Butterfly Pea
Latin: Clitoria Ternatea
Parts used: Aerial parts
Flavors: Bitter, astringent, pungent
Energetics: Cooling, balancing
Actions: Nervine relaxant, nootropic, alterative, refrigerant
Affinities: Nervous system, vascular system, skin, hair, eyes
Butterfly Pea flower is an antioxidant-rich nervine, anti-inflammatory, and nootropic that is native to the tropics of Africa and Southeast Asia. In western herbalism it has been valued as an adaptogen that supports cognitive clarity, stress relief, skin vitality, blood sugar, metabolism, and a healthy inflammatory response. Containing high levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids, this herb is great for combating oxidative stress and free radical damage throughout the body. It also offers gentle stress-relieving properties, helping to calm mental tension, support focus, and ease mild anxiety. It is widely loved for its brilliant blue hue, and changes colors when squeezed with lemon.
