Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea): Health Benefits, Traditional Uses, and Side Effects

Introduction

The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) is more than just a pretty bloom—it’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, known for its vivid blue hue, colour-changing tea, and time-tested role in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. From brain-boosting benefits to glowing skin, discover everything about butterfly pea flower’s uses, nutrition, and potential side effects.

What Is Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea)?

The butterfly pea flower is a fascinating plant from the bean family. It is native to tropical regions, with Southeast Asia as its primary habitat. Renowned for its striking blue petals, this plant has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It continues to attract many with its numerous benefits and unique characteristics.

Butterfly Pea Flower: Origin and Traditional Uses

In Ayurvedic medicine, butterfly pea flower has been a trusted remedy for centuries. Originating in Southeast Asia, this plant has been used to treat various ailments. With time, its usage has spread across the globe owing to its potential health benefits.

Why Does Butterfly Pea Flower Change Colour?

One of the most interesting features of the butterfly pea flower is its ability to change colour. Naturally blue due to anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant, this flower changes colour when exposed to varying acidity levels. From deep purple to bright red, this transformation adds to the beauty of this unique plant.

Butterfly Pea Flower Nutrition

The butterfly pea flower isn’t just pleasing; it is also packed with beneficial antioxidants. Here is a nutritional table of the butterfly pea flower:

Traditional Uses of Butterfly Pea in Ayurveda

Traditionally, the butterfly pea flower has been used in numerous treatments, including fever, inflammation, arthritis, and diabetes.

• It is believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
• Today, the butterfly pea flower is used in various products, such as herbal teas, cocktails, and cosmetics.
• It is also used to make natural dyes for food and textiles.

8 Proven Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower

Butterfly pea flower is gaining attention for its impressive health benefits. Known for its vibrant blue colour and unique properties, this flower offers more than just visual appeal. Explore butterfly pea flower benefits that can support your health and well-being:

1. Supports Skin and Hair Health

One of the key benefits of butterfly pea flower is its positive impact on skin and hair health. Rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, this flower promotes skin hydration and elasticity. It works wonders for your hair by enhancing blood circulation to the scalp, strengthening hair follicles and encouraging growth.

2. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

The butterfly pea flower contains antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and neutralise harmful free radicals. This property is crucial for safeguarding your body cells from damage, potentially lowering your risk of chronic diseases.
The butterfly pea flower also comprises anti-inflammatory compounds that can alleviate inflammation in the body. For individuals battling conditions such as arthritis or other inflammatory disorders, adding it to their diet may promote overall wellness.

3. May Promote Weight Loss

Preliminary research suggests butterfly pea flowers may help manage weight by slowing fat cell formation. They appear to regulate pathways involved in fat cell development. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in humans.
Initial studies also indicate that butterfly pea flowers may act as an appetite suppressant, which could further contribute to weight management efforts. However, more extensive research on humans is needed to substantiate these effects.

4. Digestive Support

The anti-inflammatory properties of butterfly pea flowers extend to digestive health as well. They help soothe stomach muscles and alleviate troubles like nausea and indigestion. Their diuretic properties can assist in reducing bloating and promoting overall digestive comfort.

5. Stabilises Blood Sugar Levels

Butterfly pea flower has been shown to improve blood sugar levels. Some research suggests it may help stabilise blood glucose levels, which makes it potentially advantageous for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

6. Improves Cognitive Function

Preliminary research indicates that butterfly pea flowers may enhance cognitive function by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with memory and learning. This effect could promote focus and mental clarity.

7. Reduces Anxiety and Stress

The calming properties of butterfly pea flowers can help alleviate anxiety and stress. Their soothing effects make them an excellent choice for herbal teas that promote relaxation and stress relief.

8. Boosts Immunity

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in butterfly pea flowers may strengthen the immune system. Enhancing the body’s defence mechanisms can help protect against infections and diseases.

Skin and Hair Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower

Butterfly pea flower is used in many skincare and haircare products and for good reason! 

Here are some benefits of butterfly pea flowers for your skin and hair:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Packed with anthocyanins and polyphenols, it protects against skin damage and ageing.
• Boosts Collagen Production: Helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
• Soothes Skin Irritation: Calms redness and itching, beneficial for rosacea and eczema.
• Enhances Hydration: Improves skin moisture retention by up to 70%.
• Improves Skin Tone: Brightens complexion and reduces dark spots.
• Strengthens Hair Health: Promotes hair growth and strengthens follicles.

How to Use Butterfly Pea Flower: Tea, Cooking, and More

Butterfly Pea Flower can be used in different ways to enhance your diet and wellness routine. This flower offers versatile uses, from making tea to adding it to sweet and savoury dishes. 

Learn how to add it to your daily life for its flavour and health benefits.

1. Making Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Butterfly pea flower tea also offers a range of health benefits. To make this healthy and beautiful drink, follow this recipe:

1. Boil 2 cups of water and add 2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers.
2. Let the flowers steep in hot water for about 3 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea to be.
3. Strain out the flowers, and your vibrant blue tea is ready.
4. You can enjoy it either hot or cold.
5. Adding lemon juice to your tea will change the colour from blue to purple.

2. Flavour Enhancements

The subtle flavour of butterfly pea flower tea can be enhanced with a few simple additions. Try sweetening your tea with honey or sugar, according to your preference. 

If you want a refreshing twist on this classic, add flavours like mint, ginger, or lemongrass.

3. Cooking with Butterfly Pea Flower

Cooking with butterfly pea flowers can transform an ordinary dish into something extraordinary. Deep blue tea can be used as a base for soups or sauces, adding colour and a delicate flavour to your culinary dishes. 

Blending the flowers into pancake or muffin batters can yield a unique texture and nutritional benefits.

4. Rice and Noodle Dishes

Cooking your everyday rice or noodle dishes with butterfly pea flower tea will make them an absolute delight. Just replace the cooking water with brewed butterfly pea tea. This gives your recipe a beautiful blue colour and adds an interesting flavour.

5. Desserts and Beverages

The butterfly pea flower is also an excellent ingredient in delicious desserts and refreshing beverages. Use it in cakes, jellies, or ice creams to create stunning blue treats, or mix it with tonic water. You can also add it to citrus juices for a cocktail that changes colour!

6. Natural Food Colouring and Dye

The vibrant blue shade of butterfly pea flowers (from anthocyanin pigment)makes them a wonderful natural food dye. You can use the brewed tea to colour foods and beverages like smoothies or frostings. It’s a visually appealing and chemical-free alternative to artificial dyes, adding an extra touch to your culinary creations.

Butterfly Pea Flower Side Effects: What You Should Know

Butterfly pea flower, known for its vibrant colour and numerous benefits, is usually safe for consumption in moderate amounts. However, like any other natural product, it has potential side effects. These include:

1) Allergy Considerations

Extra caution is advised for individuals with a history of allergies, especially plants and flowers. Consuming butterfly pea flowers or their extracts may lead to allergic reactions, including nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhoea.

2) Drug Interactions

Another potential butterfly pea tea side effect relates to drug interactions. Specifically, butterfly pea flowers may interact with certain medications, particularly those that manage blood sugar levels. This could immediately impact individuals with diabetes or other underlying health conditions who are on medication.

3) Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The research on butterfly pea flowers during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid consuming the flower or its derivatives during these sensitive periods unless otherwise suggested by your doctor. Your safety and your baby’s health should always come first.

Takeaway

From vibrant colour to powerful health perks, butterfly pea flower is a standout in the world of herbal remedies. Its antioxidant-rich profile supports skin, brain, digestion, and more. As with most foods, moderation is key. 

Talk to a healthcare provider before consuming butterfly pea flower daily, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition.

Expert Quote:

“Packed with anthocyanins, the butterfly pea plant is a vibrant addition to your daily diet. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties add a dash of colour and flavour to different dishes and provide a host of health benefits”.

– Dr. Sachin Singh

FAQs

References

• Oguis, G. K., Gilding, E. K., Jackson, M. A., & Craik, D. J. (2019). Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea), a Cyclotide-Bearing Plant With Applications in Agriculture and Medicine. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00645
• Singh, R., Yu, C.-C., Chen, G.-W., Chen, C.-H., Sinaki, N. Y., Lin, J., & Filiz Koksel. (2022). Butterfly Pea Flower as a Novel Ingredient to Produce Antioxidant-Enriched Yellow Pea-Based Breakfast Cereals. Butterfly Pea Flower as a Novel Ingredient to Produce Antioxidant-Enriched Yellow Pea-Based Breakfast Cereals, 11(21), 3447–3447. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213447
• Chusak, C., Thilavech, T., Henry, C. J., & Adisakwattana, S. (2018). Acute effect of Clitoria ternatea flower beverage on glycemic response and antioxidant capacity in healthy subjects: a randomized crossover trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-2075-7
• Damodaran, T., Tan, B. W. L., Liao, P., Ramanathan, S., Lim, G. K., & Hassan, Z. (2018). Clitoria ternatea L. root extract ameliorated the cognitive and hippocampal long-term potentiation deficits induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in the rat. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 224, 381–390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.06.020
• Pradip, Dhangar, D., Shimpi, H., Newadkar, R., Bhadane, V., & Desale, L. (2023). A REVIEW ON BUTTERFLY PEA: AN EMERGING PLANT WITH APPLICATIONS IN FOOD AND COSMETICS. International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science. https://doi.org/10.56726/irjmets38160