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Introduction:
Butterfly Pea Flower, scientifically known as Clitoria ternatea, commonly grows in South East Asia. The plant has been used for centuries in ancient communities as a tea for its strong antioxidants and health benefits, as well as topically for adornment and healing properties.
The Butterfly Pea Flower is said to be ruled by the planet Venus and connected to the element of water, which gives it the qualities of love, emotion, serenity, and protection. In India, this flower is named after Hindu Goddess Aparajita (meaning one who cannot be defeated). It is generally used during puja rituals, which are daily rituals of ceremonial worship, that are offered to the God. This tea is known as Anchan in Thailand. Thai folklore tells us that a woman named Isra was taken on an exploit by a half woman half bird creature, called a kinnari. The kinnari showed her these flowers, which she said could be used for healing. It is also common to use the Butterfly Pea flower in Thai and Malaysian cuisine to give texture of blue color to dishes like desserts and sticky rice. This flower is rich in history and folk tale, but has acquired worldwide fame mainly for its color changing properties.
This plant is rare for many reasons, but a big aspect of its latest popularity comes from its transformative nature. When steeped in boiling water, the Butterfly Pea Flower te has a strong blue color, which in itself is distinctive compared to other teas. It becomes magical when lemongrass is added and turns the tea from blue to a bright violet (Essence Blue Lemon Herbal tea). The lemongrass changes the pH level of the tea, which in turn alters its color. This special quality has made Butterfly Pea quite popular all over the world, and even becoming a key ingredient for mixologists and chefs who use it to shock patrons with naturally color changing beverages or brightly colored foods.
The Butterfly Pea is a beautiful and versatile flower with endless creative possibilities. It is high in health benefits, symbolism and history. Let us discuss why we should all be drinking this tea!
1. ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY
Butterfly pea flowers have a high concentration of ternatins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. This is due to the presence of other healing antioxidants, such as kaempferol, known for fighting cancer cells; p-coumaric acid, which is anti-inflammatory and antiviral; and Delphinidin-3,5-glucoside, which boosts immune function and fights cancer cells.
2. BRAIN BOOST
Butterfly pea flower, commonly known as Indian pea, is a popular medicinal herb used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is used for centuries to enhance memory, treat anxiety and depression, ADHD and stress, and Alzheimer's disease, as well as just offer a general brain boost. The active compound acetylcholine is responsible for both its memory-enhancing and brain-health-improving effects. It offers helpful relaxation in symptoms of many disorders related to brain function & studies also show that drinking this flower tea reduces the symptoms of stress-induced ulcers. Butterfly Pea Tea is a beautiful and versatile flower, with endless possibilities when making use of its unique qualities. On top of that, it is steeped in health benefits and history. Let’s discuss further points why we all should be drinking Butterfly Pea Tea!
3. IMPROVE EYESIGHT
The plant known as butterfly pea has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. It is used for conditions affecting the brain, but it also has benefits for our eyes. The flower contains an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which helps increase blood flow to the eyes and treat glaucoma; it protects against damage to the retina and tired eyes; it also enhances night vision and generally protects the eye from potential damage.
4. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates recognized that the appearance of Clitoria Ternatea—a plant whose roots resemble a female clitoris—was similar to that of a female clitoris, and hypothesized that it would be beneficial to women's health. Latest proof supports his assumption as Butterfly Pea tea has been shown as a useful treatment for problems with menstruation or vaginal discharge, as well as aiding in normal sperm production and even work as a potent aphrodisiac.
5. STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
However, the Butterfly Pea flower is not only good at stabilizing blood sugar levels; it has also been shown to be excellent at inhibiting glucose intake. Results show this flower being able to protect against cell damage and diabetes.
6. BEAUTIFY SKIN
Butterfly Pea flower has been shown to increase skin hydration by 70 percent only an hour after application, due to the flower's high concentration of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. These include polyphenols, which stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin; anti-glycation properties that slow down aging of the skin; and inflammation-reducing properties that can help treat redness, itching and allergies. In addition to these benefits, Butterfly Pea flower has been found helpful in treating skin irritation, redness and itching caused by eczema.
7. STRENGTHEN HAIR
Butterfly Pea flowers have been found to be beneficial for hair health. The flower contains a potent bioflavonoid called anthocyanin, which increases blood flow to the scalp, which in turn leads to the strengthening of hair follicles, hair growth and naturally darkens hair, reducing the growth of gray hair.
8. WEIGHT LOSS
Butterfly Pea tea also support in weight loss by relieving the body’s digestive system from unnecessary waste and replacing it with antioxidants. Butterfly Pea tea also has anti-inflammatory characteristics that soothe stomach muscles, relieving nausea and indigestion. It has anthelmintic properties which assists prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. It also revive the flow of bile from the liver, for that reason acting as a mild laxative. Like other teas that have a diuretic nature which help excrete excess stored water in body helping weight loss.
9. RESPIRATORY HEALTH
This flower is used to treat respiratory illnesses. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the irritation of the lungs and other respiratory organs, making it an effective treatment for colds and coughs. A study from 2018 concluded that butterfly pea tea can be considered a reliable alternative in treating asthma and allergies due to these properties.
10. FIGHTING DISEASES
Along with its many other benefits, Butterfly Pea is one of only two known plants capable of producing the specific peptides called cyclotides. Cyclotides have been shown in preliminary studies to be toxic to cancer cells and exhibit properties that fight against HIV, various forms of cancer, and other harmful diseases. The powerful cyclotides are also anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and stimulate blood flow throughout the body, which can help relieve symptoms experienced when suffering from a harmful disease.
11. TRANSFORMATION
Transformation is a major quality of this flower. Metaphor can help us to know the true power that it holds. Butterflies have long been seen as symbols of the soul and of growth from within. The physical change that a tea undergoes when adding acidity can act as a metaphor for how our souls change when we are faced with adversity.
This tea's esoteric quality makes it perfect for ritual practices. We love to do a life-changing healing meditation with this tea. To do this, begin by setting an intention. Continue by pouring boiling water over your tea and watch as the water changes color from blue to purple. Sit with this cup of Blue Magic Butterfly Pea Herbal Tea and think about the things in your life or about yourself you want to change in life. Give a time to offer gratitude for the place that these things served in your life, and what you learned from them. Using Butterfly Pea blend with lemongrass ( Essence Blue Lemon herbal Tea) in your tea gives you a totally different color change; imagine that the drink is a representation of your spiritual state and as it changes colors—into purple—you are also changing into the person that you desire to be. You can also add some stevia leaves to sweeten things up even more! And then drink up so you can welcome in transformation!
The Butterfly Pea flower is special in its physical qualities, rich in history and tradition, and hugely beneficial to our health. When used as a tea, Butterfly Pea flower can fight disease and improve beauty; when used to flavor drinks, Butterfly Pea flower adds a sense of positivity to your life!
We invite you to try our BLUE MAGIC ( Essence Premium Butterfly Pea Herbal Tea)!
