Dr. Henry for many years. He is quiet, professional, and very committed to others' health and well being. I have recommended him to all my friends and family. No one has ever been disappointed. I am happy to know his son is also learning Chinese nephropathy. read more

I've been recommended here by several different Acupuncturists and Dr Henry definitely delivers at an affordable price. Last I was here he wanted cash or check. Unfortunately, when I went yesterday, I found out his hours are different than what's listed on this yelp page, so I am including a photo of what I saw on the outside of the building. read more

Draline Tong Herbs - Current Hours - Drugstores Near Me - Oakland, California

Dr. Henry is really the truth. Before I even think of making a Doctors appointment, I consult with him first and his natural medicines always do the job! read more

We like Henry. We seem to be getting results. Herbal medicine is fascinating but it takes time to kick in - weeks or months.

I was recommended by a friend who has been seeing Henry since she was a little girl. He is the most AMAZING herbalist that I have ever seen. Had just gone through something traumatic and wanted to get my cry on. He took my pulse and looked at my tongue. Then he left to mix me up my herbal tea packages. You boil them and then let the tea sit and drink it after a certain time, and once again the next day. His magical elixir did the trick. Henry had me crying for a week straight and had me right after a few visits. Highly recommend seeing him for a variety of ailments. He's your ancient herbal medicine man! read more

This place and the herb specialist have changed my life. Ancient herbal medicine is worth trying. Be prepared to have your pulse taken and your tongue looked at. If you make using these herbs a habit it just might change your physical and mental well-being. I recommend you try it for six months read more

Dr Henry has literally restored my health. Basically, he cured my arthritis and my wrenching pain has gone away. He is a remarkable person and I am so thankful I found him. Such a kind wonderful soul, I can't believe I found him, he saved my life. So grateful, Eileen read more

Henry was great! I went into the store and told him that I was experiencing stomach cramps and he took my pulse and check out my tongue. He recommended three doses of the herbal teas and I felt better in a week. read more

Dr. Henry is the only herbalist in the Bay that I trust and my parents have been taking me to him since I was little. Whether it's a bad cold, stomach problems or adjusting the "balance" of my body- he's got it! Wouldn't know what to do with him! read more

Even before meeting him, it was clear that the proprietor of this establishment is the real deal. On the wall in his store is an old clipping from the the SF Chronicle that recounts his family's long and revered history of practicing Asian Alternative Medicine. Mr. Tong lived up to the article's rave review by his prompt, thorough, and patient service, which included a thorough 15-20 minute inttake/interview, after which he scrawled a page long persciption in what appeaered to be Chinese hieroglyphics. Reading the perscription, he curated a package with several handfuls of different roots, herbs, barks, and other plants, which he recommended that I grind into tea. Through no fault of his, I haven't yet followed his regimen, since I'm not accusommed to drinking tea, but look forward to doing so. read more

I am blessed with this place. Lucky to know that an alternative method of healing exist here close where I live, I don't mind the drive or not been able to find easy parking but it is worth to cross the tunnel and to pay for half hour parking Thank you Henry read more

Americans don't realize that a aPleasing Bedside Manner, or solicitous conversation is not done by Chinese doctors, Acupuncturists or Herbalists with their patients. They diagnose, treat, and move on to the next patient, discreetly. They're not ignoring or being rude to you, it's just the custom. So the great offense some people in the 1 or 2 star reviews have taken, is just from coming up against culture clash. It's not personal, it's cultural, so no resentment or umbrage is necessary. Another thing about Chinese herbs: In China people go to the herbalist every 3, 4 or 5 days, maybe 6. And if they notice that the formula is not working for them, or they can't stand the taste, they go back immediately & get it adjusted. No cookie-cutter all-same remedies: every time an herbalist sees you, it's like he's seeing a new person, based on how you've changed since the last time. They treat what they see, and feel in the pulse, see in the tongue, and more. Not by looking at lab printouts and prescribing a one-size-fits-all pill. Totally different. So lighten up, don't hesitate to go back and say if something's not working, etc. and get it right. Just not with hostility please. I respect his skills, and can live with not having a chatty time. Having worked in retail, the sole person in a shop with the ebb and flow of retail customers, (and Henry does this, standing, day in & day out, all seasons in all weather, 7 days a week) is a strain. It can be exhausting. You'd have to do it to know. He applies his considerable knowledge to treating diseases, not personalities. read more

Henry is an old traditional Chinese herbologist of the best kind. I have been to others in the area, before finding Henry and during covid. They were not nice or friendly to me, despite my efforts and patience. I was deeply grateful when he returned after covid. His door is open to the street throughout his business hours, anyone can walk in - and, he is protective of his space. So be nice and courteous and he will offer what he can. He is not a magician, though we like to think he is. It helps to understand how Chinese herbology works - believe it or not, there are 6-8 pulses in your wrist that measure the strength of (I cant remember) 6-8 elements in your body's system. He measures those and prescribes herbs to strengthen them. You don't have to grind up the herbs - throw them in a pot of water (4 cups) gently boil, for an hour or more, down to half ish, with all the fans on. And do it again with the same pack of wet herbs (3 cups). Then drink at least a cup of it a day. It tastes horrible, but it works to restore balance and over time, the body is able to respond to and resolve imbalances, illnesses, pain, etc. I understand, but I can barely articulate it. If you are already on Big Western Meds, you will have to be patient. There is only so much herbs can do - western meds are like a concrete truck in the face of a dandelion, so you'll probably have to be off the big meds for the herbs to work. Same with psychiatric meds. The Berkeley Herb center can be consulted if you want help in reducing or getting off psychiatric meds. Chinese herbs are great for imbalances, before they become full blown diseases. If you wait too long, and are on several western meds, the herbs are possibly not strong enough to work. But don't take my word for it - start reading ... talk to trained people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_herbology Good Luck!!!! read more

We came here after being in about an hour of traffic to get herbs to help with pain from chemotherapy. The man was rude and did not want to help us. We came here because of the good reviews and were thoroughly disappointed. We also asked him for things that would help with inflammation. He also said that he had nothing to help us. I took a chance with this place and will never return. read more

Bottom line. I've been going to Henry since the 80's. This is truly the only medicine any of us need to be healthy. Nothing has changed and that's comforting read more

came by and pick up some gout medicine. it's very affective and works well as he says. been going here for years and finally had a chance to put a review. highly recommended read more

What a nice man! Price was less than my doctor said it would be and I'm happily using the herbs right now.

Henry is amazing. I have gone to him for many ailments over the years...but this last time I really needed his expertise. My college aged son was diagnosed with Mono, and became terribly ill. None of the medicines/ antibiotics... western med had to offer worked. Henry's various rounds of teas addressing this terrible virus, worked wonders. After 5 days of treatment my son was doing a lot lot better and was able to return back to college the following weekend. Henry your knowledge is much appreciated!!!! YK read more

Henry is kind and professional. He help me and my husband conceive twice after years of fertility issues and nothing "technically wrong" with either of us. We have referred many other couples here for help in getting pregnant and 9 out of 10 were able to conceive after experiencing prior challenges getting pregnant. I recommend buying an electrical herbal pot from him ($60) to make cooking the herbs easier. Best wishes in your health goals! read more

Yelp just removed my review from about 10 years ago, because it wasn't clear that my review described my firsthand experience as a customer of the business. Ok...I went to this store to purchase herbs and Henry was rude and didn't seem interested in selling me any herbs. Henry is a douche. He prefers to cater to non-Asians, probably because he can rip them off. How is that for a first hand experience? read more

My favorite place to get healing Chinese herbs in the East Bay. Dr. Henry is astute and excellent in taking care of my needs. How he knows things just in feeling my pulse in each wrist area is phenomenal. I've been seeing him for a few years now. read more

Draline Tong Herbs - Drugstores Near Me - Oakland, California

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This man is NOT amazing! The reviews can really trick you! He is actually rude! I guess he is not used to serving young Afro/Hispanic people. He displayed NO signs that he was interested in providing any customer service to anyone that did not fit his small view of the world! read more

Take this off yelp. Chinese herb businesses don't need to be further gentrified. Let it be by word of month. All these 1-star reviews can ruin these businesses that have been here for a long time. There's a bunch of western 'holistic' practitioners who are certified in herbal medicine and all the other traditional Eastern Asian practices. Holistic is in quotes because it isn't accessible to everyone. Take your 1 star reviews there. read more

I have seen Henry on a few occasions over the past two years; completely cured chronic inflammation within the lining of my joints. I have not experienced symptoms since my initial 3 herbal packets. I'm now returning for my chronic eczema, the recovery isn't as quick. However, after my first 3 packets of herbs along with acupuncture, it seem to helping quite a lot. It's been one week since my last consult with Henry and I'm coming back now for more herbs. Hopefully remission is within my reach. I absolutely recommend you come here if your dealing with any chronic inflammatory issues, as these herbs contain strong anti-inflammatory compositions. read more

I go to Draline Tong Herbs because I am tired of popping pills. I have many issues, all inflammation related. Dr. Henry's teas help, where Western medicine does not. Many healthy years to him. read more

Until recently, I never had any personal experience with the concept of allergies. Sure, eggplant makes me itch on my forearms, but that's just a small matter which I sometimes ignore. I didn't have any familiarity with allergic rhinitis or anaphylaxis inducing agents, except for reading about them and making flashcards in Immunology. Those commercials of people brooding in the corner on a nice spring day while healthy people prance around and hold hands in a verdant meadow never made sense to me. Oh my, has my body changed. Seemingly overnight, my mast cells, histamines, basophils, IgE antibodies, and all those other fancy immunologic workhorses awoke from a 27 year dormancy and sprung into action like a small guerrilla army. I literally had no idea what was happening, and had to consult with several friends who deal with allergies. Weeping eyes, super stuffed sinuses, sneezing, coupled with a high pollen count. Yep, I was definitely not in Kansas anymore, and I would have given anything to click my red heels to return to my pre-allergy state. I began taking Claritin and some OTC mast cell inhibitor eyedrops from Walgreens, and while I still endorse the eyedrops, I really hated Claritin. The dry mouth side effect had me feeling like I was hanging with Snoop and Cypress Hill all day, and I didn't even get the munchies. After finishing my last box of Claritin, I knew I wanted to try a Chinese herbalist and soon found Henry at Draline Tong. I walked in with pretty bad allergies and really low energy, and had a quick consultation with Henry who asked what was going on, and even had a third eye for some things I was dealing with that I didn't mention because I was just focusing on the allergies. He examined my tongue (nota bene-don't eat jelly bellies beforehand Iike I did), and palpated my radial pulses, and soon wrote out an extensive tea concoction which he spent a lot of time both in considering what to put in, and making the sachets themselves. All of this was $30 (consultation and six days worth of teas), and the effect on my breathing and other sx was almost immediate, and after about two weeks of finishing the teas, I haven't had the need to pop any Claritin. So, this was the best money ever I ever spent and most gratifying healthcare experience that I've ever had. I am now prancing in meadows again and singing the praises of Henry through my open window (which had been shut to keep the pollen out.) Really, he's Oakland's best kept secret and a lifesaver. See him soon and be well. read more

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I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you are taking a huge chance at wasting your money and time here and being ripped off. Henry is sneaky and greedy. First, the good news and the two stars. Draline Tong (retail outlet of family-owned Chinese herb wholesaler NuHerbs Co.) generally sells good quality herbs, pills, and other items in the shop. In other words, all items in the shop are distributed there at COST by parent company NuHerbs. However, getting good service from Henry is hit or miss. If you have a "connection" with him or have enough money to get him excited, you will likely receive genuine help (at least for a short time) from him, who I believe does have substantial and deep knowledge of herbs and Chinese medicine. If you are going there simply based on Yelp reviews, you'll likely get SHAFTED if you don't know EXACTLY what you're looking for and how much a fair price is. For example, I have been told by a very reliable source that Henry has regularly written prescriptions for patients (especially non-Chinese speaking/reading patients) that are not specific to their situation, whatever it may be. He ends up writing some generic formula that will not hurt the patient, but certainly won't help the patient. It's a gray area that he loves to exploit. When it comes to paying, like with many things in Chinatown, there's room to negotiate. Anything without a price tag can be and SHOULD BE negotiated. Here was my latest experience with Henry when re-filling a hand-written prescription from my acupuncturist. I originally filled the prescription there three weeks ago. Me: How much would it be for one pack ("serving") of (raw) herbs? (I hand him my prescription.) Henry: (after calculating on the abacus) Five dollars. Me: Last time I think you charged me $4/pack for the same formula. Henry: nods his head Me: Can we do $4 again? Henry: nods his head Me: Let's do three packs then. I leave to do an errand and return. Me: It's $4 a pack, right? Henry: nods his head I give him a $20 bill. Henry gives me change: a $5 bill I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't think much of it until I left the shop. I was too tired to go back and ask for $3... If he's this sketchy for $3, just imagine what he'll do for situations that involve even slightly larger sums of money! Like a consultation! My background: I have been studying Chinese language and culture and informally studying Traditional Chinese medicine for over 20 years. During this whole time I have been dealing with Henry on and off. I banned going to get herbs from him for years and came back to see if anything had changed. IT HAS NOT. If you need Chinese herbs, go check out Shen Nong Herbs in Berkeley or the Shen Clinic in Albany. On principle alone, I just can't go back to Henry or Draline Tong Herbs anymore. You have been warned. read more

I go here for herbs whenever I need fixing. henry takes you into his office, asks what it is you would like addressed, checks your tongue and pulse and prepares for you six days worth of herbal remedy. I've sought treatment for everything from bad colds and unconquerable coughs to just feeling sluggish and low energy to, um, pms-y "ladies' concerns." always always works. I go here to avoid taking some of the more toxic "cures" that my western hmo/ppo doctors give me, with results my skeptical doctors cannot deny. $25 for a consultation and herbs. read more

I've been going here on a semi-regular basis (at least once a month) for herbs to help with my severe allergies, cold symptoms, and/or asthma for almost two years now. Henry's herbs always do the trick to clear up my symptoms and get me feeling in top shape right away. He will tell you to go to a Western doc if he really can't help. He wants to see people be well. Draline Tong has a good selection of over-the-counter medicines and various packets of cured herbs for sale, and Henry is always willing to explain what things are for, or make a recommendation if you ask. I've also seen students from the nearby school of TCM selecting ingredients and consulting with him, as well as my own acupuncturist. I get the impression that he's quite well respected in Traditional Chinese Medicine circles. Prices are reasonable for the quality of herbs plus consultation. Prices start at $30 for 3 packets of herbs (6 doses) plus consultation and go up from there. Henry can also provide supplements and medicines for athletes in training as well as the ill (I've seen his newspaper clippings). Parking is available on the street (if you're really lucky) or at the nearby Chinatown parking garage (right across the street on Webster - $1.25/hr). If you're looking for quality herbs, or an effective alternative to Western pharmaceutical drugs, I highly recommend Draline Tong. read more

I've been going here for years. My almost yearly stomach glitch gets put to right. No side effects. Super affordable. Zero complaints. Call first. Henry visits China from time to time read more

Fast, professional and decent price! I'm going to them for help with my eczema and am looking forward to redults! The tea I was given to drink doesn't taste good, but I'm not there for tasty tea, I'm there for results!! Highly recommend! read more

Draline Tong Herbs - Concocting my tea... - Drugstores Near Me - Oakland, California

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I call this place Uncle Henry's...because he is the uncle of my acupuncturist and that is what she refers to the place as. I probably shouldn't call him Uncle Henry as I look super white, but he has that healing vibe that you would want of an herbalist uncle. It's still $30 for 3 packets and consultation, and that will last you over a week. The last time I went there I was looking for a tea pill blend that my acu was out of at the time, and it only cost $6 for a little more than a week's worth of pills. I think it is cash only? Maybe I just assume most places in Chinatown want cash only. Yes, the herbs are from their family in China, and they use the strictest manufacturing processes and I believe I have been told no pesticides. read more

I got poison oak really bad a frew years ago and it kept re-appearing for months in the same exact rash pattern. it would get so bad I would ended up in the ER a few times. I tried everything and took several treatments of prednisone and it always came back. an accupuncturist referred me to Henry. I took a few weeks worth of herbs and haven't had any reoccuring poison oak!! i've been seeing him ever since for any health problem. this past year i developed ~adult cystic acne~ and have been really struggling getting it under control. finally went back to see Henry and it's already a lot better after one week. follow his instructions!! and his diet recommendations. I'm so grateful for Henry! read more

Henry is a mainstay in my life. I've been going to Draling since my daughter was three. She is now full grown and we both go. The level of apothecary knowledge is extensive and Henry a sensitive listener. His craft is his rep and he is totally serious about your well being. I am forever grateful to him for my continued health and my stamina. Highly recommend you go and feel for yourself. read more

have used this Tong's herb before but not his consultation. the herbs invariably works. the counter chinese medications aren't priced, the five photo brand "tep da jau'', i found it was a couple dollars cheaper at a shop nearby. it's convenient here. the other shop has an huge parking problem. read more

Henry is amazing! Very gifted. I recommend going to him before going on medication unless it is a critical condition. My symptoms reversed after one day of drinking the herbal tea he made. I was so pleased and the symptoms have not Returned- even after a year. Everyone should experience authentic TCM in action at least once in their lifetime. Be prepared to have a hard time understanding him. He writes in Chinese, so don't lose the prescription! Parking can be challenging but there is a lot across the street. He only takes cash but there are ATM's nearby. No appointment needed...just walk in. Enjoy!! read more

Drove all the way from Antioch to get some Menthol oil for my sinuses, and he even had large bottles for only $5!!

This is the place to go for Chinese medicine. I have been several times and always have a good experience. Very fair prices. Bring cash.