The Healing Powers of Butterfly Pea Flower

Written by Mimi Thompson

Many Thais know of the Dawk An Cham (ดอกอัญชัน) or Butterfly Pea Flower – the soft purple flower that, when combined with lime, magically turns our drinks from blue to purple and pink, or dyes our Khao Niao a delicate blue. What Thais might not know are the health benefits of the butterfly pea flower.

The scientific name of the Genus of the plant is Clitoria ternatea (a name which seems so fitting for us to have an interest in, do you not agree?).

Here are five ways that the butterfly pea flower provides us with its healing powers:

It is rich in antioxidants: the same compound (anthocyanins) that gives the flower its beautiful blue also prevents or stops cell damage, which can slow aging and help reduce the risk of disease. These compounds improve blood flow, promote collagen production, and make it harder for fungi to grow and spread.
It is anti-inflammatory: the plant contains flavonoids (known as Vitamin P) to reduce inflammation and boost our immune system.
It is calming: known to help reduce anxiety, when the flower is brewed in tea, it provides stress relief and is naturally caffeine-free.
It has cognitive benefits: butterfly pea flower contains acetylcholine-enhancing properties (acetylcholine is a chemical compound related to brain function), which improve our cognitive abilities, such as memory.
It supports our digestion: when brewed into tea, the flowers can promote our digestive health and reduce bloating.

Would you like to try for yourself?

Vira uses butterfly pea flower in our Cycle Syncing tea.

cyclesyncing_tea_follicular_Vira_butterflypea We’ve included it in the blend for the Follicular phase, which is when the hormone estrogen rises, bleeding is light or has stopped, and people begin to feel more energetic, lighter, and refreshed. Packed with the anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anxiety-reducing qualities, butterfly pea is one of three special ingredients crafted to keep you company during your Follicular phase.