How we source leeches

For therapies with medicinal leeches, leeches taken from the natural environment are as a rule no longer used today. Owing to environmental changes, intensive agriculture and overexploitation in the past, natural populations in many parts of Europe have declined sharply, which is why some species are also protected.

Medicinal leeches intended for therapy are today bred on specialised farms under controlled conditions. Before they reach the market, they undergo a period of observation and quality control, which ensures their vitality and suitability for use.

From the breeding centres, the leeches are distributed to therapists, healthcare institutions, pharmacies, clinics and other authorised users.

If we order a larger number of leeches and do not use them immediately, we must provide them with suitable conditions for keeping. It is advisable to place them in a clean container filled roughly two-thirds with water, while the remaining part should be left filled with air. In most European countries, tap water is usually suitable for keeping them.

You can also order medicinal leeches through our online shop.