In this episode, we’re unearthing the history of medicinal leeches. From rural swamps to 24 hour leech shops, the leech industry grew and grew across Europe. There were many risks to the use of leeches - from them slithering up your behind to giving you syphilis. One top tip was to not use weird smelling leeches, another was to always squeeze them to empty them out before use._______________Follow us on:Bluesky - @physiciansgalleryInstagram - @physiciansgalleryTikTok - @physiciansgalleryFacebook - www.facebook.com/PhysiciansGallerySign up for our newsletter - www.rcpe.ac.uk/newsletterTo support heritage at the RCPE, please donate:www.rcpe.ac.uk/donate_______________The Team:Dr Charlotte Holmes (@_CCHolmes_) - Editor/ProducerRachel Forrest - Researcher/PresenterDr Daisy Cunynghame - Researcher/PresenterDr Sarah Hayward - Editor/ProducerDr Kate So - Editor/ProducerElizabeth Van Trampe - Editor/Producer