12 Health Benefits of Blue Butterfly Pea

Vividly deep blue, with a solitary hint and marked with a light yellow color, the blue butterfly flower is a treat to the eyes. It is also known as Asian pigeonwings, butterfly pea, Kordofan pea, Darwin pea, and botanically named Clitoriaternatea. It is native to equatorial Asia. Often grown as an ornamental plant, the blue butterfly plant requires little care when cultivated. The bright blue color of the butterfly pea has been used as a coloring agent in food. It comes with a host of health benefits. It has also been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments. Conventional Chinese medicine ascribes different healing qualities to blue butterfly pea. The most common form of blue butterfly pea consumption is tea from ternatea flowers.

Key chemical components in Blue Butterfly Pea contain anthocyanins, which give the flowers their blue hue, and cyclotides, which act as potent insecticides. These cyclotides derive from a modified albumin gene and are formed through an enzyme known as butelase-1, a topic of recent biotechnological research. (Source)

Top Amazing Health Benefits of Blue Butterfly Pea

1. Boosts brain health

Good brain health is dependent on the communication levels of the brain. Blue butterfly pea contains Acetylcholine, and its consumption can increase the levels of Acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine decreases with age progress, causing memory loss and other problems. Consumption of blue butterfly peas can reverse this process and improve thinking abilities.

2. Fights against cancers

The blue butterfly pea can fight against cancers by penetrating the cancer cell membranes and inhibiting their growth. The blue butterfly pea plant is one of those few plants with cyclotides, which have peptides with anti-tumor benefits. Because of these unique properties, the plant is gaining attention in traditional and scientific medical communities.

3. Treats Internal Inflammation

Consuming blue butterfly pea tea is beneficial for addressing internal inflammation and bodily swelling. This herbal remedy has natural anti-inflammatory properties that not only alleviate general discomfort but are also helpful in treating headaches. Its therapeutic effects extend to reducing redness, heat, and pain associated with inflammation. Blue butterfly pea tea is increasingly recognized as a holistic approach to managing internal inflammation and associated aches.

4. Helps in conjunctivitis

The blue butterfly pea plant roots cure many eye ailments, especially in Southeast Asia. The beautiful flowers of the blue butterfly pea are used to treat eye infections like ‘pink eye’ or conjunctivitis. The roots of the blue butterfly pea plant are used for many eye ailments in Southeast Asian countries. Given the multiple uses of different plant parts for eye care, it is a holistic solution for eye health.

5. Lowers blood pressure

Patients with high blood pressure or hypertension can take the blue butterfly pea tea to control the same. Blue butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) has antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in the plant. The presence of these contribute to its potential anti-hypertensive properties.

6. Good for skin

Blue butterfly pea is full of antioxidants and has properties that reverse the damage caused to the skin by sugar molecules. Sugar molecules cause skin aging due to the process of Glycation, which causes damage to skin proteins. Blue butterfly pea tea has anti-glycation and can prevent premature aging.

7. Used for hair

The blue butterfly pea plant is an ingredient in many shampoos and conditioners. It has properties that nourish hair follicles, promote hair growth, prevent greying of hair, and reduce hair fall.

8. Helps in digestion

The antioxidants in blue butterfly pea tea can relax the stomach muscles and make the digestive process easier and faster.

9. Acts as an antidepressant

The blue butterfly pea tea’s vivid, bright blue color can help people suffering from depression.

10. Helps in pregnancy

The blue butterfly pea plant derives its botanical name from its resemblance to the female genitals, the clitoris. It is believed to help in conception, and much like chamomile and green teas, it provides a healthy alternative to caffeine during pregnancy.

11. Helps in diabetes

Blue butterfly pea has the fantastic property of controlling the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Hence, the plant is often used to treat diabetic patients.

12. For general pains and aches

The extract of the butterfly pea juice with a bit of salt can steam the site of ear infection. Chew two dried leaves of blue butterfly pea if you suffer from migraines. It also helps with headaches.

Comparison with Other Herbal Teas

FAQ on Blue Butterfly Pea

How to make blue butterfly pea tea?

Making the blue butterfly pea tea is quite simple and easy. And because it comes loaded with immense health benefits, it is often substituted for cups of caffeine. It is often served warm, though some people may like it cold. You can add honey, ginger, or mint to enhance the taste and benefits. The changing color is based on the agent added to the tea. Here is how to make blue butterfly pea tea – your healthy cup of caffeine-free beverage –

• Take about a dozen butterfly pea flowers and steep them in hot water until the color of the water changes to a vivid blue and the flowers turn pink. If you do not have fresh flowers, use dry flowers instead.
• Let the tea brew for about 10 minutes.
• Strain the liquid in a cup.
• Add a dash of lemongrass, lemon drops, honey, or ginger to enhance the taste. The color of the tea will change accordingly, like lemon may make it purplish.
• Serve it warm or cold.

Are blue butterfly pea flowers edible?

The blue butterfly pea’s bright, beautiful blue flowers are often used in salads for their color, taste, and health benefits. It is often used as a food coloring in sweet and savory dishes. Dried flowers and seeds are also used for their culinary properties across Asian countries.

What are the side effects of blue butterfly pea tea?

Though no side effects have come to the fore, it is recommended not to prolong the consumption of blue butterfly peas. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, it is advised to take your doctor’s opinion before you include blue butterfly pea tea in your diet.