Often featured in cocktails, cosmetics, and herbal tea blends, butterfly pea flower is an ingredient well-known for its brilliant blue hue.

You may have heard about butterfly pea flower in health and diet circles. In recent years, the plant has also been studied for its antioxidant content and healthy properties.

In particular, some studies suggest that butterfly pea flower may help ensure skin and hair health, promote weight loss, and reduce blood sugar levels.

This article will take an in-depth look at some of the key benefits of butterfly pea flower, along with some ideas for how to use it.

Also known by its scientific name, Clitoria ternatea, the butterfly pea is a plant native to Asia. You may recognize it by its striking, vibrant blue flowers.

It is also rich in anthocyanins, which are the antioxidant compounds responsible for its unique color.

For this reason, manufactures may use butterfly pea flower in cosmetics or as a natural dye for foods, drinks, and textiles.

The flowers are also commonly brewed into an herbal tea, often alongside ingredients like lemongrass, honey, and lemon.

When the acidity of the pea flower tea changes, the color changes as well. This quality makes butterfly pea flower a popular ingredient among mixologists for specialty cocktails.

Additionally, it’s known for its medicinal properties and has been associated with a variety of potential health benefits.

Butterfly pea flowers are rich in anthocyanin compounds called ternatins, which give the plant its vibrant hue.

Studies suggest that ternatins can alleviate inflammation and may prevent cancer cell growth.

Additionally, the plant contains several other antioxidants, including 

• Kaemphferol. This compound has been studied extensively for its cancer-fighting properties. Studies may indicate that it may kill off cancer cells.
• p-Coumaric acid. Some research suggests that p-coumaric acid could have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects, which may help protect against disease.
• Delphinidin-3,5-glucoside. According to one study, this antioxidant may help stimulate immune function and cause cell death in colorectal cancer cells.

Butterfly pea flowers may be associated with several health benefits.

Supports skin and hair health

Cosmetic manufacturers boast about butterfly pea flowers’ effectiveness in everything from skin care serums to hair mists and shampoos.

According to research, butterfly pea extract may increase your skin hydration  by 70% one hour after topical application.

Studies found that butterfly pea extract may be more effective at promoting hair growth than minoxidil, which is a common product used to treat hair loss.

Butterfly pea flower contains a rich array of antioxidants, which may also be beneficial for promoting hair and skin health.

May promote weight loss

Some studies even suggest that butterfly pea flower may aid in weight loss efforts.

Research suggests that butterfly pea flower extract may slow the formation of fat cells by regulating certain pathways involved in cell progression.

Studies have found that ternatins, which are found in butterfly pea flower, may also block the synthesis of fat cells in your body.

Stabilizes blood sugar levels

Studies indicate that butterfly pea flower may reduce the risk of diabetes  and related symptoms.

Studies show that drinking a beverage containing butterfly pea flower extract may increase antioxidant levels and reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, despite the sugar levels in the drink.

Research suggests that the antioxidant properties of butterfly pea flower may protect against cell damage and complications related to diabetes.

Butterfly pea flower is found in many cosmetic products, including hair mists, toners, shampoos, and face masks.

You can also use the plant to brew an herbal tea, which is known for its earthy flavor and vibrant blue color.

To make butterfly pea flower tea, also referred to as “blue tea,” simply add 2 teaspoons of dried flowers to 8 ounces of hot water.

Let the tea steep for 10–15 minutes before straining out the dried flowers. Enjoy hot or served over ice.

You can also add a bit of lemon juice, lime juice, or honey to ramp up the flavor. The acidity of citrus fruits can also turn the drink a deep purple hue, thanks to the ternatins the plant naturally contains.

Butterfly pea flower is a common ingredient in many herbals teas, mixed drinks, and cosmetic products.

It is rich in antioxidants and may be linked to several health benefits, including increased weight loss, better blood sugar control, and improvements in hair and skin health.

It’s also a versatile infusion which is delicious hot or iced in the summer time, so it’s a great potential addition to your diet.