When Should You Drink Butterfly Pea Tea
As it is a herbal tea with no caffeine, you can drink it any time of day without the fear of being up all night! Many people like to drink this blue pea tea after a session of yoga, meditation, massage and spa as it helps with improving circulation to the body. It helps to soothe and relax your mind and body.
How To Make Blue Butterfly Pea Tea
Making the blue butterfly pea tea is quite simple and easy. And because it comes loaded with immense health benefits, it is often substituted for cups of caffeine. It is often served warm, though some people may like it cold. You can add honey, ginger, or mint to enhance the taste and benefits. The changing color based on the agent added to the tea. Here is how to make blue butterfly pea tea your healthy cup of caffeine-free beverage
- Take about a dozen butterfly pea flowers and steep them in hot water until the color of the water changes to a vivid blue and the flowers turn pink. If you do not have fresh flowers, use dry flowers instead.
- Let the tea brew for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid in a cup.
- Add a dash of lemongrass, lemon drops, honey, or ginger to enhance the taste. The color of the tea will change accordingly, like lemon may make it purplish.
- Serve it warm or cold.
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Side Effects Safety Dangers And Warnings
Studies have confirmed that dosages upwards of 3000 mg per kg of body weight have no side effects or toxicity. Despite this report, possible side effects and drug interactions have not been thoroughly investigated. Because of this, it is not suggested for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, since side effects are not well known, it is not suggested to ingest the tea or use topical treatments for an extended amount of time.
Due to its effects on blood sugar, it is best to consult with a doctor if you are considering regularly incorporating butterfly pea flower tea into your daily routine.
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Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Benefits And Uses
Memory: Historically, the most popular use of the butterfly pea was used to promote memory and intelligence. The butterfly pea is often used in traditional practices in a mixture called Medhya Rasayana that is thought to treat neurological disorders and intellect. Science has uncovered that there may be some truth to this claim. Three studies conducted in 2001, 2002, and 2005 showed that the butterfly pea improved learning and memory in rats. Two of those studies showed that the mechanism behind this may be that the butterfly pea improves and enhances growth of neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain.
Stress& Anxiety: In another study conducted on rats in 2003, it was revealed that the butterfly pea may have properties that relieve stress. Rats with stress-induced ulcers were given a treatment that contained 400 mg of butterfly pea per 1 kg of the animals weight. At the end of the study, the ulcers improved significantly, and the researchers concluded that the butterfly pea likely has an anti-stress effect and can promote the bodys homeostasis.
Convinced that Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is for you?
How To Change Butterfly Pea Tea Colour
One of the coolest features of this tea is how suddenly it can change colour. As I mentioned, the flowers get their blue colour from anthocyanins. When steeped in water, they will turn the water a natural, vibrant blue.
However, you can easily change the colour of the tea to purple by adding some lemon juice. Anything acidic will change the pH and therefore the colour, just like hydrangeas!
You can even use these flowers to do a home soil pH test. I have a version of this test in my Garden Alchemy book, using cabbage water. Adding a spoonful of soil to the water and stirring will change the colour depending on your pH levels. Alchemy is so cool!
You can also add hibiscus leaves to turn the tea red. Many mixologists love to experiment with these fun colour-changing properties, creating all sorts of bright drinks. Try creating your own colour-changing cocktail or drink.
You can even freeze them as ice cubes and add it to lemonade to watch the colours change as the ice cube melts. This might be a fun one to do with floral ice cubes!
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Butterfly Pea Flower Herbal Tea
Sometimes called blue tea, butterfly pea flower tea is made from the leaves and flower petals of the clitoria ternatea plant. Butterfly pea flower is commonly grown in Southeast Asia, and brews up a brilliant blue color when prepared as a tea. It has a floral, mildly sweet flavor, somewhat similar to that of chamomile. A fan favorite due to its intense blue color, it also has a variety of health benefits, and can be added to other drinks and even cocktails for a boost of bright blue color!
How Many Cups Of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Can You Drink A Day
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea does not contain caffeine and so avoids the issue that regular tea and, even worse, coffee have and so is a better alternative.
However, like anything, it should be drunk in moderation. I drink 3-5 glassesa day as part of my water intake because drinking plain water all day is quite boring.
In Thailand, you will find the drink served in receptions at hotels, in spas and massage rooms, served after meals and added to various dishes. So you will see it is commonly used.
I stress that I am neither a doctor nor have any medical background but can tell you that the general consensus is that 3-5 glasses a day or less is fine.
Anyway, variety is the spice of life right?
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How Do You Make A Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail
If you want to make your own cocktail, your first step will be to order a bottle of butterfly pea flower-infused vodka from Unicorn Vodka.
Unicorn Vodka is made from corn neutral-grain spirits infused with butterfly pea flowers. We make it easy to incorporate color-changing tea into your cocktails. At 80 proof and 40% abv, Unicorn Tea Flavored Vodka can be the primary spirit or added as a float to any other cocktail.
Once you have your bottle of Unicorn, youll want to pick your favorite mixer and citrus fruit. For example, you could start with a Unicorn Shot which includes a 1.5oz shot of Unicorn Vodka, 0.5oz soda water, and lime garnish.
May Have A Beneficial Impact On Blood Glucose Levels
Studies suggest that compounds within butterfly pea flower tea have an inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase .
Alpha-amylase is an enzyme secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine that breaks starch down into glucose .
As a result, the tea could potentially slow the digestion of carbohydrate, thus lowering the glycemic response to a carbohydrate-rich meal.
What Do Studies Say?
Interestingly, a randomized trial has looked into this potential mechanism.
In this study, participants drank one of five beverages
- 50 grams of sugar in 400 ml of water
- One gram of butterfly tea flower extract with 400 ml of water
- Two grams of the extract in 400 ml of water
- One gram of the tea extract with 50 grams of sugar in 400 ml of water
- Two grams of the extract with 50 grams of sugar in 400 ml of water
Following the drinks, researchers monitored the postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels for 120 minutes.
Notably, the participants consuming sugar alongside butterfly pea extract had lower glucose and insulin responses than those drinking the sugar water alone.
In particular, the participants consuming two grams of the extract had significantly lower responses.
However, this trial was relatively small , and there is little further research on this topic.
Key Point:
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Why Does Butterfly Pea Tea Change Colour
Here’s the science behind the magic sorcery! As mentioned previously, this blue butterfly pea tea contains “anthocyanins” and the stability of its colour is dependent on the pH. This means if you add something acidic , it will change colour to a violet purple! This is great for creating your own litmus test for the kids to show the difference between acidic and alkaline substances! Or you can just say you have magical powers when you show your friends!
Butterfly Pea For Inflammation
Clitoria Ternatea may have beneficial effects for asthmatics. In one mouse study, an ethanolic extract of Clitoria Ternatea has shown to possess anti-asthmatic effects. 8
In this experiment, there was no noted difference in the effects from between 100, 125, and 150mg/kg bodyweight.
Clitoria Ternatea was equally effective as the drug in suppressing leukocytes and Eosinophils.
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Where To Buy Pea Flower Tea
Butterfly pea tea is available in specialized shops and online. You can buy both organic and non-organic flowers. When buying, pay attention to the color and shape of flowers. Always store any real or herbal tea in an airtight container away from direct sun, humidity, mold or heat. Use within recommended date.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Its not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every person is different and may react to different herbs and teas differently. Never use teas or herbs to treat serious medical conditions on your own. Always seek professional medical advice before choosing home remedies.
How To Make Dried Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
If you want to make your own tea at home, your first step will be to order some dry butterfly pea flowers or butterfly pea flower extract. When the flowers arrive, youll need some filtered water, a tea strainer, and, preferably, an electric kettle.
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Incredible Wellness Incentives Of Blue Tea:
Facilitates Digestion
The tea is rich in antioxidants, which makes it a great beverage to include in your detox diet, especially in summer. Antioxidants protect the body against free radical action. Free radicals are harmful substances which can damage healthy cells in the body. Drinking a cup of blue tea once or twice a week on an empty stomach flushes out toxins accumulated in the system and vastly improves digestive health.
Uplifts Mood
The earthy flavour of butterfly-pea flower tea is said to be a mood enhancer. The tea is said to have stress-busting effects that may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is also known to refresh the brain, bolster energy levels and stamina, influence positive emotions and thereby increase productivity at work. Blue tea is also a great stress-buster, alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Accelerates Weight Loss
Blue tea is free from caffeine, as well as contains zero carbs, fats and cholesterol. It is hence an ideal drink for those on weight loss diet, as it purifies the gut of any food wastes and impurities, as well as regulates appetite. By curbing untimely cravings for junk food, blue tea is a remarkable herbal drink for maintaining optimal body weight.
Enhances Skin Health
Stimulates Hair Growth
What Are The Benefits Of Butterfly Pea Tea
Blue Tea has many health benefits the most well known of which are the anti-oxidants as well as balance to calm the digestive system.
Many people find blue tea increases your energy levels a little and add to alertness and for me, I find it best drunk cold with ice but perhaps that is because Thailand, at least where I live in Central Thailand, is very hot!
The flowers contain catechins which are believed to speed up the metabolism and help burn fat because of the increased calorie burn rate.
Apart from the beautifully exciting blue color of the drink, many people find it helps improve your mood too.
Like green and regular tea, the drink is a mild diuretic which helps your urinary system get rid of excess water and may help reduce anxiety and regulate blood sugar levels but there is not much scientific evidence to back it up yet.
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Benefits Of Butterfly Pea
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Improve eyesight
Clitoria Ternatea 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.
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Improve hair growth
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In several Indian studies, Butterfly Pea exhibited significant anti-microbial effects against Staphylococcus Aureus.
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Anti-convulsant
Butterfly Pea has been shown to help reduce the severity and stress on the body from convulsions useful in treating epilepsy.
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Anti-pyretic
Clitoria Ternatea can help reduce fever by dilating the blood vessels right beneath the skin, whereby air can cool the blood easier.
How To Make Blue Tea: Things To Keep In Mind
Blue tea can be made as any other regular tea, by simply adding hot water to the blue tea bag. Ideally, the tea should be had without any additional sugar or honey. But in case the preference is to have it sweet, then about one spoon honey can be added to the concoction. Some people also choose to have blue tea with lemon juice as it adds an additional boost to the already wonderful beverage.
It is preferred to brew this magic beverage in a teapot rather than in metal. Further, dieticians and experts recommend that the hot cup of blue tea should be had at least an hour prior to meals. It can also be had one hour post the consumption of a full meal.
Blue Tea: The caffeine-free herbal tea is said to aide weight loss
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How Does It Taste
Despite the striking appearance of the drink, butterfly pea flower tea is not as unique in flavor.
All herbs and teas have their own unique taste, so it is difficult to describe accurately. However, butterfly pea flower tea tastes something between green tea and chamomile.
Overall, the drink has a slightly grassy taste, and it is neither sour nor bitter.
The flavor is pleasant, and the tea is enjoyable to drink.
Key Point:
What Does Butterfly Pea Tea Taste Like
Butterfly pea flowers dont really have much of a taste. If anything, theyre much like a very light green tea and taste only slightly vegetal.
In general, butterfly pea flowers are added to different tea blends and citrus drinks and arent typically brewed on their own. When you brew them in a tea blend, theyre almost entirely unnoticeable, as even delicate teas can overpower what little flavor they have.
Thats part of the appeal of these flowersthey add lots of color without affecting the taste of your beverages. Throw them in smoothies, desserts, teas, lemonade, whatever else you want. You wont taste much of a difference!
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Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Contains Antioxidant
Butterfly pea flower contains anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are a type of antioxidant-like compound responsible for giving many purple, blue, and red fruits and veggies their vibrant color. They can help you stay healthy, says Crump.
Antioxidant-like compounds can protect you from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can vreact with your cells leading to damage.
Other foods containing anthocyanins are blueberries, blackberries, purple cabbage, and red wine.
In general, an antioxidant-rich diet is linked to good health. If you score anthocyanins from a cup of tea, more power to you!
How To Make Blue Tea:
The recipe to whip up a cup of blue tea is quite simple. Just boil some blue pea flower petals, along with dried lemongrass, in water for 5 – 10 minutes. Add some honey to this herbal concoction and serve warm before meals. Blue tea can also be consumed cold, post meals, to aid in digestion and promote healthy sleep.
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Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Accommodates Antioxidant
Butterfly pea flower accommodates anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are a sort of antioxidant-like compound accountable for giving many purple, blue, and purple fruits and veggies their vibrant colour. They might help you keep wholesome, says Crump.
Antioxidant-like compounds can defend you from free radicals, that are unstable molecules that may vreact along with your cells main to break.
Different meals containing anthocyanins are blueberries, blackberries, purple cabbage, and purple wine.
Normally, an antioxidant-rich eating regimen is linked to good well being. In case you rating anthocyanins from a cup of tea, extra energy to you!
Butterfly Pea Tea Latte
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This Butterfly Pea Tea Latte is one of the prettiest teas you will ever drink. It is naturally colored blue from the tea leaves and is so simple to make.
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What Is Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
You know the benefits of ginger, licorice root, and other herbal teas, but not everyone can explain the butterfly pea flower tea benefits.
This tea is more famous for its unique color after brewing.While the blue color is beautiful, the tea also offers various benefits.
Interested in brewing butterfly pea flower? Learn about its benefits, side effects, and the best brewing tips first.
Contents
Butterfly pea flower tea comes from Asian blue pea flower, also known as the pigeonwings . The flower is famous in various Asian countries, such as Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, and India.
People use it for cooking ingredients, natural food coloring, traditional medicines, and herbal drinks.
The blue pea flower can change the color of the water after brewing. Depending on the water pH, it can turn bluish to bright blue.
Adding other ingredients such as lemongrass, lemon juice, and spices can turn the color to pink and even purple. People drink this tea cold or hot, especially after a meal.
The Ayurvedic medicine tradition regards the flower as a tranquilizing, sedative, stress-reducing, and memory-enhancing herb. You can find this tea at high-end hotels and spas in Vietnam or Thailand.