The Butterfly Pea Flower: More Than Just a Pretty Blue Tea

Written by Delilah Ko, a functional medicine student passionate about uncovering the root causes of chronic conditions through science-backed research and holistic insights.

What is Butterfly Pea Flower?

The vibrant Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea), made famous by TikTok, has been used for centuries in Southeast Asian traditions—both as a food dye and a natural medicine. Today, it's gaining popularity not just for its color-changing beauty in drinks, but also for its clinical potential in supporting brain health, blood sugar regulation, skin radiance, and more.

Powerful Antioxidants in Every Petal

Butterfly pea flower is rich in antioxidants, compounds that neutralize free radicals to protect your cells and DNA. These benefits extend to lowering risks of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, improving metabolism, and promoting vibrant skin and hair.

Delphinidin: The Science Behind the Blue

The flower’s bold hue comes from delphinidin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Plants use this compound to protect against environmental stress, and your body can benefit similarly from its cellular support.

Brain & Mood Support

Studies show butterfly pea flower may enhance memory, focus, and cognitive function by increasing acetylcholine levels, a key neurotransmitter. Its anti-stress and neuroprotective benefits make it ideal for supporting brain wellness and emotional balance.

View study on cognitive and anxiolytic effects

Anti-Anxiety & Nervous System Support

Butterfly pea has shown mild anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects in clinical studies. It modulates serotonin and GABA—two neurotransmitters essential to mood stability. In one study, participants showed lower anxiety scores after consistent use.

[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3198518/]

Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Extracts of butterfly pea block key enzymes like COX-2 and LOX that fuel inflammation. Its antioxidants further reduce oxidative damage, offering support for chronic inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and autoimmune issues.

Respiratory Relief & Asthma Support

Traditionally used for coughs and asthma, the flower’s expectorant properties soothe airways. Animal studies show ethanol extracts significantly improve breathing in asthma-induced subjects. I've personally found it helpful in calming my own asthma symptoms.

Cardiovascular & Blood Support

As a natural hemostatic and blood purifier, butterfly pea supports circulation and may help balance white blood cell activity. One study even showed similar effectiveness to the steroid dexamethasone in reducing inflammation-related blood markers.

Digestive & Urinary Health

Butterfly pea acts as a gentle laxative and digestive aid. Its diuretic properties can ease urinary discomfort, while its blood-purifying effects support detoxification.

Blood Sugar & Diabetes Support

Traditional medicine uses butterfly pea to blunt glucose spikes. Modern research supports this: in rat studies, the extract reduced blood glucose, increased insulin levels, and improved liver health and gene expression tied to diabetes management.

Here's a study that was done on an antidiabetic effect.

Beauty Benefits: Skin & Hair

The flower’s flavonoids and polyphenols promote collagen production, leading to smoother skin and stronger hair. It also delivers vitamins A, C, and E, known for their skin-renewing properties.

Reproductive Health

Emerging research suggests butterfly pea may enhance fertility by supporting healthy sperm development, offering a natural option for those looking to improve reproductive health.

Minerals, Fatty Acids & Nutrients

This flower contains a spectrum of minerals—including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and copper—as well as beneficial fatty acids like linoleic and palmitic acid, which support brain and heart health. 

Butterfly pea flower contains a high concentration of crude protein and fiber, making it suitable for food.

Vitamins A, C, and E.

It also contains polyphenols such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, lignans, alkaloids, terpenoids, and coumarins. The antioxidant properties of the plant, which are necessary for scavenging free radicals, are primarily attributed to its leaves and flowers.

Safety 

Butterfly pea is generally safe. In animal studies, doses up to 3000 mg/kg body weight showed no toxicity. Still, excessive use may cause minor digestive upset due to its diuretic nature. If pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before use.

Try It for Yourself

Experience the benefits of this vibrant tea today! Use code TENOFF for 10% off your first order of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea.