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Trick or Treat-ment: Blood-Sucking Leeches Are Making a Comeback?

It’s spooky season, and there’s no shortage of scary creatures to make your skin crawl.

But what if we told you that one of the creepiest—blood-sucking leeches—is now a healing hero in the world of modern medicine?

Sounds like something out of a horror movie, right?

Believe it or not, these fanged little critters aren’t just relics of ancient medicine. In fact, hospitals and clinics around the world are using leeches for all kinds of treatments, from cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes to arthritis and even cancer.

No need to fear—this Halloween, we’re taking a closer look at how leech therapy has made a surprising return to the medical world.

Leech therapy—also known as hirudotherapy—dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian doctors used these slimy creatures to improve circulation and speed up healing.

Over time, the practice spread to Greece, India, and Rome, where it became a go-to treatment for everything from fevers to gout to even hearing loss.

Fast forward to today, and while the idea of leeches crawling on your skin might make you shudder, these little creatures are actually having a medical resurgence…

When applied to the skin, leeches attach with their tiny teeth and get to work feeding. It might sound terrifying, but their saliva is packed with some surprisingly powerful healing properties.

As they draw blood, leeches release beneficial substances, including:

  • Anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting and boost circulation
  • Vasodilators to widen blood vessels and reduce inflammation
  • Painkillers to numb discomfort
  • Antibacterial agents to fight germs

And don’t worry—the leeches are removed once they’ve had their fill, and any marks they leave behind usually heal without scarring.

Wondering how these creepy crawlers fit into today’s healthcare? Here’s a look at some of the most impressive ways leeches are being used in modern medicine:

Cardiovascular Disease
Leech therapy has shown promise in improving blood circulation and reducing symptoms of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Studies published in Journal of Vascular Surgery and Angiology even found that leeching can help with painful venous ulcers and improve mobility in those with leg inflammation. Who knew these little critters could do so much for your heart health?

Arthritis Relief
For those suffering from arthritis, leech therapy might offer a natural solution. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties in their saliva, leeches have been found to significantly reduce joint pain and improve mobility, according to studies in Rheumatology International and Clinical Rheumatology.

Type 2 Diabetes Complications
Leech therapy may also offer benefits for people struggling with diabetes-related complications. Research shows that it can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in patients with neuropathy, a common diabetes complication, and even help with diabetic retinopathy, which affects vision.

Skin Repair
Believe it or not, leeches have been used to improve outcomes in patients undergoing skin grafts and scar repairs. The anticoagulant agents in their saliva help restore blood flow and promote healing.

Cancer Treatment
Though still in the early stages, some studies suggest that leech-derived compounds might help slow cancer cell growth. While more research is needed, it’s exciting to think that leeches could one day play a role in cancer treatments.

While leech therapy might sound like something out of a Halloween horror story, it’s actually a safe, FDA-approved treatment for many conditions. If you’re curious, you can find clinics in big cities across the U.S. that specialize in this ancient technique.

But before you jump in, keep in mind that it’s not for everyone. People with immune system issues, blood-clotting disorders, or anemia aren’t good candidates for leech therapy. And as always, make sure to consult your doctor before trying any new treatments.

As we dive into the spirit of Halloween, remember that the things that scare us aren’t always bad. Leeches, once feared for their blood-sucking ways, have transformed from horror movie monsters into heroes of modern medicine—proving that even the spookiest creatures can have a bright side!

To your health and well-being (fangs not included),

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. Ready to dive into more details? Click here to read our HSI newsletter and uncover more about the fascinating medical uses of these critters.

Sources:

Health Sciences Institute. (2024, September 27). Trick or Treat-ment: Once-Feared Ancient Relic Makes a Comeback. Health Sciences Institute – Official Site. https://hsionline.com/2024/09/27/trick-or-treat-ment-once-feared-ancient-relic-makes-a-comeback/

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