Butterfly pea

Scientific name of Butterfly pea: Clitoria ternatea

Name of Butterfly pea in different languages:-

English: Blue pea, Cordofan pea, and Asian pigeon wings, Clitoria

Sanskrit: Aparajita, Gokarnika Asphota, Katabhi, Dadhipusphika, Vishantri, Mohanashini, Vajikhura, Ashva, Girikarnika, Kinihi, Mahashveta,

Malayalam: Shangupuzhpam ശംഖുപുഷ്പം

Plant description:

Butterfly pea or clitoria (The name came from the flower of the plant has the shape of the female genital part-clitoris) – Clitoria ternatea is a perennial, herbaceous plant, vine or creeper, leaves are elliptic, obtuse, 4 cm long and 3 cm wide, flowers are deep blue, solitary, the flower has a shape of the female genital organ. The fruits are pod-sized up to 7 cm long, flat pods, tapered both ends are tailed, and commonly contain 6 to 10 seeds. There are other varieties of the plant, which carry white flowers.

Useful plant parts:

Whole plant, root, flower.

Medicinal uses of Butterfly peas:

It is used as a memory enhancer, to treat fever, mental disorders, cobra bite, bronchial disorders, sleeplessness, anti-stress, sedative agent, anxiolytic, nootropic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant.

Ayurvedic medicine:

1. Brain Health: Butterfly pea is believed to have properties that support brain function. It is considered a medhya rasayana, which means it is thought to enhance cognitive function, memory, and intelligence.
2. Stress Relief: It is used as an adaptogen, believed to help the body adapt to stress and promote overall resilience.
3. Antioxidant Properties: The plant is rich in antioxidants, which are believed to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
4. Anti-Inflammatory: Butterfly pea is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for conditions related to inflammation.
5. Digestive Health: In Ayurveda, it is used to support digestive function. It is believed to alleviate digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
6. Cooling Properties: It is considered to have a cooling effect on the body, which is particularly useful in balancing excess heat or pitta dosha.
7. Eye Health: Butterfly pea is used traditionally to promote eye health. It is believed to have a beneficial effect on vision.
8. Hair and Skin Care: The flowers of the butterfly pea are sometimes used in Ayurvedic beauty treatments. They are believed to promote healthy hair growth and improve the complexion.
9. Diuretic Properties: It is believed to have diuretic properties, which may be beneficial for promoting healthy kidney function and reducing excess fluid in the body.
10. Aphrodisiac: Some traditional Ayurvedic texts suggest that butterfly peas may have aphrodisiac properties and can be used to support sexual vitality.

Chemical contents: 

Tannins, resins, starch, taraxerol, and taraxerone.

Medicinal properties: 

Anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and anti stress

How to prepare medicines:

It is one of the ingredients in Ayurveda medicine like-

• Manasamithravatam
• Sumanas Tablet
•  Shankhpushpi Oil

Tags:

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