AN INTERVIEW STUDY ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF HERBAL THROAT PAINTING THERAPY (KWAT YA) AMONG THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS IN PHITSANULOK PROVINCE

Abstract

Kwat Ya, a traditional herbal therapy in Thai Traditional Medicine, is used for oral ulcers, fever, cough, phlegm, sore throat, and heat-related conditions, particularly in children. This study explored current knowledge and practices among practitioners in Phitsanulok Province, focusing on sources of knowledge, diagnosis, formulations, tastes, application, and follow-up. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four experienced practitioners, including Thai Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Practitioners, and folk healers. Most formulations were plant-based (84.6%), with animal (8.8%) and mineral (6.6%) origins. Predominant tastes were pungent/spicy (31.1%), bitter (26.3%), and astringent (17.9%), associated with detoxifying heat, healing oral ulcers, and restoring elemental balance. Liquid vehicles (Nam kra sai ya) included lime juice, saline, basil water, and clove water, while python and snakehead fish gallbladders were occasionally used for high fever and seizures. Application most often targeted the tongue base (33.3%) and buccal mucosa (22.2%), with dosage estimated by one finger joint of the practitioner (37.5%). Contraindications included severe oral infections, prolonged use, and trauma-related wounds. In conclusion, the study underscores the pharmacological significance of herbal tastes, the appropriateness of formulations, and distinctive application practices, highlighting the cultural value of Kwat Ya and the need for systematic preservation and evidence-based validation within Thai Traditional Medicine.