Tonight I stopped in to pick up a few supplements and herbs, and Farah (sorry if I spelled your name wrong) was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Without her guidance, I probably would've spun myself into a little tizzy trying to choose among all the options. I've been going to this store for almost 30 years. I started coming in the second half of the '90s, back when it was a tiny shop a few doors down, before they moved into a larger space. Over the years, I've always found the people there helpful when I need it. Even during the years I lived away from Berkeley, I made a point of stopping in whenever I was back in town -- it's a shop I genuinely love and have continued to return to. read more

Very helpful and knowledgeable team. They have lots for quality wellness products and personal care. If you want to start holistic health and supplements, this can be a great place to try. Lots of less toxic options to choose from. read more

Fabulous service - friendly, prompt and helpful. Amazing array of fresh and pure options at phenomenal pricing. Totally loving my chamomile flower tea - sooooo delicious!!! Plus they have a wide array of excellent books about nutrition, herbs and teas. I only wish they were closer to my home...(I live about an hour away, but will go back) read more

Good colors--red and black--of HENNA! As well as prices in bulk. Have been buying both colors I mix for my hair since 1984, with very positive compliments for same length of time! Receiving excellent service too. Carol B. read more

My review is for the San Pablo Avenue location; it's the only store I have been to. I have always been treated with kindness and understanding since I discovered Lhasa Karnak Herb store two years ago. As soon as I walked in, I felt at home because I used to go to The Scarlet Sage in San Francisco as both a customer and later as the work-exchange / volunteer "cleaning lady" in the mid-90s. As for Lhasa Karnak, my interactions with anyone behind the counter and with other customers have always been more than positive: I come away feeling seen and understood. The recent years of my life have been filled with extreme fear and anxiety from forces that were beyond my control. I'm getting better with the help and guidance I have received from Lhasa Karnak herbs, tinctures, the staff and people I encounter there. We all need a little help from our friends, gifts from the Earth and guidance toward being more than just survivors. At this juncture in my life, even Kaiser is trying to help me THRIVE as I face the vagaries of aging in a culture that has always over-valued youth and beauty. May the World appreciate the wisdom that sometimes comes with age, present President excepted! read more

I have limited my visits here since my earlier review and have been happy to see and experience new employees, who are warm and helpful. One such person is Niko, who took the time to really listen and understand the problem I was having, shared a recommendation based on personal experience, and was all around a most thoughtful and considerate human to interact with. Three cheers for Niko! read more

A little awkward atmosphere because of the size as a first timer but! The staff are super helpful and the store is so cool definitely a place you should check out! read more

I was learned a valuable lesson today...don't jump to conclusions!!! Aside from my lesson in humbleness, I want to say I received excellent customer service from the young lady at the counter today!!! Peace and blessings !!! read more

I live in Pennsylvania and occasionally order herbs from Lhasa Karnack that aren't available near me or anywhere else that Ive found for that matter. I have always experienced outstanding service and the herbs are carefully packaged, fresh, fragrant and fairly priced. My most recent order was sent out the day I placed it and I received almost daily updates from the store on the shipping progress. I just received my shipment and wish I could spend the rest of the day next to the open box inhaling the aroma! Thank you, Lhasa Karnak! read more

It's kinda hilarious how many Yelp reviewers have left negative reviews about the folks who work at Lhasa Karnak -- fairly uniformly about how unbelievably rude they are. I'm starting to think that acting superior and rude are requirements for getting hired at this store! I had avoided going there myself for years because of the awful sales people, and finally started going back -- mostly because they're down the street from me. And for a while -- 12 months or so? -- it was tolerable, but as other folks have indicated, the dude who works at the Shattuck Ave store has slowly gotten more and more cranky and unpleasant. Today, I went in to make a purchase, and the sole employee at the time was god-awful rude. Almost as though she was deigning to serve me (ringing up my purchase! she didn't even need to help me with anything!) and I was a blight in her afternoon. I mean, WTF, people? Maybe y'all are too creepy rude to get hired anywhere else to do anything else??? Why does the owner not care about how crappy their salespeople are? So weird. So bizarre. As I said, I'm starting to think that being a subpar human is a prerequisite for working there.... read more

No. I just walked out of Larnik Karnak herb company without buying anything because of the worst counter person ever. I couldn't get the guy behind to tell me if their sea salt has magnesium or not. I know enough to know that the magnesium percentage depends on which sea it's mined from. He shot back at me, "I don't know. Does sea still have magnesium in it?" It was as if he wanted the place to go out of business. I asked for some culinary salt, but I didn't feel like being dealing with him because I know that this establishment has a minimum amount of money that customers put on a credit card and I didn't feel like asking him any more questions so I just left. read more

I purchased six herbs and my stuff came up to 2450 I gave the guy $100 bill he looked at it went to get changed came back and asked if I had a larger bill stating that he didn't have change. I pull out another hundred and a twenty. He said oh if you have a new hundred I have change for that. So now I'm confused how do you have change for one hundred and not the other. He said it's easier for him to get change for a newer hundred. I was immediately offended for two reasons one he just told me a lie to my face second he basically made it seem like I was trying to scam you guys. So I told him to take the herbs back and placed them on the shelf he then yells at me to give them all back after counting he realized that I did at that point he did not apologize for his mistake instead he told me don't come back to the store like I was wrong I've been coming there for years and have never been mistreated like this. It was humiliating and dehumanizing. read more

Man I hate giving only 4 of 5 stars, because the business, itself, is fantastic and I want it to be around for a very long time. The aroma when you walk through the door, the products, it's all amazing. Dunno what the deal is with the person behind the counter today, but JEEZ! Now I don't expect to be treated like royalty as a customer; I don't subscribe to customer-is-king/queen at all. I don't even expect to be greeted or any of that. I do expect when I attempt to be polite and friendly to have that reciprocated at some sort of bare minimum level. And usually I'm oblivious to when I'm not well-treated, but today it's totally apparent. Come on, friend! I hope it was just a really off-day and whatever's going on in life is not so bad. I extend a hug. -C read more

I left this place...low-key furious. Had to take an extra walk around the block to cool off. I berated myself for being, what, extra sensitive? But on impulse did come to Yelp just to see... and found, to my relief, that SO MANY people have had bad experiences with the people who work here. I could get good quality herbs online so easy and for cheaper. I go to an actual herb shop because I only know a little about herbs and because I *want* to support brick and mortar stores. I can't even begin to describe the masterpiece of sullen babyish passive aggression I was treated to. I was on the verge of walking right out the door which ...I have never done before. I know so many people who are interested in herbal healing right now, and when I go to herb stores in New York it's always a good time -- I *cannot* believe that, in BERKELEY of all places, it is impossible to get emotionally competent people to work in an herb shop which is, in all other respects, a lovely cool place to go to. read more

I have come to this company for almost thirty years, since they were on Telegraph Avenue. I have usually had good interactions with staff. However there is one young man who has a rude demeanor. Every time I have run into him at either location he is rude and disrespectful. For example he is rude when he thought I asked too many questions about a product. I told him I did not like his attitude after I asked to return an item a week ago . He refused and I asked to speak to the owner. I told him I had seen the owner over the years. He smirked and said sarcastically " Sure your have." He said the owner was at the other store. I called the other store and was told the owner was not there. I indicated I wanted to make a complaint. A young woman said she would forward my message. It is a week later and have not gotten a response. I hate to see what was a good business become so unprofessional and rude! read more

I have been shopping at Lhasa Karnak for about 10 years now. I used to frequent their old location on Telegraph up near the UC Berkeley Campus. Once that closed I still made sure to support their Shattuck location and then their most recent location on San Pablo. Over the years, here were times where the customer service was pretty good and associates were attentive and genuinely friendly. Many times, though, I found that they could be a bit stand offish, rude, and uninterested; anyway, as long as I could get my herbs it really didn't matter. But about two weeks ago, I went in looking for a few common herbs, and the owner was present. I had been curious for some time about their white sage and how/where they were sourcing it and if it was a beneficial exchange with indigenous people- which I feel is a valid and righteous concernt to have; so i finally worked up the nerve to ask "where do you guys get your white sage from?" I was friendly and genuine with my intent and delivery. The owner proceeded to give me an answer that was short and rude as if I had some sort of audacity to ask him this question. He answered it fully, but to be frank, he was extremely patronizing and haughty with his response and seemed to be offended that I would ask such a question.. I found this disappointing becasue I frequent this business and as someone who works in wellness, I refer a lot of customers to their business. All of this said, I may still visit the shop from time to time if I am in dire need of something i cannot find elsewhere, but it would be my very last resort.. read more

Look, I'm not going to give this place a bad rating because of its front end staff. Yes they're dicks. I remember I came in five minutes before closing hoping to get a quick couple of essential oils I ran out of. I waved and smiled and said I hope I wasn't too late. The guy behind the counter.... I don't know what he inserted up his rectum that day, but he didn't even look at me. I repeated myself, remembering how the staff was back when I went here while in college and knew I was not going to get much. He lifted his eyes and stared at me, saying nothing. Baffling. Yeah. He was a dick. I had to get someone else to help me, and luckily she heard and quickly got the items I wanted. Was out in 3 minutes. Why am I giving 5 stars? Well I know the owner. I used to speak to her when she came to deposit cash at the bank I worked at. She's a very nice person herself and cares a lot about her business. Also this shop has a selection of ingredients that I can't find anywhere else. Anything I need, they have. You can't beat that. Even now that I live on the East Coast, I still order from them. read more

I've been shopping here for herbs and natural remedies and vitamins and health books (also used to have gorgeous Japanese kimonos that I bought a few of too!) for over 40 years. And no, I'm not old! I feel quite youthful honestly. Much of that is due to attitude, as I've certainly had my health challenges. One key way I've navigated back to full vigorous health has been herbs and homeopathy as well as other 'alternative' medicines. Most of these are not 'alternative' in places like Europe where plants are considered medicine. That is a long intro to why I consider Lhasha Karnak to be a BERKELEY GEM. It has always stocked an incredible assortment and range of herbs and the staff (this varies now) used to be so helpful consulting about the best use of herbs and combinations. Today, I had the extreme pleasure of having Asase help me assemble certain herbs and she reminded me of the best that Lhasha provides to its customers- thoughtful and supportive assistance and insight. I highly recommend a visit to explore and check out this wonderful local herbal apothecary. Thank you Lhasha for staying with us in Berkeley! read more

Yikes. Cranky salespeople. I took a pen off the counter to cross something off of my to-do list and the sales associate acted like I had just stabbed her with it. What the heck? I know COVID, but she could have just wiped down the pen after I used it. Then, she made me feel like I was bothering her as she was helping me get the oils. I was in the neighborhood and thought I would stop by to stock up on essential oils and *support* a local brick-and-mortar store. Also, I thought Berkeley was all rainbows and unicorns? Very disappointing experience. I still love their selection. Need to think about whether I want to try again or find another store. read more

I buy a lot of quality products from this shop, especially essential oils which I add to my proprietary aromatherapy blends. Today I bought hyssop oil. Other oils I have from here are, to name a few, clove, California white sage, rose geranium, Siberian fir, and jasmine absolute. I simply can't get over the quality! If you're all about oils, herbs, natural supplements, and shopping small, then Lhasa Karnak is the place to patronise. read more

The Lhasa Karnak Herb Company on Shattuck Ave in Berkeley is a store with all kinds of oils, herbs and vitamins , and there are even books you can read, which is nice. Sadly, the customer service is poor. The lady staff is not friendly and inpatient when being asked for consultations on product info. I thought most of the health food or herb store staff are trainned to help customers when they are in need of assistance ,because of the specific natures of products; and she thought I hv "many" questiones ---even I've only asked three---and even the store is not labeled "self help". I hope they can be more helpful , and with equal respect to every customers in the future. read more

After horrible service at the San Pablo location, I tried calling in an order for pick up to this location. Sadly to not deal with rude staff. And what did I find here.... Even more horrible customer service as SP. They don't even know how to treat customers over the phone! I spoke to two different staff members, equally as rude and ugly as each other. How does the owner allow this in a business based on healing? It's sad because they have an amazing selection of products. I will never return to either location. Naturally Herbs in Richmond only from now on. read more

Lhasa Karnak Herb Company is right at home at 1942 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. Less gritty than the shops on Telegraph, and probably a bit tidier as well. They're open daily from 10-7 and have teas and tea drinking supplies as well. Selection is quite extensive for a tiny corner shop, and you may give yourself some time to browse and inquire. During Sunday Streets, an annual fall event celebrated in Berkeley, you'll find this section of Shattuck Ave. closed to traffic, and it's highly walkable. But you may come anytime. read more

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The customer service here is so great and they have everything. Staff is super knowledgeable and will discuss with you about your interests at great length. I have been seeking herbal supplements for a dermatological issue lately and the staff is so helpful and will give you a free consultation based on their holistic knowledge. If there is a supplement not available in store, they are knowledgeable enough to know wherE to refer you to. Makes me grateful to live in an area which has access to such an establishment. I'll be coming back for just about all of my needs from now on. read more

The staff did not know the difference between Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano. The cashier said only that one was from Mexico and one was from Greece. I bought an ounce of each to compare. In my basic research, they are completely different plants and have very different tastes. I expect more from a shop dedicated to herbs and spices. read more

WOW WOW WOW, this place..... I have shopped here many times over the last 7 years, and it's been fine when I knew what I wanted and just came for a quick pop in. But today, when my wife and I went in, the guy behind the counter was unbelievably rude, condescending, unhelpful, and just a general piece of shit to her. She asked a very simple question. Her sister is sick and she was looking for something to send her. He was such a complete dick.... she tried to salvage the situation, and he wasn't having it. Luckily, there are other alternatives for buying herbs locally, and we are going to use them in the future. What the hell is wrong with Lhasa Karnak? It's an herb shop, in downtown Berkeley. It's the epicenter of the herbal universe, they should be warm and welcoming. Unfortunately, they probably don't read these reviews, but maybe if we all go to other herb shops, they'll get the message. By the way, the guy behind the counter had longish hair, I believe a nose ring, dead eyes, and the demeanor of the unhappiest person you've ever met. COME ON LHASA KARNAK..... do better. read more

This is so ironic, that I returned to YELP to post a bad review and it appears that not much has changed since I last posted. My boyfriend and I were walking past the location and he saw various sage products. I commented to him "The service is poor. They didn't acknowledge me the last time I was here. He wanted to drop in and check the selection out of curiosity. Yet again the woman didn't acknowledge me and as we left she hurried to the section we were in as if we were stealing. So I will go out on a limb to say this is a racist/discriminating business. Based on the consistent behavior and the fact that everyone who has a positive experience is White. I'm going to be sure to follow-up on this with the Chamber. From 2018 I just visited the store and I was very disappointed that I was not greeted by the two ladies who were directly in front of me behind the counter. They kept talking as if I hadn't entered the store. Finally a third woman who I didn't see initially greeted me and asked to help. Although she seemed a little annoyed, probably about the unprofessionalism of the other ladies. I am shocked that such a small shop wouldn't find it imperative to be friendly and helpful. They didn't have the biotin I prefer to us but I will never shop at this store again or recommend anyone else to do either. read more

This is the kind of place that one would totally expect to see in Berkeley--you walk through a wooden half-door and see shelves and shelves of jars filled with herbs with strange names. On one wall there are thumbed-through books where one may find potions to get rid of ailments, to strengthen ones chi-force, or perhaps to enchant someone. If you are looking for tea, glycerin, french clay, or ingredients for magic spells, this is the place to go to. The staff is always helpful even when it seems as if they have been sampling some of their own herb. They also have popular and not-so-known natural brands of toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoos. Even though the selection of these pre-made items is not enormous, you can probably find what you need. read more

Great place to get a variety of herbs and spices in bulk. Their web site is good to check before going in, because they have a lot of stuff you might not think to ask about. For example, they are the only place I could find in the area that sells organic grape seed oil. But you wouldn't think to ask about that unless you'd looked at the web site. I often stop in when I've got shopping to do at Trader Joe's down the street. read more

Long story short: you're wasting your money and your time if you're buying your yerbs and/or spicez anywhere but here. Truly amazing selection, knowledgeable staff, friendly service, and the price. . . oh lawdy, the buckets of cold hard cash I've saved buying from here over a grocery store never ceases to blow my mind. And you can bring in your own container to reuse again and again! Aside from the food flavor fortifiers they sell, they also offer a wide range of essential oils and other (to be honest what I sometimes consider quite woo) homeopathic remedies. Whether or not these are your cup of tea (oh yeah, they have a killer tea selection as well), they are available for your review and the staff is quite friendly about questions even with an admitted skeptic like myself. In regards to these remedies, all of the staff I've talked to have been willing to offer recommendations but also qualify their statements with a reasonable testimony: that what might work for them might not work for you, and to try things out and see where it gets you. Cheap (and hard to find!) spices, awesome employees, killer vibes -- not much more you can ask for out of a place like this. I am a loyal customer and will be as long as I live in the area. Last time I was this excited when I left my herb dealer my purchase came in a plastic bag with a hand tied knot, if you know what I mean. (Psst. It was here. I'm talking about them. They sell herbs in plastic bags with the knot. And they are much friendlier than my last pot dealer.) read more

Love love love this store!!! I first found this place while I was searching for some culing pills to settle my stomach. The man working was helpful and friendly. I discovered they also had loose peppermint tea, something I had been on the hunt to find for a few months. (You can almost never find it plain) I recently did a liver cleanse and went in to get the herbs needed for the tea I was to drink throughout. I had a long list without tangible quantities, so I was pretty clueless as to how much of each thing I needed. (Everything was based off each other-one part burdock root, 1/4 part sarsparilla seed, etc.) The same man was happy to help me figure out how much I'd need for a 10 day cleanse, and mixed the herbs for me. I would have never figured out how much to use without his help! The store is full of great herbal remedies to all sorts of ailments, and it's just a fun and positive place to visit. read more

Lhasa Karnak Herb Company - Lhasa Karnak storefront - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Berkeley, California

Agreed with previous comments that the services people are quasi hipped. They laughed at me when I asked what does the lung tea do, with an answer "it opens your lung" read more

I've been coming here for 30+ years. Incredible variety of herbs and products and not All the employees are dicks.

Went in and asked if they carry a supplement I sometimes take. The guy behind the counter said, "Nope." Then silence. I started to explain its use to see if they had something similar. His disinterest stopped me cold. read more

I keep trying to give them a chance to redeem themselves but every single visit, it's much the same. Awful service- the people who work there always have an attitude. They are quasi hippies but not the peace loving kind. I never ever feel welcome there so I've just about given up. Lost cause... read more

Friendly, knowledgeable and feel safe with the Covid precautions in the store. Always find something interesting like new teas to try. Great staff. read more

I used to find the staff here pretty unpleasant, but they have some new folk now who are friendly and chatty and very helpful. They have a variety of herbs that I don't believe you will get anywhere else in Berkeley and so I like to spend my money there. The quality of the marshmallow root and slippery elm bark is great, and the packaging is pretty minimalistic, which is what I prefer. read more

The BEST Herb shop EVER Knowledgeable people friendly and so far they've had everything I've ever asked for I love both are stores handy and easy to navigate and they have most of the answers when I asked I would not go any place else for my herbs read more

As a fresh face to the supplement/herbal/homeopathic treatment community, I still have a great deal to learn in the field of herbalism. One would expect that those running what seems to be a highly rated (4 stars?!) supplement shop in a nice Berkeley neighborhood would have excellent advice and a high knowledge standard for their employees. However, I can find nothing in my experiences here that warrants an average four star rating. That is mind-blowing. On a recommendation of a friend, I sought this place out in order to deal with a painful multi-issue medical situation that I'm currently trying to heal. I, of course, did extensive research into what many homeopathic doctors and herbalists recommend for treatment, but naturally had further questions. Sadly, the treatment I received as a new customer was sub-par at best, both in person and on the phone. Aside from an obvious lack of knowledge concerning the properties of my supplements in question (or just cases of extreme apathy, which is entirely likely) I was treated as though I was an inconvenience to the employees. To LK staff and owners: As much as I love to support the hardworking small business owner's of our community, please note that I do not come to your shops simply because of some "novelty" or "extensive history". I visit the small shops because of their substance, dedication, and care of the customer. LK Herbs is a growing example of why small business is getting a bad name - they've obviously forgotten that being "hip" and having a large variety of products doesn't make you the best store in town. This business will never see another dime from me or anyone that I know. Trust me, it's not worth your time either. There are plenty of excellent herbal shops out there in our community who need and DESERVE your business. This isn't one of them. read more

I'm with Amani...5 stars for the inventory, negative stars for the customer "service". The girl behind the counter exuded hostility even as I approached her. I only had three things on my list, when I asked her about the first one she grudgingly retrieved it and then proceeded to give me a condescending lecture on it . I have to say she did open my eyes to the plight that it was an endangered tree, however her manner was horrendous....and why do you sell it then? If it is for people with an ailment, I get it, however then only sell it to those people with that ailment, don't be awful to your customers. So after that awkward exchange, I asked if they carried another item....and she pushed the book towards me..."here is what we have". I'm so sorry I am bothering you....with NO OTHER customers here. It's a shame, I made the trek out from San Francisco and was excited to see what they had to offer...however I will be doing my shopping elsewhere. BOO read more