Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as butterfly pea, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Fabaceae family.

Let’s take a deeper look into the benefits of using this amazing plant:

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

Very high in ternatins (anthocyanidin antioxidants), which are responsible for the amazing color, the butterfly pea flowers are known to help with inflammation and prevent unhealthy cell proliferation by disrupting their cell membrane. It contains other healing antioxidants as kaempferol (helps against unhealthy cells proliferation) p-coumarin acid (anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antiviral) and myrtillin, another anthocyanidin: 3-glucoside of delphinidin (immune function).

• Brain support

The flower has been grown and consumed South East Asia for centuries for brain support, anxiety, depression, as a memory enhancer, calming and soothing tea and it even has anti-stress properties. All those benefits are thanks to a compound called acetylcholine which is essential for brain health.

• Eyesight support

This amazing flower has high levels of proanthocyanidins that are a blessing for tired eyes, prevent damage of the eyes and retina, enhance night vision, may help with blurred vision because are increasing the blood flow to the eyes.  

• Reproductive support

The butterfly pea tea was shown to be helpful for problems with menstruation and different vaginal discharges and aiding with sperm production as well. As an anecdote, in Indian villages, in old times, women were wearing the root of this plant toward the end of the pregnancy to help them deliver the babies safely.  

• Blood sugar

A study with 15 men drinking tea made from this flower showed increased antioxidant levels and reduced blood sugar and insulin levels. Similar results were recorded in a study was done on rats, comparing the levels to that of a control group.  

• Skin health

Topically, the Butterfly Pea flower tea (or in a clean natural cream) has been shown to increase skin hydration by 70% within an hour after application, according to studies. Due to antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids it stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin. The flower has anti-glycation properties that are known to keep the skin younger looking. It is helpful with skin irritation, redness itching and allergies. 

• Hair health

The anthocyanins in the flower are increasing the blood flow to the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles, resulting in healthy hair growth and naturally reducing the grey hair.

• Digestive support

Butterfly Pea flower’s anti-inflammatory properties sooth the stomach, helping with nausea and indigestion. The flower has anthelminthic properties helping to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and parasites. It stimulates the flow of the bile, which may help with elimination.

• Diuretic

Butterfly Pea flower encourages healthy urination which helps releasing waste from the body and it may help with weight management.

• Respiratory health

The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the lungs irritation and other respiratory organs. It drains the excess fluid which helps with colds, coughs and sinus challenges. A study from 2018 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29787795/) indicates that this tea is helpful in managing asthma and allergies. 

• Fighting disease

Butterfly Pea is one of the few plants that produce a specific peptide called cyclotides (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6546959/). Evidence shows that cyclotides and toxic to cancer cells and fight against HIV and other diseases. This peptide paired with the anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, anti-microbial and increased blood flow throughout the body makes this beautiful flower a great ally against any disease.

• Agriculture use

Butterfly Pea plant is used as a fodder and nitrogen fixing crop and as a source of an eco-friendly organic insecticide. The cyclotides present in every tissue of this plant are very potent in keeping the unwanted insects away in a healthy natural way from our crops.

• Transformation

The popular name of this plant, butterfly, is a great metaphor to what is happening within us when we use it. It is amazing to witness the transformation in color of the tea when adding lemon and changing the PH. But to witness the change in our body, from the brain function improvement, more focus, calm and presence, the release of what is not needed anymore, the flow improvement (blood, lymph) it is almost miraculous, helping us to exhibit our innate capabilities, beauty and light.

Empowering people toward a healthier, more harmonious and happier life!

Check with your practitioner if you are taking any prescription medication. These statements are not evaluated by FDA. No diagnosis, cure, claims or treatments are being made.