Leeches have been used medically for thousands of years – dating back to ancient Greece and Egypt when bloodletting was a common practice. Practitioners of the time believed the removal of blood from a patient could prevent illness and cure disease.

Do leeches help humans?

Leeches are effective at increasing blood circulation and breaking up blood clots. It should be no surprise that they can be used to treat circulatory disorders and cardiovascular disease.

How did leeches help people?

Leeches used for medical purposes are known as 'Hirudo medicinalis'. They are specially farmed for medical use. In medicine, particularly plastic and reconstructive surgery, leeches may be used to help improve blood flow in an area of tissue or a skin flap that has poor blood circulation.