This flower is beautiful and full of endless creative possibilities when making use of its unique qualities. On top of that, it is steeped in health benefits, symbolism, and history. Let\'s talk about why we all should be drinking Butterfly Pea tea! 1. ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY Butterfly Pea flowers are extremely rich in antioxidant compounds, called ternatins. As well as being the reason for the bright color, ternatins have also been shown to alleviate inflammation and prevent cancer cell growth. It is also rich in other healing antioxidants, including kaempferol, known for fighting cancer-cells, p-coumarin acid, know for being anti inflammatory, anti microbial, and antiviral, and Delphinidin-3, 5-glucoside, known to boost immune function and fight cancer cells. The presence of these antioxidants leads to many health benefits.(1) 2. BRAIN BOOST Butterfly Pea flower is most commonly known in the Indian Ayurvedic medicinal system as a brain herb, used for centuries to enhance memory, treat anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, and Alzheimer\'s, as well as just offer a general brain boost. These effects happen because of the active compound acetylcholine, which is memory enhancing and essential for brain health. Studies show that drinking this flower tea reduces the symptoms of stress-induced ulcers and offers helpful relief in symptoms of many disorders related to brain function. (2) 3. IMPROVE EYESIGHT On top of being a treatment for the brain, Butterfly Pea tea has benefits for our eyes too! The flower contains the antioxidant anthocyanin, which has been shown to increase blood flow to the eyes. This helps in treating glaucoma, damage to the retinas, blurred vision, and tired eyes. It has also been shown to enhance night vision and generally protect the eyes from potential damage 4. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Through studying this plant\'s physical attributes, the ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, concluded that it is compatible with womens health since its appearance is similar to that of a female clitoris, hence the name Clitoria Ternatea. Evidence aligns with his assumption as Butterfly Pea tea has been shown as a helpful treatment for problems with menstruation or vaginal discharge, as well as aiding in normal sperm production, and even acting as a potent aphrodisiac. In Indian villages, it is common for pregnant women to wear the roots of Aparajita, or Butterfly Pea, on their arms or waist to help them deliver their babies safely. (4) 5. STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS Butterfly Pea flower has also been shown to be excellent at stabilizing blood sugar levels through its ability to inhibit glucose intake. Reports show this flower being able to protect against cell damage and diabetes. For example, a study showing 15 men drinking this flower showed increased antioxidant levels and reduced blood sugar and insulin levels. The same conclusion was found when this study was done on rats, comparing the levels to that of a control group. 6. BEAUTIFY SKIN Butterfly Pea flower is commonly used as a tea or food, but can also have incredible benefits when used topically. According to studies, it has been shown to increase skin hydration by 70% only an hour after application. This is because the flower contains the antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin. It also has anti-glycation properties, which are known to slow down aging of the skin. Because of these properties, Butterfly Pea flower is anti-inflammatory and is helpful in treating skin irritation, redness, itching, and allergies 7. STRENGTHEN HAIR As well as being amazing for our skin, Butterfly Pea flowers are also super beneficial to hair 8. AID IN DIGESTION Butterfly Pea tea is also used for treating the digestive system. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe stomach muscles, alleviating nausea and indigestion. It has anthelmintic properties which help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. It also stimulates the flow of bile from the liver, therefore acting as a mild laxative. Like many teas that have a diuretic nature, Butterfly Pea tea can also aid in weight loss by relieving the bodys digestive system from unnecessary waste and replacing it with antioxidants. 9. RESPIRATORY HEALTH This flower is a common treatment for respiratory illnesses. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been shown to reduce the irritation of the lungs and other respiratory organs. It also helps in draining excess fluid build up, making it an excellent treatment for colds and coughs. A study from 2018 concluded that, due to these 10. FIGHTING DISEASES Along with all of these other benefits, Butterfly Pea is one of, if not the only, species of plant to produce the specific peptides called cyclotides (9). Although medical studies of the effects of the cyclotides in this flower are still preliminary, evidence shows them being toxic to cancer cells, as well as exhibiting properties that fight against HIV, various forms of cancer, and other harmful diseases. On top of the powerful cyclotides, the flower is also anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and stimulates blood flow throughout the body, which can help to relieve the symptoms experienced when suffering from a harmful disease.
