Nettle has also long been taken orally both as a spring tonic and as a blood purifier. It is said to prevent anemia and speed the healing of bruises, broken bones, muscle strains, and tendon injuries. Herbalists have traditionally used it to relieve conditions such as coughs, asthma, and diarrhea. Nettle has also been used for its astringent properties to reduce the bleeding of hemorrhoids and to treat insect bites, burns, and minor skin wounds.