Table 1 Demographic Characteristics of Women Interviewed (n = 18)

Ethnicity: White British

18

Age (years)

   20–29

5

   30–39

1

   40–49

3

   50–59

7

   60–69

2

Mean age

44 years

Socio-economic class*

1

6

2

7

3

5

*According to national statistics socio-economic classification [19]

Source of recruitment

   Book club

7

   Therapy centre

4

   Yoga classes

7

Where herbal information sought*

   Friends

11

   Magazines

9

   Books

6

   None

5

   Internet

4

*10 respondents used more than one source of information.

Where herbal medicine accessed*

   Herbal practitioner

4

   Over the counter:

Health food shop

12

Pharmacy

4

Supermarket

1

Mail order

4

*6 respondents used more than one source