The ancient Egyptians used leeches to treat nervous system abnormalities, skin infections, and dental problems.
Today, leeches are used in plastic surgery and other forms of microsurgery. Why? Because these small creatures secrete proteins and peptides that prevent clotting of blood. We call these secretions anticoagulants. Anticoagulants allow blood to flow to the wounds to enhance the healing process.
The use of leech therapy in medicine is witnessing a revival due to its inexpensive and simple means of preventing complications.
How does it work?
medicinal leeches have tiny rows of teeth all embedded in three jaws. Using their teeth, they pierce a person’s skin and release anticoagulants into it through their saliva. These leeches then extract blood from the person undergoing treatment. The blood is extracted for 20 – 45 minutes at a time. Well, this isn’t much – just 15ml per leech. Medicinal leeches are sourced from Sweden or Hungary.
Leech therapy may be used in several situations. Most beneficiaries include diabetic patients at risk of limb amputation, people who have been diagnosed with heart disease, and people who risk losing their soft tissue to cosmetic surgery. Leech therapy also helps with the treatment of varicose veins and blood clots.
Anemia, compromised arteries, and blood clotting conditions are not eligible for leech therapy. Leech therapy is also contraindicated in pregnant women and children below the age of 18.
What are the exact benefits of medicinal leeches?
Leeches are usually placed on the target area, where they attach themselves and draw blood. During the process of drawing blood, they release peptides and proteins. The released substances thin the blood and prevent clotting. With this, the circulation of blood is improved and tissue death prevented. Medicinal leeches usually leave behind small wounds, with a Y shape. The wounds usually heal without a scar.
Medicinal leeches increase the circulation of blood and break up clots. That’s amazing because it means that they can be used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and circulatory disorders.
Chemical substances from the leech saliva are included in pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of:
- Varicose veins
- Hypertension
- Arthritis
- Skin problems
- Hemorrhoids
Clinical trials have shown that medicinal leeches may be used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Leech saliva has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce tenderness and pain at the affected joint.
Leeches also help in the treatment of heart disease because of its ability to improve blood flow and inflammation. Over the past years, the leech has proven useful in the treatment of vascular disorders.
Medicinal leeches have proven very helpful in cosmetics. They preserve soft tissue and enhance healing after facial reconstructive surgery. Its therapeutic effect during and after cosmetic surgery facilitates the complete and natural healing of the affected parts.
In conclusion
It makes a lot of people squeamish when they hear that leeches are being applied in modern medicine. But lots of clinical research have proven that there’s a reason why leeches were used for centuries as an important part of medical care. As we continue to research more on the therapeutic effects of medicinal leeches, it is worth noting that they’ve proven more useful than we ever imagined.