Butterfly Pea Flower

 

Butterly Pea (Clitoria Ternatea)

This flower grows in tropical regions but the seeds have germinated in my English garden this year. It is also known as Asian Pigeon Wings. It has been used for centuries in Asia for health as it supports all the systems of the body, respiratory, nervous, digestive, circulatory and reproductive.

In cooking it can be used to colour food and makes a delicious blue tea. On its own I do not find the flavour that appealing but when other herbs such as mint, lemon balm, rose or lemon verbena are added it is quite delicious.

Butterfly Pea contains quercetin, a flavonoid, which is also present in onions. This antioxidant and anti-inflammatory can help the growth and integrity of skin and hair. It is useful in allergic and immune reactions, a powerful antihistamine.

It is also an aphrodisiac for women as well as helping to treat menstrual problems.

It is a blood sugar stabiliser, reducing glucose uptake. it is useful to drink when on a diet or fasting or when wanting to reduce diabetic medication and normalise your insulin levels.

This amazing flower contains proanthocyanidin which is also found in red wine and so will improve blood flow in the smaller capillaries. This can help with improving eyesight, aging skin and hair growth. This help with blood flow could be one reason it has been used to enhance memory and brain function, support the mind from experiencing excessive anxiety or depression and reduce the effects of epileptic convulsions. Research shows that the roots increased the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is known to decrease with age.

Studies continue using both the roots, leaves and flowers as it appears to have positive benefits on all the systems of the body.

Though I have highlighted the chemical compounds that may be useful, it is the plant in totality that works with our bodies. We do not function on chemicals alone! Eating and drinking as many colours of the rainbow as possible is essential for the whole range of vibrations that our bodies require to regulate and maintain health.