TW: Sexual Harassment I was so excited to discover this place, as I need herbs on an ongoing basis for my business. It seemed cool and not of this time when I went in and saw all the jars and met the man who owns the shop. He gave me the herbs I needed and started commenting on my looks, saying he likes a woman like me. I was uncomfortable and wouldn't go back, but it got worse when he kept asking for a hug, to which I declined. Then he came out from behind the register area and tried to hug me. I pushed him off of me various times and felt super unsafe and just wanted to get out of there, so I booked it and never went back. I see many other reviews saying he's so cool and nice. I guess I was just his type. Gross. It's really sad because herb shops are hard to come by in San Diego, but thankfully Datura in North Park is a reliable apothecary with kind/ non-rapey staff to boot. So I get all my stuff there now. read more

I was on the hunt for Arnica and stopped by this location after researching a bit. The shop is unassuming from the outside and parking is on the street. Step inside and you'll see a vast array of labeled, empty glass jars. The shop owner is kind, knowledgeable and generous. He explained that he keeps his products sealed in the back to retain freshness, which I really appreciated. Though he was out of Arnica, I decided to purchase other items including a toothpaste powder that he recommended for tooth pain. I noted how lovely everything smelled and mentioned lavender was a favorite of mine. He disappeared in the back and then reappeared with a large bag of the most fragrant lavender I've ever smelled. It was from Provence! He offered me a sample to take home and I happily accepted. It continues to smell like lavender in my kitchen. No doubt I'll be back to support this local gem. Tip: this is a cash only vendor; stop by the ATM ahead of time. read more

I wasnt sure if the shop was open because of the lack of pictures and because the last review was a year ago but it is open! The store LOOKS empty and its not! All of his supplies are in the back. The shop owner is a super sweet guy and very nice. I gave him a list and he brought everything out in the original bags and he showed where the herbs were from. He measures everything out in front of you and gives great conversation. CASH ONLY. He told me before he started measuring things out and said that there was an ATM the building over (30 second walk). He's been in business since 1980's and I think he and the shop are adorable. This will be my go to herbal shop. read more

Herb Shoppe - 10 1 oz bags of herbs - Herbs & Spices Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a serious hole in the wall. And the owner is a serious, alchemist, great advice, really unique knowledge. good selection.

I've been on an old fashion kick and decided to try my hand at making my own bitters. I try to avoid amazon, so I checked out some internet herb/spice shops but was put off by the high shipping prices. Then I did what I should've done all along and searched for local shops. So glad I found this place. The owner is very friendly and has operated the shop for decades, I believe. Walking in that store definitely took me back. Back to a simpler time that and he had almost everything I was looking for. The gentian root should be in next week, and he suggested some other bitter roots that should make for an interesting bitters. read more

Very nice shopkeeper. He's knowledgeable and takes the time to help you. He recommended a tea that I was uncertain about using but after I tried it for a week I felt so much better. After I started researching it's benefits on my own, I realized he was spot on. So glad I went to this shop. read more

Drove an hour to get there after calling. Didn't have what I needed after all. Settled for another product and charged me $35 for small bottle. Later found it for $8 at another place. Not cool. read more

Impressive selection of herbs. livio is personable and caring and will direct you to the right herbs. His herb inventory is vast and pure. Glad I have this resource to heal. read more

The shop looks like it might be closed from the outside but it isn't. The owner of the shop is very helpful and knowledgeable. The prices are fair! read more

Don't think about it, just go here. Listen. I've lived a block away in 2 different houses for 3 years and I didn't even notice this place even though I've gawked at the sign while pumping my gas 100 times. I'm an ND student and learn herbalism extensively and as you know, places to purchase herbs are few here in SD. The owner has been there since 1988! And the shop since 1967? I believe he said. You walk in, and it looks like a pharmacy that was randomly left behind in...1967. But don't let that fool you, he has ALL you need fresh in the back. He talks to you, let's you smell the herbs, diligently weighs them out on his ancient scale, brings out his books. A true gem that deserves all the attention. Bring cash! Oh, and prices can't be beat. read more

Herb Shoppe - 3.95 each! - Herbs & Spices Near Me - San Diego, California

Place looks like it's going out of business, but when you find out that all the empty jars are just for display and the quality herbs are in the back, well you become relieved. The owner is smart as hell. From Romania ...very cool cat! read more

Great little gem. Friendly and willing to help. Has lots of herbs. Dont be turned off by the looks of place, its older and well think about it has an old library. Will def return ! read more

This wonderful hidden treasure for all your herbal needs and homeopathic things to benefit the health.i have been coming here since 1986.I highly recommend it to anyone!!! read more

He was great stayed open for me to get there! Highly recommend!! Small ship don't blink you might miss it!

This place looks funky when you walk in, lots of empty jars and such but don't be fooled by appearances- this guy is a master herbalist. He looks like he came straight from hogwarts ( Harry Potter) He is very knowledgeable and helpful. I went in there looking for stuff to help with gallstones found what I needed. Highly recommended read more

I was looking all over the place for black walnut husk and wormwood and found it at this place! Based on those two items he knew I was doing a parasite cleanse and suggested I get cloves as well. Owner is very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for hard to find herbs and someone who can help you by knowing what they're talking about. I'll be returning. read more

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The Herb Shoppe is the real deal. Livio is incredibly knowledgeable and kind, his stock is amazingly diverse. I can only find certain herbs at Livio's shoppe and nowhere else in San Diego. And if Livio doesn't have it, he can find it for you. His prices are exceptionally reasonable, his knowledge great, and his attitude is friendly :) I highly recommend this hidden San Diego gem for any herbalist, naturopath or person seeking a more organic path! read more

I LOVE this shop and his owner! As others have mentioned, it doesn't look like much from the outside, and the jars are empty, but he has everything in the back. He is so knowledgeable and nice, I would spend hours and hours there. read more

I traveled from North County to The Herbe Shoppe for a couple items and was so pleasantly surprised to find everything I needed here. Its a hole in the wall and a little dark, but it is definitely the only place I was able to find Tonka beans at that's not online. Livio was incredibly patient and helpful, he probably ran to the back at least 10 times for me and he took his time methodically weighing and labeling all of my items out. I can't wait to visit again. Go give this guy all your money! read more

The area and store look sketchy on the outside but trust the process. Everything you need. Great prices. Knowledgeable owner. Go in get what you need and get out. Quick and Easy. Everything is price per ounce. Cash only. GO HERE. 5/5 read more

What a cool, well stocked store. The owner is very nice and knowledgeable. If you don't see what you're looking for just ask. They have a lot more herbs in the back. read more

I was excited to see a new herb shop to check out on vacation. It looked scary inside, like it had seen much, much better days. Everything had a layer of dust. I'm not sure if he was trying to close up shop but it looked like mostly everything was sold out. The man working there was helping two customers and said he would be right with us. However, we cleared out of there fast. Too bad because I love local herb shops. :( read more

Looks a little sketchy inside and outside but we tried it anyways. After going to two different shops and calling others he had everything we needed. He was very knowledgeable. So many different herbs, although most of the jars were empty (even the herbs we asked for) he went to the back and had all of them so don't be fooled he more than likely has it. Such a good find, will definitely return! read more

It's so hard to find a good herb place in this town! Most places offer Chinese herbs per prescription. I use a lot of herbs for rememdies, cooking and homebrewing. This is the only place where I can find everything. Don't be shy to ask questions there either. read more

Super pleased. A rare little gem for anyone into bulk herbs! Picked up some Red Raspberry Leaf and Chamomile at a great price. Will be visiting often! read more

The Herb Shoppe is the best place to find herbs in San Diego. Livio is kind and helpful. And the prices are the best anywhere.

This relic of a store is a gem in San Diego. Came here looking for stuff to make old fashioned root beer and sarsparilla. He had everything I needed. I was expecting to see a bunch of random tea blends and seasoning mixes for the common house cook. You know, trendy garbage for people who don't know any better. Instead I was delighted to find a guy who knew what I needed and kept everything nice and fresh in the back. This place won't be winning any awards for interior design but it has exactly what's necessary: great (and precise) selection, fresh products, and a knowledgeable staff, even if it is a staff of one. read more

Cool place in the neighborhood! Stopped in here to get some herbs for quite an array of things and was impressed. Good prices(way better than online or Henry's), friendly staff, great selection...i was pleased. read more

This guy, Livio, went out of his way to be helpful, and the prices are amazing. I was searching for the ingredients to a recipe for Essiac tea (worth a google, if you don't know what it is). Not only did he have the herbs, but had a prepared recipe guide for it. Poor shoppe, itself, is in dire need of a facelift ... kinda makes me want to start a crowdfund or something. He's been in the same place for at least 25 years .. probably more, and there's just something about him that you can tell he gives and gives and gives, with no expectation of return. He deserves more. read more

I am so glad I found this wonderful little shop. The owner, Livio was so sweet and helpful. I could tell right away that he loves helping people. He had just what I needed. I will definitely be going back! read more

I don't own a car, so I took a chance and took public transit for a little over an hour, and honestly, the owner himself alone was worth the trip--he was such a delight! I'm normally a very nervous person when dealing with people, but he was so kind and it just felt really soothing and calming chatting with him. Maybe it was the scent of the herbs in the air, his easy-going and open demeanor, or a mixture of both, but I felt so content just being in the store. I would honestly travel for two hours to go here. The shops smells sooooo good, there is such a large variety, and it's pretty affordable. The herbs I bought were, on average, a little under 3 dollars per ounce, and that's including tax. The price you see on the jars is the price you pay. Just make sure to bring cash! read more

Livio the owner is the best!! Very knowledgeable and friendly. He loves to share information so don't go there in a hurry!