Therapy

Today, leeches are categorised as medicinal products, which means that the government monitors their breeding and distribution. In the past, the effect of leech bites was attributed to the extraction of blood, but thanks to modern analytical methods, we now know that leeches release a large number of active substances when they bite. These are optimally coordinated with each other and can therefore be used to treat a variety of complaints. Some of the active ingredients are also produced synthetically for therapeutic use, but overall the composition of active ingredients in leech saliva is unique.

Because of the active ingredients in their saliva, leeches are the focus of an increasing number of studies. In particular, medicinal leeches can help to treat inflammatory processes in joints, which are usually associated with pain.

Studies of the effects of leeches are available for:

• Painful degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis)
• Painful lumbar spine syndrome (back pain)
• Inflammatory rheumatic diseases of the joints and spine
• Middle ear infections

Anecdotal reports are available for:

• Swelling or inflammation of soft tissue near the joint (e.g. bursa, tendons, sheaths, ligaments and joint capsules)
• Varicose veins
• Bruising

PHENOMENON: MY LEECHES AREN’T BITING
Medirud^® leeches are living medicinal products. Like any living being, they should be treated with respect and patience; so "just in time" ordering is not appropriate. Give the leeches a day or two to get used to their new environment, the ambient temperature, the lighting conditions. Experienced leech therapists have told us again and again: “I don't know any healthy leeches that don't bite. If they’re not biting now, they may bite tomorrow or maybe even in a couple of hours. If they not biting, I put them back in the tank and give them another chance. They're animals, not cannulas.” All leeches distributed by the bbez have passed a 32-week quarantine period, during which they are not fed. So they are guaranteed to be hungry when they reach you. If they aren’t biting, there are other reasons for this: it’s the wrong time of day (leeches also sleep), the patient is wearing perfume or is a heavy smoker, there disinfectant on the patient’s skin, it’s too cold, it’s too warm, the light is too bright etc. In most cases, a small drop of HiruTarget^® attractant helps (available from our shop). For more information, before using leeches for therapy see our tips on how to keep them (available in the Download area).