The hirudin compounds in leech saliva have scientifically proven positive effects on the human body. Therefore, it’s no wonder that leech therapy has become a popular method for treating various diseases and accompanying ailments, with growing interest. Check out which diseases leech applications can have a desired effect in combating.
Leeches for sciatica
Sciatica is a symptom complex related to the compression of the sciatic nerve. The most common cause of sciatica is lumbar disc herniation, but also any inflammatory states, infectious diseases, diabetes, or tumours, broadly speaking, factors that irritate or compress the nerves. The condition’s symptom is sudden, severe, unbearable lumbar region pain that additionally radiates to the buttock, thigh, and even the calf and foot. A person suffering from sciatica may also feel numbness in these areas, and sensation in the lower limbs may be impaired.
Leeches, in addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, are used to treat sciatica. Leech therapy has shown high efficacy in treating the symptoms mentioned above. This is all thanks to the anti-pain and anti-inflammatory substances contained in leech saliva, which reduce swelling and neutralize pain, bringing almost immediate relief to the patient. For better results, it’s necessary to repeat the procedure several times.
Leeches for skin diseases
Fungal infections
Fungal infections are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic fungi of plant and animal origin. They usually start innocuously – the infected place itches and burns, so many people disregard the first disease signals. There are two general groups of fungal infections – superficial and deep. The former occurs on non-hairy and hairy skin, nails, and mucous membranes. At the same time, the latter are systemic or generalized fungal infections, e.g., urinary tract, lung, vaginal, oral cavity, oesophagus, or systemic mycosis. Deep fungal infections are less common but have a severe course and can lead to the patient’s death if untreated.
Boil
A boil is an example of a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Nearly everyone carries this bacterium. When our immunity drops, the staphylococcus can penetrate hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or a wound on the skin, where it multiplies, causing inflammation. Boils particularly favour areas of the face, décolletage, chest, and buttocks. How to recognize a boil? A tense hardening appears on the skin, accompanied by swelling and redness. Over time, it turns into a pimple (purulent plug) and bursts. The healing of the wound can take up to several days. However, the disease can spread throughout the body during healing, causing more pimples. The boil then becomes chronic, and fighting against it can take years.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease manifesting with specific changes on the skin. It most often attacks the elbows, knees, and scalp, as well as large areas of skin, and the changes are visible at first glance and easy to recognize. Initially, a primary lesion can be observed. The scaling of the epidermis within it changes the appearance of the skin, which becomes smooth and shiny. Other characteristic symptoms include Auspitz’s sign, the last scale sign, and Koebner’s phenomenon. The causes of the disease are not entirely known, but genetic and immunological backgrounds are frequently mentioned as significant factors.
Shingles
Shingles is an acute infectious disease caused by the same virus as chickenpox, though its symptoms differ from those of chickenpox. At first glance, it might be challenging to diagnose the disease, as its symptoms are nonspecific and might indicate a common cold. These include fever, sore throat, and weakness. Later, as the virus activates, inflammation of the sensory nerve and the skin it innervates occurs. This is accompanied by very severe pain and a vesicular rash, though not always. In severe cases, the disease can lead to numerous complications mainly related to vision and hearing.
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
Henoch-Schönlein purpura, also known as Schönlein-Henoch disease, is a small vessel vasculitis occurring mainly in children. It’s much rarer in adults, with a much more severe course. The most common cause of purpura is microorganisms, but also some medications, insect bites, or food allergens. The main symptom of purpura is the appearance of palpable lumps or nodules on the legs and buttocks, which are symmetrical and do not fade under pressure. The disease can also cause joint pains, kidney diseases, or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Depending on the severity of the condition, the hirudin compounds present in leech saliva will alleviate the persistent symptoms accompanying the disease and, in the best case, lead to complete healing.
Leeches for prostate enlargement
The prostate is a small gland located above the male bladder. Its main task is to produce secretions that are part of the semen. It is thanks to the functions of the prostate that men are capable of reproduction.
In older age, the prostate increases its volume due to hormonal disturbances. This is accompanied by an increased frequency of urination and a decrease and interruption of the urine stream. An additional symptom of prostate problems is nocturia – frequent, nighttime urination. Untreated prostate enlargement can lead to extrarenal renal failure and life-threatening toxin poisoning, as well as transform into cancer.
When prostate enlargement causes significant discomfort and lowers the quality of life, pharmacological treatment is initiated. In extreme cases, surgery is performed, such as the removal of the prostate gland using a laser. Leech therapy is also effective in treating the prostate. Applying leeches in the prostate area causes a strong blood supply to the gland and a strong anti-inflammatory effect, and the hormones secreted by leeches, such as cortisol, progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol, have a positive impact on the hormonal system.
However, it’s essential to be aware that although leech therapy can help, it can also harm. Therefore, before treating leeches, checking for any contraindications is crucial. It’s best to consult this issue with a doctor, who will evaluate based on an interview and test whether leech therapy, in this particular case, will have a beneficial impact on health.