It may sound like a practice from centuries ago, but leech therapy is still alive and well in the medical world. Known as hirudotherapy, this treatment uses medicinal leeches to support healing, reduce swelling, and restore blood flow in delicate surgical cases.
In this article, we explore how it works, what the science says, and why hospitals still use Hirudo medicinalis today. You’ll also find links to credible research, aging experts, and testing options to understand your own biology better.
Hirudotherapy is the medical use of leeches. The most commonly used species is Hirudo medicinalis, the European medicinal leech. When applied to the skin, these leeches bite gently and draw blood. That sounds simple, but the real power lies in their saliva, which contains over 100 bioactive substances. These include natural anticoagulants, vasodilators, and enzymes that promote healing at the microscopic level.
The therapy is often used in reconstructive or plastic surgery. After reattaching a finger or skin flap, small veins sometimes cannot carry blood away fast enough. This causes congestion, swelling, and a risk of tissue death. Leeches relieve that pressure by drawing stagnant blood while delivering compounds that improve circulation and reduce clotting.
Hirudotherapy is also used in osteoarthritis, cardiovascular conditions, and even cosmetic medicine. In some clinics, it has been applied for varicose veins, joint pain, and chronic inflammation. It is most effective when standard drug therapy has failed or is not well tolerated by the patient.
Leech saliva is a pharmaceutical goldmine. Some of its most studied components include:
These substances are naturally injected into the bloodstream during a session. The result is better perfusion, reduced inflammation, and a clean site for healing. According to published research in PubMed, the effects are both local and systemic, meaning they can benefit the treated site and the broader circulation.
A typical session lasts 20 to 45 minutes. The leech detaches when full, and the bite site may bleed for several hours afterward. This prolonged bleeding is part of the treatment and is managed with sterile bandages. In hospital settings, patients are closely monitored, and antibiotics may be used preventively.
Yes, when done under medical supervision. Medicinal leeches are raised in sterile environments and used only once. The bite is painless due to anesthetic compounds in the saliva, and serious complications are rare. The most common side effect is prolonged bleeding at the site, which is expected and typically harmless.
Patients with bleeding disorders, low immunity, or allergies to anticoagulants may not be good candidates. As always, treatment should be decided by a qualified health provider familiar with the method.
This therapy is still found in university hospitals and wound care centers in the US, Germany, Russia, India, and beyond. Plastic surgeons use it in microsurgery, and integrative medicine clinics may include it as part of a broader approach to circulation or joint care.
Dr. Ronald Klatz, a pioneer in the anti-aging field, has highlighted how low-tech therapies like leech therapy can complement modern diagnostics and longevity strategies. It is an example of using nature’s tools, refined by evolution, for complex medical needs.
Some alternative clinics use it alongside acupuncture, infrared therapy, or herbal support. But even in conventional medicine, it is seen as a valuable tool—especially when inflammation and tissue damage threaten long-term outcomes.
Leech therapy is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving blood flow, oxygenation, and tissue recovery. If you want to understand how your body is aging or responding to stress, you might explore modern testing tools too.
For a full list of independent reviews and comparisons, visit the Biological Age Test Reviews section. These tests use saliva, DNA, and blood samples to estimate how fast your cells are aging and what lifestyle changes can improve it.
It’s a great place to explore if you’re curious about how circulation, inflammation, and biological aging all connect.
Hirudotherapy is more than a historical footnote. It is a living, evolving part of medicine that continues to save tissue, reduce suffering, and support recovery. It works because it’s based on biological principles—delivering natural compounds exactly where they’re needed.
From battlefield wounds to surgical wards, from joint pain to graft recovery, leeches have quietly earned their place. Strange as it may sound, they are small healers with a big impact.