CLITORIA TERNATEA

The Butterfly Pea — Nootropic Blue Flower of Memory, Mood, and Magic

BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION

Scientific Name: Clitoria ternatea L.
Common Names: Butterfly Pea, Blue Pea, Aparajita (Sanskrit), Asian Pigeonwings
Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)

This perennial climbing vine is native to Southeast Asia but is cultivated widely across tropical regions. It is known for its vivid deep blue flowers with occasional white variants, which are commonly used in teas and natural food coloring.

The genus name Clitoria is derived from the flower’s resemblance to human female anatomy, reflecting traditional symbolism of fertility and feminine energy.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL USE

Used across Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Southeast Asian folk medicine, Butterfly Pea is valued for:

• Enhancing cognitive function and memory

• Supporting stress relief and mood regulation

• Promoting healthy skin and hair

• Coloring food and ritual offerings

In Thai and Malay traditions, nam dok anchan (butterfly pea tea) is consumed daily and often mixed with lemon juice, which turns it purple.

KEY BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS & BENEFITS

Butterfly pea’s deep blue color is due to ternatins, a group of anthocyanins with unique stability and nootropic potential.

HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY

• Cognitive Support: Flavonoids and anthocyanins enhance acetylcholine levels and blood flow to the brain

• Antioxidant Defense: Neutralizes oxidative stress in neurons, skin, and eye tissue

• Mood Regulation: Traditional use and animal studies support mild MAO-inhibitory and anxiolytic effects

• Vision Health: Supports retinal function and may reduce eye strain

DOSE GUIDELINES

PREPARATION AND USES

• Butterfly Pea Tea is taken hot or cold to promote memory, calmness, and beauty

• Food coloring: Used in rice, cakes, beverages; color changes with pH (lemon = purple)

• Skin and hair tonics often use extracts in shampoos or masks

• Combines well with gotu kola, ashwagandha, or lemon balm for enhanced nootropic effects

OPTIMAL CONTEXT FOR USE

• As a daily cognitive enhancer and memory support

• In beauty rituals for hair and skin vitality

• For stress relief in anxious or burned-out individuals

• As a natural dye with ceremonial and artistic applications

SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL HARVESTING

• Widely cultivated and non-endangered

• Fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing vine that improves soil fertility

• Ideal for agroforestry and urban gardening

• Choose organically grown, pesticide-free flowers for internal use

SAFETY AND CAUTIONS

• Considered very safe in food and tea doses

• No known toxicity or drug interactions at traditional levels

• High doses of concentrated extract may cause nausea in sensitive individuals

• Not recommended during pregnancy due to uterine effects in animal studies

REFERENCES

• Mukherjee, P. K. et al. (2008). "Exploring the potential of Clitoria ternatea as a nootropic herb." Indian Journal of Experimental Biology.

• Srichaikul, B. et al. (2021). “Anthocyanin stability and functional effects of butterfly pea extract.” Food Chemistry.

• Kundu, A. et al. (2022). “Therapeutic potential of Clitoria ternatea: A review.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)

FINAL NOTE

Clitoria ternatea embodies the fusion of beauty, intelligence, and transformation — from its vivid blue petals to its role in uplifting mood and sharpening mind. As both a ceremonial flower and clinical nootropic, its safety, versatility, and elegance make it a worthy daily ally for both wellness and ritual.