Butterfly Pea Flower Health Benefits: From Weight Loss to Hair Growth

Epicurean circles are bursting with a stunning blue tint. From mixologists, tea connoisseurs to hedonistic food lovers; entire world is talking about this mystic dream floret the “Butterfly pea flower” (or Clitoria Ternatea). Not just food, this flower has multidisciplinary uses and benefits. This enigmatic plant, also known as Butterfly pea, Pigeon wings, or Blue pea, is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. Although it has been around for a long time as Oolong tea or Black dragon tea, the blue tea has recently exploded in popularity.

Butterfly pea flower and its benefits:

Now days the primary concern of an individual is “HEALTH” and we all are eager to adopt and adapt to whatever gives us health mileage. 

The antioxidant properties of this unique blue flower make it dieter’s delight. Research indicates that butterfly pea flower may slow and regulate the formation of fat cells in the body, thereby assisting in weight loss efforts.

Also read: Must try anti oxidant beverage recipe

According to a recent study this blue panacea has proven to be a potent remedy to keep a tab on insulin and blood sugar levels. The simple brew of dried butterfly pea flower has host of other benefits. It can assuage inflammation in body, reduce stress and can help prevent growth of cancer cells too- as indicated in some test tube researches. 

For ages Ayurveda have been propagating the uses of this mystical flower to enhance cognitive functions of human body and aid in weight loss.

Butterfly pea flower benefits for hair and skin:

Pollution-sweat-dust-makeup, are biggest foes of skin and hair. Butterfly Pea flower has numerous skin benefits.

We are aware that as we age the production of collagen and elastin in skin slows, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. But this heavenly flower provides a one stop solution to all skin issues, the presence of proanthocyanidin and polyphenols aids in restoring natural production process of collagen. 

We can swear by Butterfly Pea flower to promote hair growth; presence of bioflavonoid and anthocyanin increases the blood flow to the scalp, which helps in reviving the hair follicles along an upside of darkening the hair tint. 

Some researchers have indicated that Quercetin a type of yellow medicinal compound present in Butterfly Pea flower can also help improve eye sight.

Some other health benefits of Blue Pea are its detox properties; that help to strengthen our immune system and improve cardiac health of an individual. It is also a significant mood enhancer and aids in digestive process. 

How to use Butterfly Pea Flower?

Believe you me; the flower is readily available across almost all online shopping portals.  All you have to do is search-buy and follow the instructions on the pack. The tea is available as dried powder or florets, simply use 2-3gm of powder, alternately 5-6 flowers placed in a mug/ tea pot, pour boiled water let it seep for about 3-5mins, if you like add some honey or squeeze in a hint of lemon.  Voila! Your green...errrrr…..blue tea is ready to be savored.

Craving iced tea! Simply cool this elixir, top with some mint and ice cubes, and my version of Blue iced tea is ready to beat the summer heat. 

Butterfly pea flower hair rinse for healthy hair:

Use the same brew as a hair rinse of course minus the honey. In case you are up for some hard work;  place 15-20 dried flowers in a jar, top it with warm to hot water, one can also add some rosemary leaves and let it sit for an hour. Strain the blue liquid in a spray bottle and refrigerate the rest to store for later use. The same can be used as hair rinse or spray, as per your convenience. 

For skin, one can make a paste of freshly picked butterfly pea flowers with store bought or garden fresh aloe Vera gel. Store it in a container and use on cleansed face, neck and arms any time of the day. 

Whether you are a believer of traditional apothecary or contemporary research, it’s time we reap benefits from them and make most of our health and wellbeing. So have you tried a brew of Blue Matcha / Butter fly pea flower yet!!

Until next time….soak blue!