Most usually planted in South East Asia is the plant Clitoria ternatea, also referred to as the butterfly pea blossom. Because of its powerful antioxidants and health benefits as well as its beauty and therapeutic properties, this plant has been used historically by ancient cultures for eons as a tea.
The butterfly pea flower is said to have the attributes of love, emotion, tranquility, and protection since it is connected to Venus and the water element. The Hindu deity Aparajita’s name, which in India translates to “one who cannot be conquered or defeated,” is given to this flower. It is regularly offered at Puja ceremonies, which are regular ceremonial worship rites that usually entail making a short offering to a deity.
Although there are many things that make this plant special, its ability to morph accounts for a substantial percentage of its present attractiveness. When steeped in boiling water, the Butterfly Pea blossom takes on a vivid blue tint that sets it apart from other teas. The tea turns from blue to a vibrant violet when acid, such as lemon or another, is added. The lemon changes the pH level of the tea, which results in a change in color. Due to its unique quality, Butterfly Pea has become well-known all over the world and has even established itself as a go-to ingredient for seasoned mixologists and chefs who utilize it to wow guests with constantly-changing beverages and vivid meals.
This flower’s beauty and limitless creative possibilities are united when employing its distinguishing qualities. It also has a rich history, symbolic meaning, and health benefits. Let’s talk about how Butterfly Pea tea is good for everyone.
1. Inflammation-fighting and antioxidant
Butterfly Pea blossoms are rich in ternatins, which are potent antioxidants. The vibrant hue is caused by ternatins, which have also been shown to lessen inflammation and halt the spread of cancer cells. It is also rich in other healthy antioxidants including kaempferol, which is known to combat cancer cells, delphinidin-3,5-glucoside, which boosts the immune system and attacks cancer cells, and p-coumarin acid, which is known to be anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antiviral. Numerous beneficial health benefits are produced by these antioxidants.
2. Boosting brain function
The butterfly pea flower is well known in the Indian Ayurvedic medicinal system as a brain herb that has been used for centuries to enhance memory, cure anxiety, melancholy, ADHD, stress, and Alzheimer’s disease as well as just to give a general brain boost. These benefits are brought on by the active component, acetylcholine, which enhances memory and is essential for brain function. Studies show that this floral tea helps to minimize the indicators of stress-induced ulcers and relieves the symptoms of many mental diseases.
3. Improve eyesight
Butterfly Pea tea has benefits for the eyes in addition to the brain. It has been proven that the antioxidant anthocyanin, which is present in the flower, increases blood flow to the eyes. This supports the treatment of glaucoma, retinal degeneration, visual opacity, and tired eyes. It has also been shown to enhance night vision and overall protect the eyes from injury.
4. Fourth, reproductive health
Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, studied the physical traits of this plant and deduced that it was good for women’s health due to its similarity to a female clitoris, thus the name Clitoria Ternatea. Butterfly Pea tea has been shown to be useful in treating menstruation or vaginal discharge disorders, boosting healthy sperm production, and even acting as a strong aphrodisiac, lending credibility to his idea.
5. Maintain steady blood sugar levels
It has been proven that the butterfly pea flower’s ability to stop the ingestion of glucose is particularly good at controlling blood sugar levels. This flower reportedly protects against diabetes and cell degradation. For instance, a research involving 15 men who consumed this flower found increased antioxidant levels as well as lowered insulin and blood sugar levels. The same conclusion was achieved when this experiment was done on rats and the levels were compared to a control group.
6. Enhance the look of skin
Although butterfly pea blossom is usually eaten or used to make tea, it also has incredible external applications. Tests have showed that it may increase skin hydration by 70% an hour after application.
This is true because the flower has antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids that support the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. It also possesses anti-glycation properties, which are thought to delay skin aging. The butterfly pea flower is a potent anti-inflammatory for the treatment of allergies, skin rashes, itching, and irritation because of these characteristics.
7. Increase hair vigor
Butterfly pea blooms are great for the health of our hair as well as our skin! The flower’s potent bioflavonoid anthocyanin increases blood flow to the scalp. The formation of gray hair is slowed by increased blood flow, which also stimulates hair follicles, encourages hair growth, and naturally darkens hair.
8. Aids in digestion
Butterfly pea tea can also be used to alleviate stomach issues. Indigestion and motion sickness are lessened because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It has anthelmintic properties that help to prevent the growth of potentially harmful germs. Additionally, it promotes bile flow from the liver, acting as a mild laxative. Butterfly Pea tea, like many other diuretic teas, can aid in weight loss by expelling unnecessary waste from the digestive tract and replacing it with antioxidants.
9. Reproductive fitness
This flower is widely employed as a respiratory disease treatment. It has been proven that because it has anti-inflammatory properties, the inflammation of the lungs and other respiratory organs is lessened.
Due to its ability to make the drainage of extra fluid buildup easier, it is a miracle worker for the treatment of colds and coughs. A 2018 study found that because to these properties, Butterfly Pea tea may be utilized as a dependable medicinal substitute to treat asthma and allergies.
10. Curing diseases
Butterfly Pea is one of, if not the only plant species, that can synthesis the specific peptides known as cyclotides, in addition to all of these extra benefits. Data shows that the cyclotides in this flower are toxic to cancer cells and have anti-HIV, anti-cancer, and anti-cancer properties, although medical research on their effects is still in its infancy.
11. Transformation
This flower has a lot of potential for change. If we consider the plant to be a metaphor, we can better comprehend its entire potential. Butterflies have long been used as symbols of the soul and internal development. Tea changes physically when acidity is introduced, which might be seen as a physical representation of the internal alteration that takes place.
Butterfly Pea tea is perfect for ceremonial usage because of its mystical character. We enjoy using this tea to practice therapeutic meditation. Set a purpose to achieve this at the outset. Insistently watch as your tea begins to turn a deep blue tint as you pour additional hot water over it.
Conclusion
As you sit with this cup, consider the areas of your life or yourself that you may wish to change. Give thanks for the part these things played in your life and the lessons you were able to take away from them for a moment. The color of your tea will then alter once you add some lemon juice.
Consider the drink to be a representation of your spiritual condition, and imagine that as you observe the tea changing from blue to purple, you are also becoming the person you hope to become. You might also add some honey to make your life a little bit sweeter. then enjoy your drink as you usher in transformation.
To sum up
The physical qualities, tradition, and health benefits of butterfly pea blossoms are amazing, and they are also highly beneficial to us. Due to its adaptability, it is the perfect beverage to enjoy whenever and with whoever! This flower will surely improve your mood, whether you use it to make inventive drinks for a special date, to beautify yourself, or to fight illness.