Butterfly Pea Flower 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Butterfly Pea Flower – 100 g ($18.99), 50 g ($12.99), 25 g ($8.99)

Benefits:
Nutrition  When used to make an herbal tea, butterfly pea is basically calorie-free and also contains virtually zero caffeine. One cup of brewed butterfly pea tea contains about five calories or less and no caffeine, fat, protein, carbs or sugar. Most of butterfly pea flower’s benefits are due to its supply of antioxidants, which are responsible for its signature blue color. It’s a great source of antioxidants, including:

• Anthocyanin, such as ternatins, some of the same types found in superfoods like berries, cherries and red wine
• Flavonoids
• Kaempferol
• Quercetin
• Myricetin Glycosides
• Gallic Acid
• P-Coumaric Acid

Antioxidants  Antioxidants are beneficial compounds that scavenge molecules known as free radicals. Too many free radicals in your body can lead to oxidative stress, which can promote the onset of certain diseases. Butterfly pea flowers are rich in anthocyanins — namely delphinidin, which is largely responsible for the deep blue to purple color. Anthocyanins are a group of antioxidants. They’re present in edible fruits, vegetables, and flowers and provide beneficial effects against diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Evidence also suggests that delphinidin protects against lipid peroxidation — a process that damages cell membranes, promotes aging, and causes the formation of a carcinogenic compound called malondialdehyde (MDA). Further, a small study in 16 men who were overweight or obese found that taking butterfly pea flower after a high fat meal helped maintain high levels of Glutathione peroxidase (Gpx). Gpx is an antioxidant enzyme that helps reduce lipid peroxidation. Historically, butterfly pea was considered a natural remedy for symptoms of numerous ailments, including fever, inflammation, arthritic pain due to collagen degradation and diabetes, just to name a few.

Because it’s rich in antioxidants, butterfly pea flowers can help combat oxidative stress and free radicals, two major contributors to aging and disease development. These specific compounds have been shown to help prevent growth of cancer cells, and they can also protect the liver, brain, heart, blood vessels and other organs from damage.

Blood, Heart  Butterfly pea may boost your heart health by improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Animal studies suggest that butterfly pea flower extract may lower blood pressure through its vasorelaxation properties, meaning that it helps widen your blood vessels to enhance blood flow.  In addition, it boasts antithrombotic effects. This means it may prevent the formation of blood clots, a risk factor for stroke.

The previously mentioned small study in 16 men that were overweight or obese further found that taking butterfly pea after a high fat meal reduced the formation of fat cells and the accumulation of triglycerides. This means it may improve unusually high concentrations of blood lipids after a meal — a predictor of heart disease. To explain this effect, researchers speculate that the flower’s antioxidants inhibit pancreatic lipase, an enzyme in charge of breaking down dietary fats.

Butterfly pea is laden with fortifying bioflavonoid compounds, that supply protective and remedial antioxidant qualities for heart health. Heaped with antihyperlipidemic constituents, butterfly pea decreases cholesterol volumes and aberrantly high lipid/fat levels in the bloodstream. Moreover, taking butterfly pea reduces harmful triglyceride and bad LDL cholesterol concentrations, while raising good HDL cholesterol amounts. This, in turn, averts the risk of a host of cardiac ailments, such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, dangerous blood clots in the arteries, veins and hypertension or high blood pressure.

Clitoria ternatea may help reduce hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol, assist in other cardiovascular functions, and stabilize blood sugar levels, as some animal research shows. Some studies show it can also protect against symptoms related to diabetes and insulin resistance due to ability to shun oxidative stress. Like other high-antioxidant plants, it’s possible that butterfly pea can potentially help with weight loss and protect against obesity due its general metabolic benefits, although more research on this topic is needed.

Diabetes  Anthocyanins in butterfly pea may help manage your blood sugar levels. It works wonders in avoiding sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, besides facilitating smooth digestion processes, in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The abundant reserves of phenolic acid, phenolic amide antioxidants in butterfly pea portray significant antihyperglycemic effects, improving insulin secretion, regulating glucose metabolism and preventing excess absorption of sugars by body cells, both while fasting and post consuming meals. Butterfly pea flower is certainly an ideal wholesome addition to the diabetic diet.

Some research shows that antioxidants in butterfly pea may inhibit carb-digesting enzymes like intestinal alpha-glucosidase, pancreatic alpha-amylase, and intestinal sucrase. By inhibiting said enzymes, the herb delays the digestion and absorption of sugars. In return, this results in reduced blood sugar and insulin levels. Reduced blood insulin levels have been associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance, blood vessel dysfunction, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

However, human research still has conflicting findings when analyzing the anti-diabetic properties of butterfly pea. A study in 15 healthy adults determined that consuming sucrose — or table sugar — with 1 or 2 grams of butterfly pea led to reduced insulin and blood sugar levels 30 minutes later, suggesting improved blood sugar management after a meal. In contrast, the small study in 16 men with overweight or obesity found no significant differences in blood sugar levels after a high fat meal supplemented with the same amount of butterfly pea.

Anti-Fungal, Antimicrobial. Butterfly pea has shown antibacterial and anti-fungal properties in some research, which can be beneficial for maintaining overall health and preventing infections. Certain antioxidants found in the flower may offer anti-fungal properties against Penicillium expansum conidia and antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. Butterfly pea flower is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions due to the presence of compounds like p-coumarin acid and delphinidin glucoside. Consuming this plant may also fight against viruses and infections.

Research suggests that butterfly pea may help support healthy digestion and gut health, which is highly linked to immune function, and protect the gastrointestinal tract from spasms, nausea, heartburn and ulcers. It can also potentially support detoxification and the liver’s ability to remove harmful waste from the body, since it acts as a mild laxative and natural diuretic.

Brain. Animal studies suggest that butterfly pea extract may improve memory and prevent further memory loss in Alzheimer’s Disease, though no research confirms these effects in humans (2Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).

Some research, including on animals, suggests that Clitoria ternatea can boost levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which is a beneficial compound for focus, memory and other cognitive tasks.

Because of its ability to fight oxidative stress, butterfly pea flower might be helpful for slowing age-related memory loss and for generally supporting mental health, including by protecting against anxiety, effects of chronic stress, depression and ADHD.

Known in Ayurvedic science as a brain herb, butterfly pea has been used to enhance memory, aid brain health, treat anxiety, and combat depression. Owing to its acetylcholine compound, the herb can also help fight Alzheimer’s. Drinking butterfly pea flower offers many brain boosting benefits.

Caffeine-free. Butterfly pea flowers are caffeine-free.

Natural Food Colorant. The blue color of butterfly pea flowers is a popular alternative to artificial blue food colorants, which have become increasingly disfavored due to health concerns.

While research on butterfly pea’s benefits is promising, most of it focuses on extracts and antioxidants rather than brewed tea. In addition, there is an evident lack of human studies, as most of the research is related to findings from test-tube and animal studies.

Vision  Antioxidants found within Clitoria ternatea can protect the eyes from free radical damage, including from the sun, irritants and effects of a poor diet. It might also help boost blood flow to the eyes.

Extracts and eye gels made from Clitoria ternatea are used in some cases to manage vision-related issues, such as glaucoma, damaged retinas, blurred vision, poor night vision and tired/dry/strained eyes.

The richness of proanthocyanidin complexes in butterfly pea makes it a refreshing, delightful and nutritious beverage for enhancing eyesight. Thanks to the storehouse of anti-inflammatory and analgesic i.e. pain-relieving traits in butterfly pea, it delivers noteworthy merits for lowering the discomfort, redness, swelling experienced in common eye infections. By stimulating the passage of blood that is imbued with essential nutrients, towards the intricate capillaries of the optic cells, tissues, butterfly pea efficiently preserves visual organelles and structures of retina, cornea, lens, healing indications of glaucoma, hazy vision.

Skin and Hair  Butterfly pea flower may be able to prevent signs of premature aging on the skin when used topically, such as loss of skin elasticity, fine lines, and uneven tone and texture. There’s evidence that it can boost skin hydration and defend against sun damage due to antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Because it has anti-inflammatory properties, it may also help treat rashes, swelling, itching and dermatitis or allergies that affect the skin.

The flavonoids present in butterfly pea help stimulate collagen production, helping develop and maintain skin elasticity. It regularly eliminates undigested food particles from the system, clearing the stomach, liver and kidneys. This, in turn, cleanses the body internally and brightens dull skin, removing dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Yet another benefit is butterfly pea’s ability to help maintain a healthy scalp and hair health. It’s thought to help bring extra blood to the hair follicles and reduce inflammation, which might impair hair growth. For this season, you’ll find it in some hair shampoos, conditioners and other hair products intended to reduce graying and hair thinning.

Butterfly pea flower is excellent for the hair, since it contains anthocyanin – a compound known to increase blood circulation in the head and therefore maintain a healthy scalp. It also helps in strengthening the hair follicles from within. The antioxidants are believed to help combat free radicals, which can contribute to premature ageing. It is sometimes used for its potential anti-ageing effects on the skin and overall vitality.

Cooling Properties  Butterfly pea is believed to have cooling properties in Ayurveda. It is often consumed to help cool the body and balance excess heat, making it suitable for individuals with a “Pitta” constitution or those experiencing conditions associated with heat and inflammation.

Digestion  Butterfly pea is rich in antioxidants, which makes it a great beverage to include in your detox diet, especially in summer. Antioxidants protect the body against free radical action. Free radicals are harmful substances which can damage healthy cells in the body. Butterfly pea once or twice a week on an empty stomach flushes out toxins accumulated in the system and vastly improves digestive health.

Clitoria ternatea has been found to have anthelmintic properties, so it can be used to treat parasitic infections.

Weight Loss  Butterfly pea is free from caffeine, as well as contains zero carbs, fats and cholesterol. It is hence an ideal drink for those on weight loss diet, as it purifies the gut of any food wastes and impurities, as well as regulates appetite. By curbing untimely cravings for junk food, butterfly pea is a remarkable herbal drink for maintaining optimal body weight.

Mood  The earthy flavour of butterfly-pea flower is said to be a mood enhancer. The herb is said to have stress-busting effects that may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is also known to refresh the brain, bolster energy levels and stamina, influence positive emotions and thereby increase productivity at work. Butterfly pea is also a great stress-buster, alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Butterfly pea is known for its calming and stress-reducing properties. It may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation due to its potential interaction with neurotransmitters in the brain.

Menstrual, Libido  Butterfly pea infusion has been helpful to treat menstruation related problems such as reducing cramps and soothing pain. For males, the infusion is given to enhance normal sperm production. The flower is also considered to have potent aphrodisiac properties.

Respiratory  Butterfly pea has been used as potential treatment option for respiratory disorders and is an excellent treatment for colds and coughs.  Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to reduce the irritation of the lungs and drain an excessive fluid build-up. Butterfly pea also has therapeutic properties that can help treat asthma and various respiratory allergies.

Another immune-enhancing effect of this plant is its ability to promote respiratory health. It can help remove mucus and fluids from the lungs and airways and reduce irritation and inflammation, which helps treat bronchitis, colds and coughs. It’s also thought to be helpful for managing asthma and allergies. In Ayurvedic tradition, Clitoria ternatea flower was one of the most widely used ingredients in different preparations given to treat respiratory disorders.

Botanical Name: Clitoria ternatea
English: Asian pigeonwings, bluebellvine, blue pea, butterfly pea, cordofan pea or Darwin pea, Blue Tea.
Also known as: Koyala, Koyala Tea, Mussel Shell Climber, Gokarna-mula, Aparajita, Garani, Sanku, Aral, Asphota, Kakkanam, Dantina
Origin: India
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Flower

General Information:
The petals of the Blue Pea Flower have been used since time immemorial to add colour to celebratory drinks in various locales around the world. According to India’s traditional medicine, Blue Pea Flower has been in use for centuries as an antidepressant, anticonvulsant, sedative and memory enhancer. Enjoyed for centuries in Southeast Asia as a vibrant herbal tea (and as plant-based food and natural dye), Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea) has recently made a global impact- and we just simply can’t get enough of it! Butterfly Pea Flower Tea has a bright blue color that is released when the flowers are steeped. However, when an acidic ingredient such as fresh citrus, or lemon juice is added to infused Butterfly Pea Flower Tea it transforms into a lovely shade of royal purple. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is a source of antioxidants, and there are studies that show it is helpful to keep your skin youthful

Prepared by steeping the vibrant indigo flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant in boiling water, blue tea bestows a number of incentives for a fit body and a sound mind. Also popularly known as butterfly pea flower tea, this herb is blessed with a multitude of potent antioxidants like polyphenols, tannins, catechins, as well as immense valuable phytonutrients, that display tremendous memory boosting, antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic and analgesic characteristics.

Aside from bequeathing a luminous complexion, accelerating weight loss, renewing skin tissues and ameliorating hair growth, a cup of piping hot caffeine-free blue tea holds high therapeutic values in rectifying the symptoms of myriad ailments like diabetes, atherosclerosis, glaucoma and is truly an energizing and nourishing drink.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use: