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There is even some evidence that chemicals extracted from leech saliva might help to prevent cancer metastasis and relieve cancer-related pain. It is this cocktail of chemicals that is alleged to have far-reaching health benefits following its release into the bloodstream.Īlthough the scientific community at large is skeptical about most of the claims made by modern-day leech-peddlers, there are good reasons to further investigate the use of leeches.įor instance, one study found that leeches could improve arterial function among seniors, while another small study (without a control group) found improvements in eczema symptoms. There are, in fact, a dizzying array of chemicals found in a leech’s saliva, including approximately 60 distinct proteins. Platelet aggregation inhibitors (calin, for instance): These prevent platelets from sticking together as they do during wound healing.Anticoagulant agents (hirudin): These products ensure that blood does not clot as the leech feeds.Local vasodilator: This will encourage blood flow in the region of the bite, increasing its food supply.It allows a leech to suck its dinner from our veins without us feeling much discomfort. Local anesthetic: This, thankfully for me, reduces pain.Leeches help to improve blood flow to regions where it has slowed or stopped, thus preventing tissue death.Īs they collect their lunch from your veins, leeches release a range of active compounds - which include: It is also sometimes used after microsurgeries, such as plastic or reconstructive surgery. The leech enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 1970s and has been used with some success following finger reattachment procedures and surgeries on the soft tissues of the face. Leech therapy - which is also referred to as hirudotherapy - is still used today by many medical professionals. For instance, the Manchester Royal Infirmary, in the United Kingdom, used 50,000 leeches during the course of 1831. The practice remained widespread in many parts of the world until fairly recently. Skin diseases, dental problems, nervous system issues, inflammation, and more were all given the leech treatment. Leech therapy sounds thoroughly medieval - however, it predates the medieval era by a substantial chunk of time.Īncient Egyptians, Indians, Arabs, and Greeks all used leeches therapeutically. Share on Pinterest I suppose it’s not particularly surprising that leech therapy felt unusual.