Table 1 Themes and sub-themes revealed during data analysis of hypertensive patients

1. Medicinal plants and herbs for hypertension

i. Medicinal plants used for hypertension

ii. Knowledge and sources of medicinal plants for hypertension

iii. Duration of use for medicinal plants in hypertension

2. Preparation of medicinal plants and herbs used for hypertension

i. Plant parts used for hypertension therapy

ii. Preparation of medicinal plants used in hypertension

iii. Administration of medicinal plants for hypertension therapy

3. Efficacy of medicinal plants used for hypertension

i. Beliefs on the effectiveness of hypertensive medicinal plants and duration of use

ii. Safety and adverse effects of hypertensive medicinal plants

iii. Availability and cost of hypertensive medicinal plants

iv. Concomitant use of hypertensive medicinal plants with Western medications