This is my favorite herb and spice store. The quality is always of the highest on the market and the price is often only a fraction of the cost that chain health food store's charge. I discovered Blue Nile when I attended Howard University. Blue Nile is about 2 blocks from HU. You can purchase dried herbs and spices by the ounce and they have a dazzling variety of herbs to choose from. Even though it's been almost a decade since I lived in DC, I still order by phone from the store, or I have friends and relatives go there and shop for me and send me things, or every single time I visit DC, I make sure to go there and stock up on my favs. I really like the Kalabash formula for cold and flu or digestive complaints. These things are also staples in my house: the Chai, the vanilla powder, ginseng, goldenseal, lavender essential oil, arabian rose oil, bergamot oil, african bird pepper (cayenne), garlic powder, onion powder, dandelion root, red raspberry leaves, and the selection of african incense and incense mixtures for burning on charchol. Again, there are are tons of herbs to choose from. read more

They honestly have everything and if they don't , ask and I'm sure they will get it to you. The owners are wise elders and can let you which herb you need with just a little information. They also sell incense , sage, books, natural oils, and other natural products. A community staple for sure. read more

Is a wonderful store sitting on Georgia Ave and up the street from Howard Univ. if you are health conscious about your health and the way you live, then this shop is a great place to visit. It's a small little gem in the heart of the District. It has lots of herbs, cosmetic supplies such as hair oils, pomades and Castile soaps, olive oil soap, books and much more. They were out of sage sticks when I came but I'll definitely will be back so I wasn't worried and their prices are reasonable. The workers were very knowledgeable and helpful which is something I can appreciate these days. Anyway, try the store out you will be happy that you did. read more

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My all-time favorite essential oil store. They've got crazy stock on oils for a even crazier price. Bought peppermint thyme and rosemary and the total was just shy of $25(?) I don't remember but it was either that or $20. Told everyone I knew (my friends uncle and grocery cashier) about this little hole in the wall. I'll guarantee that the customer service you're about to get will be the best. The lady with crazy dreads showed me a book of oils and dropped a couple of tips on how to use the oils I picked up. They've got dried herbs you could use for tea or burning. And a lot of equipment you could use for your stuff. Lotion shampoo and shit like that all organic. Great spot! read more

Only store I go to get my natural herbs.

I visited the shop two weeks ago. I had surgery and as a result I was diagnosed with surgery induced mesopause. The hot flashes and night sweats where so unbearable. I went to see my OBGYN and I was prescribed some medication that had cancer causing side effects and bunch of other things. My mom suggested I try the natural route. I searched and found Blue Nile and drove from Baltimore to DC. The staff took the time to listen and provide education on my current information. I explained my symptoms and they recommended multiple supplements. I purchased all the items recommend. When I got into the car I took all of them supplements and with in an hour the hot flashes stopped. And I noticed that night the horrible night sweats stopped as well. I am just amazed at the immediate relief I am experiencing this to date. I highly recommend Blue Nile Botanicals for all of your herbal needs. read more

Called to ask a question about mimosa hostilis dye (unable to find it in stores for a decent price, so called to see if they had materials to make it.) Guy said "i don't have it look somewhere else druggie." What the heck is wrong with the guy? Why in the world would he call me a druggie cause i wanted dye material?!?! read more

These little bodega/ co-op things keep throwing me off but I am in love. There is a small assortment of herbs and a little library packed next to the items to help one decipher the benefits of all of these natural remedies. The cashier guy, Kwaku, wasn't the nicest and seemed a little annoyed with all my questions. After painstakingly answering ten of my questions, he pointed me to the book, Back to Eden, if I wanted to learn more. Maybe next time. I bought their locally made avocado oil and the Ultimate Juicing Book which Barnes and Noble mislead me to believe they had (which they didn't- I can understand why these places are going out of business). read more

Best knowledgeable herbal spiritual shop around I love it here and Chris knows a lot about health needs

I wonder if some of the reviewers have gone into the same store that I've patronized for since the owners and I all had no grey hair. The staff are knowledgeable, and I've found them to be helpful, respectful, and professional. Never heard anything off-color directed toward me or any other women who were present when I was there. Hours have changed during covid--they stayed open, with lines going around the block--so I really appreciate their long-term dedication to serving a neighborhood that was totally ignored by a lot of other retailers until the past few years. Hats off to Blue Nile for weathering the storm and keeping alternative health items available to a historically under-served area. They're still tops in my book. read more

I went yesterday looking for some Sea Moss Gel after reading the reviews on Yelp. I will be going back, they had black seed oil, sea moss gel and other health items. read more

This place is AWESOME, if you go to Howard and you haven't gone here you are Playing Yourself! 1) This place is full of hella stuff that you've put in your Amazon cart, but didn't buy because it's out of stock or way too expensive. Hair, skin, nails, mind, general smell-good stuff. They got it all. 2) I bought lavendar Dr. Bronner's, an oz. of (actual) lavendar, a 100 pack of incense, + an incense tray with cute gold moon and stars decoration for less than $20. Fam, listen. 3) When I was there it was run by two really knowledgable, very pleasant old men. In conclusion, this place is gr8, spend all your money here. read more

They have a decent selection of dried herbs which is nice. However, I found the attitude of the older guy who seemed to be in charge to be extremely off-putting. When I walked in, I was friendly, said hello and smiled at the three men there behind the counter (normal customer behavior, I would think). They barely acknowledged me though there was only 1 other customer who was being rung up (they didn't seem terribly chatty with her either, truth be told). I kind of loitered for a couple of minutes. Finally, since no one had asked if I needed help or had even looked directly at me, I asked if it was okay to help myself to the herbs (many herb shops with the bulk herbs in the 'customer area' are, indeed, self-service). The response from the 'guy in charge' was "NO. It is NOT okay. That's what WE'RE here for." If I hadn't needed the herbs that very day, I would have walked out without a word. It was so incredibly rude. I wanted to tell him that he should perhaps think of putting up a sign or, here's an idea, acknowledge a customer who walks in and OFFER to help rather than leaving the person standing there, ignored. Imagine walking into a restaurant with no sign indicating that you should wait to be seated and the waitstaff all ignore you. Then, you ask if it's okay to seat yourself and they snap at you like this guy did with me. Ridiculous. Since it was urgent though, I bit my tongue and gave him my list. He then gave me a run-down of the prices (which I had not asked for) and still didn't get them for me nor did he say anything about who would be getting them or when. It was a very awkward few minutes. Finally, he gave my list to one of the younger (and much more friendly) guys who very patiently got all my herbs together for me. The "guy in charge" disappeared into the back without a word. It's a shame because the other two men in the shop were friendly enough, but the self-righteous, holier-than-thou attitude of the "guy in charge" was so condescending and uncalled for (does he have a problem with women? I did notice that the one man who walked in while I was there was treated much more respectfully- he was acknowledged and offered assistance immediately, etc.). I won't be going back here. I'll just plan ahead better and order my herbs online like I have been. The shipping costs are the same as the metro to and from this place, so I'd rather be treated like a valued customer than be treated like someone is doing me a huge favor by just acknowledging my presence. read more

I absolutely love Blue Nile Botanicals. As a natural hair lady, I like to mix a lot of the things I put on my hair as opposed to buying shampoos/conditioners/pomades, etc that may have harsh chemicals in them. I am always able to find all the supplies I need to make the products I need: essential oils, unrefined shea butter as well as base oils. Blue Nile is a small basement store front just 2 blocks north of the main entrance to Howard University. The prices are perfect and they carry everything from natural toothpaste to books on parenting. Be sure to stop by for all of your natural living needs. read more

It's small and locally owned and the owner will want to chat about the revolution. Blue Nile is a few blocks up from the Howard Campus on GA Ave. I love this place because it has so many bulk herbs and premixed herbal remedies. I find myself running here when I'm congested and I need some of their signature cold and flu mix. It always makes me feel much better. They also sell incense, oils and natural body products. read more

This place is a life saver!! My brother turned me on to them back in 1982 and I have been going every since. The owner is extremely knowledgeable and helpful!! They sell Great health and herbal books. Top notch herbal remedies! Very knowledgeable of holistic doctors in the dc area. They are the corner stone of outstanding black owned business. I pray that the younger generation see the need for herbalists and naturalist stores and opens more businesses of this kind!!! read more

This spot is THE SPOT "if you know what I mean". Everything that you may need to purify your body and your mind, IS here. Do your research on what it is that you may need to heal or to enhance because there are so many kind of herbs and minerals that will fit the bill. The guys there are always nice and pleasant, opened to teach if you ask. If you want to heal, or elevate yourself for the better, Blue Nile is the best place to go. read more

I have been shopping at Blue Nile for more than 20 years. I can't say enough great things about these brothers. Best items: kalabash or cold & flu mix are great cold/flu remedies; dried Sorrel flowers; raw Shea; incense; books; and bean pies. read more

Called the shop to see if they had a particular herb, but quickly realized that he didn't know and had no inclination to find out. Maybe if you want a bottle of something this can be the place for you, but after realizing his level of knowledge was sketchy I realized that this wasn't the shop for me. read more

Friendly, knowledgeable staff who pepper in some good conversation along with your goods. Take some time to browse around and nose into everything. They have a good stock pile of incense too and not the cheap, wack kind. Be sure to chat with the staff there, it's part of the experience. read more

I love their herbs. Best organic natural herbs in the United States. They do a great job of explaining their products they are very knowledgeable and I would never use any other herbs store in the United States. read more

Eucalyptus... Almond... Peppermint ... Anise... Leaves you wondering if these herbal treatments belong in your tea, bathwater or possibly both? Well, the incense and oils add to the spiritual aura; and, you will leave out feeling as if just standing in the shop made you a more wholesome being already!! Stop by for some education, remedies, and just general love from the community. read more

Great herb source for cooking and aromatherapy ingredients nice selection of incense as well

Doku is a kind person. His wife Ayo and he are an example for how humans should execute their lives. I am in complete admiration not only of their spirits but their ability as well. They have procured the best herbs from all over the world and truly take care of the community. Their intellect and dedication astounds me. read more

For those of you who appreciate a truly hot cayenne with a smoky finish, Blue Nile carries a pepper from India that is 90,000HU. Delicious! I just ordered over the phone. They are working on a website that should be up by the fall. read more

A great spot for herbs. Helpful staff and huge selection of medicinal herbs. Feeling under the weather and found this spot to add a new herb into my regimine. Bought the herb in 3 forms, oil, powder and seed. read more

I live mostly in West Virginia and commute to the Washington DC area once or twice a month. I usually include a stop to Blue Nile Botanicals on my itinerary. Recently I took a well needed sabbatical period in St. Petersburg/Tampa Florida for approximately 8-12 weeks. I discovered a recommitment to holistic therapy. I called from Florida for an order, however they did not have the item for it had sold out and the store was pending a new delivery. They said they would call me upon it's arrival. I returned to West Virginia and sure enough they did call to inform me the item was in stock. It was shipped to me with the utmost care in packaging that I had to take this opportunity to say Thank You. read more

My go to spot for incense and oils in the DMV! It's a black owned business off of Georgia Ave, near Howard U! Love it! There is a positive and heartfelt vibe throughout!!! God bless!!! read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTLY LOVE THIS PLACE. I read reviews online and all were great so I decided to check it out for myself. And what a great choice that was! As soon as you walk in you feel like you're at home. I smells nice and you can never keep your eyes on ine thing because the variety of things they have are endless. When I first walked in I noticed a book that i've been looking for ages sitting right there at the front. The woman at the front desk acknowleged me even though she was tied up with another customer. The man answered all 42 of my questions with no attitude or hesitation. I felt that if there was a life and death matter then he would surely save me as he knows a lot about a lot. I definetly cant wait to return next week! BUT im so pissed that im moving to NC because they dont have a location there (this is their only one) BUT WAIT they have online shipping so im in luck. I suggest that you take time out to visit this place. I guarentee you will be pleased! read more

this is one of the most authentic botanicals in the dmv, amazing atmosphere, down to earth vibe, high quality products, love themmmm

Great selection of herbs, and a knowledgeable and patient staff! Helped me make up an herbal tea blend to knock out a lingering chest cold. The place has a great, very chill Afro-Caribbean vibe. read more

The most comprehensive supplier of herbs & essences in the Nation's Capital. A staple in the community. The staff is well educated as to the best recommendations for any ailment or general health maintenance. The store carries a host of other products educational, health, & wellness. After one visit Blue Nile will always be top of the mind. Moreover their prices, CAN'T be beat. read more