Butterfly Pea Flower - Clitoria ternatea

Butterfly Pea Flower - Clitoria ternatea

Herb Class/Action: Nervine, Nootropic, Antioxidant, Circulatory Stimulant

Flavor: Mildly Earthy, Slightly Sweet

Energetics: Cooling, Moistening

Butterfly pea flower is known for its striking blue hue and its rich antioxidant content. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Thai herbal medicine, this vibrant flower is often consumed as a tea to support cognitive function, circulation, and overall vitality. It is classified as a nootropic, meaning it helps enhance brain function, memory, and focus. The high concentration of anthocyanins (the same antioxidants found in blueberries) contributes to its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition to supporting cognitive health, butterfly pea flower is also known for its ability to enhance circulation and promote relaxation. As a nervine, it helps to calm the nervous system, making it beneficial for stress relief and mood support. Its natural cooling properties make it useful for reducing excess heat in the body, which can manifest as inflammation or irritability.

Butterfly pea flower is commonly enjoyed as a tea, often blended with other herbs such as lemongrass or ginger. Its vibrant blue color changes to purple when combined with acidic ingredients like lemon juice, making it a popular ingredient in herbal and culinary preparations.

Uses:

  • Supports cognitive function, memory, and focus
  • Provides antioxidant support for overall cellular health
  • Promotes relaxation and nervous system balance
  • Enhances circulation and blood flow

Safety Considerations:

  • Generally regarded as safe when consumed in normal amounts
  • May lower blood pressure, so use caution if taking antihypertensive medications
  • Not recommended in large amounts during pregnancy due to limited safety research

Traditional Applications:

  • Used in Ayurveda as a brain tonic to enhance mental clarity and memory
  • Commonly consumed in Southeast Asian herbal teas for relaxation and vitality
  • Traditionally used as a natural dye for food and beverages due to its vibrant color

You can find it in our Gentle Detoxer Tea

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Herb Glossary

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Alfalfa Leaf Ashwagandha Root Astragalus Root Barberry Root Burdock Root Butterfly Pea Flower Calendula Flower Catnip Chamomile Chickweed Cinnamon Cleavers Clove Dandelion Root Echinacea Leaf Elderberry Elecampane Root Eleuthero Root Ginger Root Hawthorn Berry Hibiscus Holy Basil Hyssop Juniper Berry Lavender Lemon Balm Lemongrass Licorice Root Linden Marshmallow Leaf Marshmallow Root Milk Thistle Mullein Leaf Nettle Leaf Oatstraw Orange Peel Oregon Grape Root Passionflower Pau d'Arco Bark Peppermint Leaf Plantain Leaf Red Clover Red Raspberry Leaf Rose Rosehips Sarsaparilla Root Schisandra Berry Slippery Elm Bark Tulsi Turmeric Root Valerian Root Yellow Dock Root