Ternatea enhances memory, prevents premature skin aging
Health researchers have noted that butterfly pea has different qualities — it enhances memory and is a nootropic and likewise has anti-stress, anxiolytic, anti-depressant, anti-convulsant, tranquilizing and sedative properties
If we want to quench our thirst but would like to refrain from carbonated beverages or commercially-prepared juices, a healthier alternative is for us to prepare our own concoction by using flowers, or better yet, the flowers of, say, butterfly pea.
In many parts of Southeast Asia, butterfly pea flower tea is prepared from the ternatea flowers, which when consumed either hot or cold, could taste “earthy” and similar to unsweetened green tea.
The Clitoria ternatea L. plant, which is also known as butterfly pea, blue pea, or Asian pigeon wings, is from the Fabaceae family that is commonly found throughout Southeast Asia and in the Philippines.
Its petals, which are bright blue in color, have been used as an ingredient in the preparation of herbal tea drinks for many years.
Among those who promote the preparation of the butterfly pea flower tea is May Aileen S.
Uy who owns May’s Organic Garden in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City.
Both Uy and her husband Ramon Uy Sr. are advocates of organic farming and the promotion of healthy living.
Potent anti-oxidants
Compared with green tea, the butterfly pea flower tea is said to contain potent antioxidants, and has been found to help protect the skin against premature aging.
This creeper plant is cultivated naturally for its very attractive flowers which can be eaten directly as part of a dish like salads, or used for dyeing food items.
The butterfly pea plant can also thrive very well in the wild due to its ability to grow even in poor soil.
According to May Uy, among the many health benefits of butterfly pea are hair growth, better eyesight, improved skin, antioxidant, and even serves as an analgesic.
It also contains an antioxidant called proanthocyanidin, which increases blood flow to the capillaries of the eyes, useful in treatment of glaucoma, blurred vision, retinal damage or tired eyes.
Health researchers have noted that butterfly pea has different qualities — it enhances memory and is a nootropic and likewise has anti-stress, anxiolytic, anti-depressant, anti-convulsant, tranquilizing and sedative
properties.
Female libido
In traditional medicine, the plant has been found to have properties which could affect the female libido due to its similar appearance to the female reproductive organ.
In the past, the flowers of the butterfly pea were imagined to have the shape of the human female genitals, hence, the Latin name of the genus “Clitoria,” of -course from the word “clitoris.”
While the butterfly pea flower tea has been brewed for many years, it was only introduced recently to health-conscious individuals. Preparing the tea is simple, with one bringing only a pan of water to a boil and then remove from heat. Next, the flowers of the butterfly pea are added to the pan of water and allowed to steep in the water until it
cools down, but be sure to remove the flowers before serving.
Pour into a glass then add the desired amount of honey (or any other natural sweetener like stevia or coconut sugar) and stir well. Fill with crushed ice and add a squeeze of lemon if desired, sit back and have a refreshing, healthy drink to soothe mind and body.