Butterfly Pea Flower: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

Introduction

Have you heard of the butterfly pea flower? Also known as Clitoria ternatea, this vibrant blue flower has a rich history in traditional medicine. It is now gaining worldwide popularity due to its unique properties and potential health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the butterfly pea flower benefits, its interesting colour-changing properties, and its nutritional content.

What Is Butterfly Pea Flower?

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

Origin and History

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

Colour-Changing Properties

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 levels of acidity. From deep purple to bright red, this transformation adds to the beauty of this unique plant.

Nutritional Content

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

Traditional Uses

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

• It’s believed to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
• Today, the butterfly pea flower has found its way into various products like herbal teas, cocktails, and cosmetics.
• It is also used for making a natural dye for food and textiles.

Potential 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 Effect

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.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

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 your diet may promote overall wellness.

4. May Promote Weight Loss

Preliminary research suggests that butterfly pea flowers could play a role in weight management by slowing down fat cell formation. It appears to regulate pathways involved in fat cell development. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

5. Digestive Support

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

6. Potential Appetite Suppressant Effects

Initial studies indicate that butterfly pea flower may act as an appetite suppressant, which could contribute to weight management efforts. However, more extensive research on humans is needed to substantiate these effects.

7. Stabilises Blood Sugar Levels

Butterfly pea flower has been linked with improved control over blood sugar. Some research suggests it may help stabilise blood glucose levels. This makes it potentially advantageous for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

8. Improves Cognitive Function

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

9. Reduces Anxiety and Stress

The calming properties of butterfly pea flowers can help to alleviate anxiety and stress. Its soothing effects make it an excellent choice for herbal teas designed to promote relaxation and stress relief.

10. Boosts Immunity

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in butterfly pea flowers may contribute to a stronger immune system. By enhancing the body’s defence mechanisms, it can help protect against infections and diseases.

Skincare Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower

• Rich in Antioxidants: Packed with anthocyanins and flavonoids, it protects against skin damage and ageing.
• Boosts Collagen Production: Helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
• Soothes Skin Irritation: Calms redness and itching, useful 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?

Butterfly Pea Flower can be used in different ways to enhance your diet and wellness routine. From making tea to adding it to dishes, this flower offers versatile uses. 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 as per your taste 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 turn an ordinary dish into an extraordinary one. You can use the deep blue tea as a base for soups or sauces. This adds colour and a delicate flavour to your culinary dishes. Even blending the flowers into batters for pancakes or muffins can yield a unique texture and nutritional benefits.

4. Rice and Noodle Dishes

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

5. Desserts and Beverages

The butterfly pea flower is also excellent for making 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

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

Potential Side Effects of Butterfly Pea Flower

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

For individuals with a history of allergies, especially to plants and flowers, extra caution is advised. 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 have interactions 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.

Conclusion

Butterfly pea flower is a beautiful plant with a rich heritage in traditional medicine. Its health benefits range from boosting brain health to enhancing skin beauty. However, it’s important to remember that moderation is key in its consumption to prevent possible butterfly pea flower side effects.

Moreover, always consult a healthcare professional before introducing butterfly pea flowers into your diet or lifestyle routine. This is essential if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or have known allergies. This way, you can safely enjoy the benefits of blue pea flowers and enhance your well-being organically.

FAQs

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6546959/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9657694/