The leeches

Man's friends

The purposes

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For therapy

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For research

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For the environment

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Our opinion

A thorough search

The medicinal leech represents a precious resource both for scientific research and for human, animal and environmental health. Unfortunately, the two species of medicinal leech Hirudo verbana and Hirudo medicinalis, once widespread in our lakes, are currently at potential risk of extinction.


Thus, one of the purposes of our "leech farm" is also to preserve these two species from extinction, promoting the biodiversity conservation project of the Italian lake environment.

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Some numbers

The demand for leeches for therapeutic purposes, and not only, is constantly growing.

ILFARM, thanks to its products and services, is able to fully satisfy such demand.

+42%

MDs, naturopaths, physiotherapists, veterinarians,

hospital companies

ILFARM plans to become the reference point for the purchase of leeches

for therapeutic purposes.

+22%

Doctors, naturopaths, surgeons, veterinarians

The ILFARM team is always committed to scientific dissemination through the organization of workshops and seminars.

+14%

Research laboratories

ILFARM is able to offer quality leeches dedicated exclusively to scientific research.

+5%

Companies

ILFARM leeches may be requested by companies to test their bioactive compounds.

+3%

Private

To make people aware of respect for leeches, ILFARM provides a Breeding Kit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQ

  • 1. How do you dispose of used leeches?

    After use,  leeches are anesthetized in 10% ethanol diluted in water and then discarded.

  • 2. How are leeches stored?

    ILFARM includes the relevant instructions for each order. In optimal conditions, i.e. if not exposed to direct light, kept at a room temperature of about 20 °C and in well-oxygenated water with a low chlorine concentration (e.g. bottled natural mineral water sold by supermarkets), it is possible to keep leeches for several months in an airtight lidded container that has small holes for air to circulate.

  • 3. How does the delivery work?

    Leeches can be shipped throughout Italy and delivery is made by express courier directly to the address that will be indicated in the order.

  • 4. How to order leeches?

    Contact us directly to place your order by e-mail: info@ilfarm.it or call: 39 339 15 27 341

  • 5. Are there possible complications after applying leeches?

    Infections caused by leech treatment are extremely rare and can occur if there are previous wounds or scratches on the patient's skin.

  • 6. What are the contraindications to the application of leeches?

    Contraindications are mostly related to blood clotting disorders. Leech treatment cannot be performed on patients suffering from haemophilia or taking anticoagulants, immunosuppressed or suffering from severe allergies or anemia.

  • 7. Is it possible to apply leeches in the hospital?

    The leeches used in hospitals are usually reserved for plastic, reconstructive and trauma surgery departments. In this case leeches are used to resolve venous stasis which may arise following the reimplantation of severed or torn body parts (for example finger, ear...) and to treat post-traumatic and post-operative hematomas.

  • 8. Do I need medical help with leeches?

    It is strongly recommended to carry out Hirudotherapy under the supervision of an experienced therapist who will be able to tell you how to handle the leeches, the areas and frequency of application,  the number of leeches needed and the post-treatment care. If you suffer from a serious condition or if there could be any contraindication to therapy, it is essential to seek advice from a medical doctor before proceeding with hirudotherapy.

  • 9. For which pathologies can leech therapy be useful?

    Hirudotherapy is recommended for many pathologies, among which the main are:

    • arthritis and arthrosis

    • vascular diseases 

    • varicose veins

    • muscle contractures

    • epicondylitis

    • plantar fasciitis

    • skin and subcutaneous disorders

    • pimples

    • hematoma or edema

    • tinnitus

    • angina pectoris

    • some neurological diseases

    • arterial hypertension

    • herpes virus infections


  • 10. Is there a therapist in my area?

    There are still very few therapists in Italy and their geographical distribution is rather irregular. By contacting us it will be possible to have the contact details of the nearest therapists, doctors, physiotherapists, naturopaths and veterinarians. ILFARM is creating maps that are constantly updated with the list of Italian hirudotherapists.

  • 11. Can the same leech be used multiple times?

    No, leeches has to be used only once and for one patient only.

  • 12. How long does a session last? Should the leech be removed from the application site after some time?

    The duration of treatment is variable and depends on how long the leech remains attached to the patient. On average the leech remains attached for 15 - 20 minutes and then detaches by itself. It must NOT be forced to detach, otherwise an infection might occur. After treatment, the patient may bleed slightly for about 30 minutes, due to the anticoagulant substance that the leech injects at the time of the bite. 

  • 13. Is the treatment painful?

    The bite of the leech can be similar to a pinch. Once the leech is attached, the patient will no longer feel any pain as the leech also injects an anesthetic substance.

Do you have any other questions, doubts or curiosities?

Contact us today, the ILFARM team will answer you as soon as possible.

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