Brejo cane, also known as monkey cane, is a medicinal plant of the species The cost spiked rich in flavonoids, heterosides, tannins and oxalic acid, with anti-inflammatory, diuretic, nephroprotective and tonic properties, which is why it is recommended to help treat kidney stones, urinary tract infections or menstrual disorders, for example.
The normally used parts of this plant, also called caninha-do-brejo, are the leaves or stems, from which active substances with medicinal properties are extracted to prepare tea.
Brejo cane can be found in natural product stores or compounding pharmacies, and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or other health professional who has experience with the use of medicinal plants, as excessive consumption can interfere in the correct functioning of the kidneys.

What is it for
Marsh cane is indicated to help treat various situations, the main ones being:
- Kidney stone;
- Menstrual changes;
- Sexually transmitted infections;
- Back pain;
- Rheumatic pain;
- Difficulty urinating;
- Hernia;
- swelling;
- Inflammation in the urethra;
- Ulcers;
- Urinary infections.
Furthermore, due to its astringent, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, depurative, diuretic, emollient, diaphoretic and tonic properties, marsh cane can also help promote the strengthening of immunity and can be used to treat pain. muscles, bruises and help in the weight loss process.
Although it has many benefits, cane-do-brejo does not replace the treatment recommended by the doctor, being only a complement, and should only be used under the guidance of a doctor or a herbalist.
How to make marsh cane tea
Brejo cane tea can be made with the leaves and stems of the plant.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of marsh cane leaves and stems;
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation mode
Boil the water and then add the chopped marsh cane leaves and stems. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then strain, wait for it to cool and drink a cup of tea, 3 to 4 times a day, according to the guidance of your herbalist or doctor.
Possible side effects
Marsh sugarcane is considered safe for adults, however, when consumed in excess or for a prolonged period of time, it can cause kidney damage, as it has diuretic properties.
Therefore, the use of marsh cane should only be done with medical advice or guidance from a health professional with experience in medicinal plants.
Who shouldn’t use
Brejo cane should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people who are allergic to this medicinal plant.
Furthermore, marsh cane should be used with caution in people who are at greater risk of developing kidney stones formed by calcium, due to the presence of calcium oxalate in its composition.
Bibliography
- QUINTANS JUNIOR, LJ; et al. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Costus spicatus in experimental animals. Pharm Biol. 48. 10; 1097-102, 2010
- PAES, LS; et al. Structural and Phytochemical aspect from vegetative part of Costus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw (Costaceae). Brazilian Journal of Medicinal Plants. 15. 3; 380-390, 2013
- CAB INTERNATIONAL. Costus spicatus (spiked spiralflag ginger). Available at: <https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/119443>. Accessed on September 7, 2022
- DUARTE, Regiane C.; ANDRADE, Laís A.; OLIVEIRA, Tércia. Review of the plant Costus spiralis (Jacq.) Roscoe: Plurality in medicinal properties. Fitos Magazine. Vol 11. 2 ED; 119-249, 2017
- MORENO, Karyne GT; JUNIOR, Arquimedes G.; SANTOS, Ariany C. et al. Nephroprotective and antilithiatic activities of Costus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw.: Ethnopharmacological investigation of a species from the Dourados region, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 266. 2021
- EMBRAPA. marsh cane. 2011. Available at: <http://www.cpatc.embrapa.br/publicacoes_2011/f_01.pdf>. Accessed on June 11, 2021
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