Useful Leeches

Useful Leeches

The leech was indispensable in 19th Century medicine for bloodletting, a practice believed to be a cure for anything from headaches to gout. Leeching was largely abandoned as medical science advanced. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, who first condemned the method of using leeches in treating the patients.


While mentioning in aphorism 74 of his Organon of Medicine - the worst kinds of chronic diseases are those produced by the unskillfulness of allopathic physicians - he stated:

... Among chronic diseases we must still, alas! reckon those so commonly met with, artificially produced in allopathic treatment by the prolonged use of violent heroic medicines in large and increasing doses, by the abuse of calomel, corrosive ... venesections ['shedding streams of blood' in the Sixth Edition], leeches, ... &c., whereby the vital force is sometimes weakened to an unmerciful extent, ...

Every creature of God has its use also, and the leech - a worm that attaches itself to the skin and sucks blood - is now proving it anew. Anti-clotting substances in the leech's saliva can be used in humans to prevent the blood clots that lead to heart attacks, say researchers. This may be used in plastic and reconstructive surgery too.

With the help of genetic engineering, researchers can make large quantities of leech saliva. Named hirudin (from European leech - Hirudo medicinalis), the drug is produced by many pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

Anticipating the side effects of this medicine, there may be cases of haemorrhages, and we know our vast materia medica is having many drugs those can be used to treat such cases.

In Boericke's Materia Medica and Clarke's Dictionary, we find a remedy mentioned Sanguisuga or Hirudo Officinalis - can be used in haemorrhages. But we must have a fully proved drug from leeches to know its complete Pathogenesy and Symptomatology!

---

Dr. Anil Singhal
Dr. Poonam Singhal




(Useful Leeches published at SpiritIndia on Friday, July 5, 2002)

Homeopathy

Search more information on Homeopathy, Homeopathy books

Recently posted related articles on Homeopathy :

1. Homeopathy Seminar By Likes of Dr Vijayakar
2. Homeopathy :: Number of researches on homoeopathy comes down
3. Homeopathy :: Homeopathy still considered last resort by patients
4. Homeopathy :: The memory of water is a reality
5. Homeopathy :: New Delhi celebrating Hahnemann's Birthday
6. Homeopathy :: Non linearity straightens prescribing
7. Homeopathy :: 60 percent of doctors' surgeries prescribe homeopathic or herbal remedies
8. Vital force is the hero in homeopathy
9. Renal Failure :: Homeopathy in Chronic Renal or Kidney failure (CRF)
10. Dengue Fever :: Homeopathy in dengue fever

Most related articles:

- Useful Leeches
- Medical use of Leeches - 11.7
- Leeches :: Leeches ferry infection among newts - 6.3
- Neurology :: New book presents neurobiology from an evolutionary perspective - 2.9
- Health :: Best Health Articles in August 2005 - 2.8

Homeopathy - recent related articles/news stories:

- Homeopathy Arsenic 30 preventive for H1N1 flu, says CCRH
- Homeopathy medicines and H1N1 - a rational approach needed
- Homeopathic medicine may work for swine flu
- World Homeopathy Day: 10 April Hahnemann's birthday

»»   If Hahnemann Were Alive Today!
««   Homeopathy :: Free Homoeopathic Camp on Female Diseases at OVIHAMS

Home | Cancer | Therapies | Diet | Herbs | Heart | Skin | Cosmetic Surgery | Arthritis | Allergies | Eyes | GIT | Glossary | List

AYUSH = Ayurveda - Yoga - Unani - Siddha - Homeopathy -- Health articles

The information provided on SpiritIndia.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician. Spirit India comply with the HONcode principles for trustworthy health information.
Health, Business, Science, Sports, Entertainment, Technology
©2002-2009 SpiritIndia.com