Latin name: Clitoria ternatea
Also known as: Asian pigeonwings, bluebellvine, blue pea, butterfly seed, Blue tea

Origin: Thailand

Clitoria ternatea – Butterfly Seed

Clitoria ternatea or butterfly seed is revered as a holy flower, used in daily puja rituals. The flowers of this vine were imagined to have the shape of human female genitals, hence the Latin name of the genus “Clitoria”, from “clitoris”.

Traditional Ayurvedic medicine is ascribed with various qualities, including memory enhancing, nootropic, antistress, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, tranquilizing, and sedative properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant has been ascribed properties affecting female libido due to its similar appearance to the female reproductive organ.

Known for its luminous indigo color, Butterfly Pea has traditionally been used as a vegetable in cooking, color deserts, or making a strikingly vibrant colored tea. Butterfly Pea is jam-packed full of health-promoting antioxidants, flavonoids, and peptides and has shown considerable promise as a natural remedy for a range of health complaints.

Some key health benefits of Butterfly Seed are:

• The Nervous System – Butterfly Seed has a calming effect on the brain
• The Digestive System – Butterfly Seed is an antiemetic (anti-nausea), antidiabetic (anti-indigestion), mild-laxative, and cholagogue (stimulates the flow of bile from the liver)
• The Circulatory System – Butterfly Seed is a hemostatic (helps stop bleeding) and a blood purifier
• The Respiratory System – Butterfly Seed acts as an expectorant and has been shown to reduce the irritation of respiratory organs, useful in treating colds, coughs, and even asthma.
• The Urinary System – Butterfly Seed is a diuretic, that helps promote normal urination and can be used for dysuria (difficulty urinating)
• The Reproductive System: Butterfly Seed is reported to be spermatogenic, aiding in normal sperm production
• The Integumentary System – Pre-maturing aging is often a problem of the skin. Flavonoids present in Butterfly Seed have been found to boost collagen production, increasing skin elasticity.