The Effects of Herbal Foot Soaking on Hypertensive Patients Receiving Treatment at the Chronic Disease Clinic, Phana Hospital, Amnat Charoen Province.

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to (1) compare blood pressure levels before and after the intervention, (2) compare blood pressure among control and experimental groups, and (3) assess participant satisfaction toward a Thai herbal foot soak. The herbal formula consisted of kaffir lime peel, citronella, tamarind leaves, turmeric, croton leaves, borneol, and rock salt. The participants were 150 individuals with blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg, purposively selected from the chronic disease clinic at Phana Hospital, Amnat Charoen Province, Thailand, during January–March 2021. They were equally divided into three groups: (1) a control group resting for 15 minutes, (2) a warm water foot soak group, and (3) a herbal foot soak group, each for 5 minutes at 38–40°C. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including paired t-test and ANOVA. The results revealed a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in the herbal foot soak group, from 156.00 mmHg to 133.48 mmHg (p = 0.029). Diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased only in the warm water group (p = 0.002), while the resting group showed no significant change. Post hoc comparison indicated that SBP in the herbal foot soak group was significantly lower than in both control groups (p < 0.001). Satisfaction toward the herbal foot soak was rated high, especially for its aroma, safety, and perceived appropriateness. In conclusion, a 5-minute herbal foot soak using a traditional Thai formula at 38–40°C significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and was well received by participants. This suggests that herbal foot soaking is an effective, safe, and culturally appropriate complementary health intervention that can be integrated into primary care settings for hypertensive patients.