Botanical Overview
Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as butterfly pea, blue pea, or Asian pigeonwings, is a member of the Fabaceae family native to South and Southeast Asia. Used traditionally throughout tropical Asia, various parts including the flower, leaf, root, and seed are employed medicinally.
Energetics
This plant exhibits cooling temperature properties with moistening qualities. Its tastes are primarily bitter and sweet, with descending and inward directional energetics. Its tonicity is generally relaxing, influencing the body’s qi.
Primary Actions
- Nootropic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Anxiolytic
- Antimicrobial
Indications
Western
- Memory impairment
- Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Respiratory discomfort
- Skin infections
Syndromes
- Cognitive decline
- Anxiety disorders
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Localized skin infections
TCM
- Heat-related skin conditions
- Restlessness
- Memory loss
- Cough
Syndromes
- Heart fire
- Liver wind
- Lung heat
Ayurveda
- Nervous tension
- Memory loss
- Inflammation
- Dry cough
- Skin disorders
Syndromes
- Vata imbalance
- Pitta imbalance
- Kapha imbalance
Unani
- Cognitive weakness
- Anxiety
- Respiratory issues
- Dermatitis
Syndromes
- Safra imbalance
- Sauda imbalance
- Balgham imbalance
Constituents & Mechanisms
The plant contains anthocyanins, flavonoids, oleanolic acid, polyphenols, and triterpenoids which contribute to its nootropic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antimicrobial effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion using 2-5 grams of dried flower 1-3 times daily
- Extract standardized to anthocyanins 100-300 mg daily
- Powder 1-3 grams 1-2 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Clitoria ternatea is generally safe within traditional usage parameters. Caution is advised during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. No significant drug interactions have been reported, but theoretical additive effects with sedatives may occur. Toxicity is low based on current studies.
Astrological Correspondences
None reliably established based on authoritative sources.
Selected References
- Clitoria ternatea – Blue Pea, Plants For A Future Database
- Pharmacological activities of Clitoria ternatea – a review, PubMed NIH (2015)
- Ayurvedic Profile of Clitoria ternatea, Medicinal Plants of Ayurveda
- TCM uses of Clitoria ternatea, Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal Compendium