The blue butterfly pea flower, long recognized by Asian medicine for its healing attributes is making its beauty world debut! As a first-to-market exclusive, it is the star ingredient in Sonya Dakar’s Blue Butterfly Balm. Due to its incredible concentration of antioxidants, flavonoids and peptides, this exotic species has a vast array of benefits in addition to imparting a stunning blue hue. Let’s find out more about what the blue butterfly pea flower is good for.
Origins
Its official species name is Clitoria ternatea (!!), due to its resemblance to female genitalia. It’s more commonly referred to as the butterfly-pea, blue-pea, or Asian pigeonwings. Commonly used as a tea drink in Bali, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, throughout Southeast Asia, the butterfly pea flower tea has made its way to western shores in recent years through the popularity of travel shows and foodie culture.
Historical uses of the blue butterfly pea flower
Blue butterfly pea initially garnered a reputation in Asian medicine as a powerful hair strengthener, calming agent, immune booster and even a memory enhancer. The leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots are all used as medicinal herbs. Because of its concentrated and visually striking natural color, it has also been used as natural coloring in Asian desserts.
What is blue butterfly pea flower good for?
- For Skin: Blue butterfly pea is rich in polyphenols (Proanthocyanidin) and flavonoids (Anthocyanin), two powerful health-promoting complexes which stop the harmful effects of free radicals that damage and degrade skin. Proanthocyanidin is one of the most powerful antioxidants; it is able to increase the collagen and elasticity in skin cells. The result is firmer, plumper skin and a healthier complexion.
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Anti inflammatory: The gorgeous indigo flowers contains flavonoids, powerful antioxidants with which, in additional to promoting collagen building, are also anti-inflammatory agents. This is why the Sonya Dakar’s Blue Butterfly Balm is so effective in calming skin and visibly reducing redness. Those suffering from rosacea and eczema can greatly benefit from the calming effects of the balm, and the 12-24 hour of hydration that it offers.
- For Hair: Blue butterfly flower is rich in bioflavanoids which strengthen hair and has been shown to reduce graying.
Usages as a drink
In our highly visual Insta-culture, the blue butterfly flower has mega-star potential. Its deep midnight cobalt-blue color has been the visual highlight of many exotic beverages. If you want to see the magic with your own eyes, the simplest concoction is organic blue tea. Simply drop dried blue butterfly flowers into hot water and you would swear you dropped in food coloring. The show doesn’t end here. Squeeze in lemon, and watch it transform into a rich violet.
Other fun uses included punch bowls where the blue tea is frozen into ice cubes, causing the drink to change color as the ice cube dissolves leading to what has been labeled as a "mood ring cocktail".
Nutritional value
Blue butterfly pea flower is caffeine-free. Also, it is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin A, C and E.
Butterfly Pea Flower Skin Care - First to Market
Sonya Dakar is constantly seeking new exotic ingredients that provide real benefits to our clients, while also elevating the skin care experience. The blue butterfly flower is the perfect melding of the best nature has to offer, with exciting visual esthetic,and benefits for all skin types, especially those needing relief from redness and irritation or added hydration. Read here for more information on the multifaceted Blue Butterfly Balm.
Is it sustainably sourced?
Blue butterfly pea flower, as well as other botanical ingredients in the Blue Butterfly Balm are sustainably sourced, all natural, and caffeine-free with no artificial colors or ingredients. The intense visual experience of the Blue Butterfly Balm is coupled with the delicious scent and luxurious texture to provide a product that enhances all senses, while keeping your skin calm, comforted and baby soft.
