English name: Butterfly Pea Flower, Asian Pigeonwings, Bluebellvine, Blue Pea, Butterfly Pea, Cordofan Pea, Darwin Pea, Pigeon Wings
Malay name: Bunga Telang, Bunga Biru, Kachang Telang
Chinese name: 蓝花
“A natural colourant”
Botanical name: Clitoria ternatea
Family: Fabaaceae
Description: A perennial climber cultivated for its attractive flowers commonly used as a food dye
Therapeutic category: Ayurvedic medicine
Treats:
- inflamed eyes
- neurological health (memory enchancing)
- anti-depressant
- anxiolytic
- anti-pyretic
- nootropic
- anti-stress
- anti-convulsant
- tranquilizing
- sedative properties
- female libido
- prevent gray hair
- reduces premature hair loss.
- good eyesight
- neutralizes free radicals in the body
- improves blood circulation
- prevent glaucoma and cataract
Preparation and dosage:
Medicinal uses
- Roots: as ayurvedic medicine in India
- White flowers: as traditional medicines, in Java
- Leaves: as poultices
- Juice of the flowers: treat inflamed eyes
- Seeds: as poultices to treat swollen joints, in the Philippines
Culinary uses
- Fresh blue flowers: food colouring, health drink, garnishing or eaten as vegetable.
- Dried blue flowers: food colouring or health drink
Other uses
- As a natural dye
- As a fodder crop