# Medicinal Leech Hirudo medicinalis Indian species

> Medicinal Leech Hirudo medicinalis Indian species (Sanskrit: Jalauka) is an instrument used in raktamokshana (blood-letting) instruments. Living medicinal leeches used for Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy). Sushruta classifies leeches into 12 types: 6 venomous (Savisha) and 6 non-venomous (Nirvisha). Traditionally made from live nirvisha leeches, turmeric water for leech care, cotton for wound dressing.

## Key facts

- **Sanskrit name:** Jalauka
- **Ayurvedic category:** Raktamokshana (Blood-Letting) Instruments

Living medicinal leeches used for Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy). Sushruta classifies leeches into 12 types: 6 venomous (Savisha) and 6 non-venomous (Nirvisha). Only Nirvisha varieties are used therapeutically.

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana Chapter 13 (Jalaukavacharaniya Adhyaya). Sushruta describes detailed identification, collection, storage, application, and post-procedure care of leeches.

## How is it used traditionally?

Pitta and Rakta (blood) disorders, skin diseases, varicose veins, non-healing ulcers, gout, herpes, alopecia, and conditions where direct surgical blood-letting is contraindicated. Leech saliva contains hirudin (anticoagulant) and other bioactive compounds.

## Traditional materials

- Live Nirvisha (non-venomous) leeches
- [Turmeric](/herb/turmeric/) water for leech care
- Cotton for wound dressing

## Modern variants

- Farm-raised medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis)
- Leech storage systems
- Mechanical leech devices (experimental)

## Regulatory status

- **India Cdsco:** Leeches used in Ayurvedic practice are regulated under Ayurvedic therapy guidelines, not as medical devices.
- **Us Fda:** Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are FDA-cleared as Class II medical devices (510(k) K040691, cleared 2004) for use in microsurgery and reconstructive surgery.
- **Eu Mdr:** Medicinal leeches classified as medical devices in some EU member states.

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Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.