What are the medicinal effects of leeches?
Oct 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ziyi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, medicinal leeches have therapeutic effects such as detoxification and reducing swelling, improving blood circulation, treating varicose veins, relieving pain, and promoting wound healing. Specifically: It should be noted that if leech therapy is needed, it must be used according to the individual's condition under the guidance of a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner through proper diagnosis and treatment. Self-medication should be avoided to prevent adverse effects.
Under normal circumstances, medicinal leeches have therapeutic effects such as detoxification and reducing swelling, improving blood circulation, treating varicose veins, pain relief, and promoting wound healing. The specific details are as follows:
1. Detoxification and Swelling Reduction
Leeches possess anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties that help eliminate toxins from the body and reduce swelling and pain. Therefore, leeches are commonly used to treat injuries, bruising, swelling, and toxin accumulation caused by pain.
2. Improving Blood Circulation
The saliva of leeches contains an enzyme called hirudin, which inhibits blood coagulation and prevents thrombus formation, thereby improving blood circulation. This helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Treating Varicose Veins
Leech therapy is sometimes used to treat varicose veins. Through their bite and the anticoagulant enzymes in their saliva, leeches can improve venous drainage and alleviate discomfort caused by varicose veins.
4. Pain Relief
When biting, leeches release enzymes and certain analgesic substances such as lidocaine, which can reduce local pain. Therefore, leeches are sometimes used to relieve pain symptoms.
5. Promoting Wound Healing
Leech saliva contains anti-inflammatory substances that can reduce inflammatory responses around wounds. Inflammation is part of the wound healing process, but excessive inflammation may delay healing. The anti-inflammatory components in leech saliva help maintain a moderate level of inflammation, thus promoting healing.
It should be noted that if there is a need to use leeches, they should only be used under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner after proper diagnosis and differentiation of symptoms. Self-medication should be avoided to prevent adverse effects.
