Named for the delicate shape of its electric-blue blossoms, which mirror the petals of a butterfly's wing, Clitoria ternatea — Butterfly Pea Flower — is native to tropical Asia and has been cultivated across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent for both its striking ornamental beauty and its therapeutic properties for centuries. In Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the vivid blue petals have been used to color ceremonial rice, drinks, and desserts a natural indigo-blue — and when lemon juice is added, the pH change causes a magical color shift from blue to violet to pink, creating a botanical color-changing party in your teacup.
Butterfly Pea Flower is rich in anthocyanins — particularly ternatin flavonoids — that are responsible for both its breathtaking color and its health-supporting properties. These compounds are potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress, support healthy cognitive function, and may help support memory and focus. Modern research has explored Butterfly Pea for its potential nootropic (brain-supporting) effects, its role in healthy stress modulation (it is considered a nervine adaptogen in Ayurvedic tradition), and its support for healthy blood sugar and eye health. In Ayurveda, it is called 'Shankhapushpi' and is specifically prescribed for cognitive support and brain health. In Thai Buddhist practice, the flowers are offered at temple altars and associated with the third eye chakra — their deep blue-violet color making them a natural focal point for meditation, intuition, and spiritual clarity.
For a visually stunning and brain-supportive wellness blend, pair Butterfly Pea with our Lemon Peel — not only for its vitamin C and antioxidants, but because its natural acidity will turn your tea from deep blue to vivid purple. Add our Lavender for calming nervine support and floral fragrance, and our Hibiscus Flower for additional anthocyanins and a tart, brilliant crimson note.
Butterfly Pea Flower is generally very safe and well tolerated. Its use as a food colorant in Southeast Asia has a long safety record. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare practitioner before therapeutic use. Butterfly Pea may have mild blood pressure-lowering effects and should be monitored by those on blood pressure medications. As always, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
* Spectacular natural blue color from ternatin anthocyanins — changes to purple-pink with citrus
* Nootropic herb used in Ayurveda for cognitive support, memory, and brain health
* Potent antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress
* May support healthy stress modulation as a nervine adaptogen
* Used in Thai Buddhist ceremonies — associated with the third eye chakra and intuition
* Explored in research for blood sugar support and eye health
1. Measure 1–2 teaspoons of Butterfly Pea Flower per 8 oz of water.
2. Pour boiling water over the flowers and steep covered for 5–10 minutes.
3. Strain — the tea will be a deep, vivid blue or indigo.
4. Add a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of Lemon Peel tea to watch the tea shift from blue to violet to pink as the pH changes.
5. Drink 1–2 cups daily, hot or iced.
For an iced tea: brew a strong concentrate (2 tbsp flowers in 2 cups water), cool, pour over ice, and finish with lemon for a stunning color-changing beverage. Pairs beautifully with Lavender and Hibiscus.
