Do leeches clean your blood?

Contrary to popular belief, leeches do not actually “clean” your blood. While leeches do consume blood, their primary effect in medical treatments is due to the anticoagulants and vasodilators present in their saliva, which help to improve blood flow and prevent blood clots in areas where blood flow has been disrupted.

In medical treatments, medicinal leeches are used to promote blood flow and prevent the formation of blood clots, particularly in areas where blood flow has been disrupted, such as after surgery or in cases of venous congestion. As the leeches feed on the patient’s blood, their saliva helps to prevent the blood from clotting, allowing for improved blood flow and reducing the risk of tissue death.

While the use of leeches may seem unconventional, it is a well-established medical treatment with documented benefits in certain circumstances. However, it’s important to note that the use of leeches should be supervised by a medical professional, and strict protocols should be followed to ensure their safety and efficacy.