- Butterfly pea flower or butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) is one type of plant that is quite easy to find in Indonesia. This funnel-shaped flower is most often found in purplish blue, but there are also white ones. In addition to having a beautiful shape and color, butterfly pea flowers have long been used as herbal medicine to overcome various health problems. In addition, the benefits of butterfly pea flowers can also be used as a natural food and beverage coloring, cosmetics, skincare, soap, shampoo, insecticides, and even animal feed.
The benefits of butterfly pea flowers are not only to make food more colorful, but also good for health. Flowers that are often used as ornamental plants can overcome hair loss, treat diarrhea, and even lose weight.
Butterfly pea flowers are rich in anthocyanin compounds called ternatin. In addition, this flower also contains vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and other active compounds that are antioxidants, such as flavonoids, kaemphferol, p-Coumaric acid, and delphinidin. Thanks to its various nutrients, butterfly pea flowers can provide many benefits for body health, including:
Lowering fever
Blue pea flowers have long been used as a natural herbal medicine to treat fever and pain due to inflammation in the body. Research shows that the benefits of blue pea flowers are obtained from the anti-inflammatory properties in blue pea flowers.
In addition, consuming blue pea flower tea can also help keep the body hydrated while you have a fever. Adequate fluid intake, including drinking blue pea flower tea, will help reduce fever.
Relieve allergy symptoms
The next benefit of butterfly pea flowers is to relieve allergy and asthma symptoms. This flower is able to reduce the production of histamine, a substance that plays a role in causing inflammation when the body is exposed to allergy triggers (allergens).
Overcoming hair loss
If you have a hair loss problem, use shampoo and conditioner that contains butterfly pea flowers. Flavonoids contained in butterfly pea flowers can reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
Butterfly pea flowers are even more effective than minoxidil in overcoming hair loss
Disguise wrinkles
Skin care products containing butterfly pea flowers can disguise wrinkles and overcome dry skin that contributes to the appearance of signs of aging. premature signs of aging. In addition, thanks to its antioxidant content, butterfly pea flowers can inhibit the aging process by improving skin texture.
Treating diarrhea
The next benefit of butterfly pea flowers is as a herbal medicine for diarrhea. This plant contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial substances that can relieve diarrhea symptoms. In addition, consuming butterfly pea flowers as tea can also hydrate the body, so you avoid dehydration.
Lose weight
If you are trying to lose weight, try consuming butterfly pea flower tea. The ternatin compound in this plant can prevent fat accumulation in the body, while increasing fat burning.
In addition, the benefits of butterfly pea flowers for losing weight are also obtained thanks to their ability to increase the body’s metabolism. The higher the metabolic rate, the more calories the body burns, so that weight will be reduced.
Preventing dementia
The flavonoids and anthocyanins in this plant are useful for repairing body cells, including nerve cells in the brain, so they can help prevent dementia. Some studies even show that by getting enough antioxidants, memory and concentration will improve.
In addition, the benefits of butterfly pea flowers also include increasing the production of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain that plays a role in the process of remembering, learning information, and maintaining concentration.
Prevent diabetes
The active compound in butterfly pea flowers called proanthocyanidin can help regulate the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, so that blood sugar levels can be controlled and you can avoid diabetes. The antioxidants in this plant can also prevent insulin resistance which can trigger diabetes.
Preventing the growth of cancer cells
The flavonoid compounds in butterfly pea flowers are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. These contents are known to be able to ward off the effects of free radicals in the body, while preventing the growth of cancer cells.
To get the benefits of butterfly pea flowers, you can consume butterfly pea flower products as herbal tea by brewing them using warm water. You can add lemon juice, lime, or honey to enhance the taste.
In addition to being consumed as tea, butterfly pea flowers are also available in supplement form. You can also use cosmetic products, skincare, soap, or shampoo that contain butterfly pea flowers. However, before consuming supplements or cosmetics containing butterfly pea flowers, make sure the product you choose has received a distribution permit from BPOM.
Although it offers various benefits, further research is still needed to ensure the effectiveness and safety of butterfly pea flowers in humans. Therefore, consult a doctor first if you want to use products containing butterfly pea flowers as herbal medicine. Its use should not replace medication from a doctor.
If you feel nauseous, have diarrhea, and have a stomachache after consuming butterfly pea flowers, you should see a doctor so that you can be given the right treatment. You should also consult a doctor if you want to reap the benefits of butterfly pea flowers for treating diseases, especially those available in supplement form.
What are the Side Effects of Butterfly Pea Flowers?
Butterfly pea flower tea can be a great alternative to caffeinated drinks such as tea or coffee because butterfly pea flowers do not contain caffeine which has several side effects, one of which is constipation. Speaking of safety, butterfly pea flower tea has no side effects because it is very safe and very healthy to consume. However, excessive consumption of tea can cause butterfly pea flower dangers such as nausea and diarrhea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised not to drink this tea, unless they first consult a doctor.
Good luck trying to make butterfly pea flowers as a health drink.
Written by Ike Marta Dityas
