Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is made from a dried, cobalt blue flower that is native to Southeast Asia. The butterfly pea’s botanical name is Clitoria ternatea, and it is also known as the bluebellvine and Darwin pea. In India, it is considered a holy plant, and throughout Asia the butterfly pea is used as a food coloring because of its vibrant blue shading.
Tea from the butterfly pea is a rich blue color when steeped, and since blooms range from deep lavender to deep blue to baby pink, it changes pH levels with the addition of certain ingredients. This reaction is what brings out its many colors. Acids such as lemon or lime juice make for a vibrant purple color, while a base of hibiscus flower or honey brings out its pink shading. This beautiful, shapeshifting drink is not only a treat for the eyes, but it is also a treat for the body!
Clitoria ternatea is a plant from the family Fabaceae and is commonly found throughout South East Asian countries of Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka. The bright blue petals from the flowers of the butterfly pea plant have been used as an ingredient in herbal tea drinks throughout the region for centuries as well as used in cooking. The blue flower imparts its blue colour when steeped in warm or hot water, leading it to be used as a dye, as well as to add colour to various traditional dishes.
Health Benefits
Provides antioxidant support
Butterfly pea flowers are popular all over the world in functional beverages. In Thailand, it is a popular choice for a post-meal treat when mixed with lemon and honey. One study from 2019 found that consumption of butterfly pea flowers in beverages did have an impact on increasing antioxidant activity in the body, which in turn can be used to benefit many health functions.Eases occasional stress
Butterfly pea flowers are an adaptogenic herb that may help ease occasional stress.* Russian scientist N.V. Lazarez discovered adaptogens in 1947 while another Russian scientist, Dr. Israel Brekhman, spent more than forty years examining their healthful benefits. Dr. Brekhman designated that to be an adaptogen, herbs that need to have three specific traits:
- The herb is non-toxic
- It helps regulate stress by helping the body adapt to it
- It has a positive impact on the body
Adaptogens impact your well-being by helping you cope with stress, which is something everyone has to deal with at one point or another! A scientific review of adaptogenic agents listed butterfly pea flowers as an acceptable adaptogen.
When it comes to butterfly pea flowers and their healthful potential, there is still so much to be discovered. While all of its benefits are not yet known, science is well on its way to discovering exactly what it can do. In 2019, Frontiers in Plant Science published a comprehensive overview of its benefits to respond to the growing interest of researchers in the health field. Knowing that butterfly pea flowers are so rich in so many healthful components is an inspiring start to uncovering what we will discover regarding health benefits in the future.
Supports glowing skin
Butterfly pea flowers are of interest in the skincare community because of their ability to support graceful aging with antioxidants. While some flowers and botanicals have components that are irritating to skin, all components of butterfly pea flowers from the root to the flowers themselves can be used for topical skincare. One study found it did have an affect on calming skin issues; however, primary skin benefits will occur from the antioxidants present when drinking butterfly pea flower tea. After all, true beauty begins from the inside out!Fights against cancers
Butterfly pea plants contain substances that have anticancer properties. Consuming blue butterfly pea tea may have some role in fighting cancers. It enters the cancer cells and inhibits their growth.Promotes graceful aging
During the course of our lives, we take in a lot of oxygen through the air, food, and other exposure. This leads to free radicals entering the body, which are actually unpaired electrons. When electrons aren’t paired up, they may accelerate aging and increase the chances for health issues. Antioxidants help manage and get rid of free radicals in the body. Some recent studies have even shown promise for incorporating butterfly pea flowers into skincare products. Of course, the most effective way to reap the benefits is by drinking butterfly pea flower tea, which contains many plant-based antioxidants that naturally help you age gracefully!
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
- Can be worn with any facemask and provides additional heavy-duty protection.
- Adult & Youth Sizes Available