Butterfly pea

Clitoria ternatea

Traditionally attributed effects: root mildly laxative, diuretic, expels worms; seeds strongly laxative; for ascites, enlarged abdominal organs, migraine (flower juice), gonorrhoea, bladder irritation, ulcers, swollen joints.

Safety notes

Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Preparation

Tea 28–56 ml; root powder 0.6–2 g; alcoholic root extract 0.3–0.6 g; seed powder with ginger; leaf tea as a wash.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Aparajita. In Thailand and Malaysia the blue flowers colour tea and rice blue; the colour changes to purple when lemon juice is added. In Ayurveda (aparajita) the root is a remedy for memory and calm.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Attributed effects

Root mildly laxative, diuretic, expels worms; seeds strongly laxative; for ascites, enlarged abdominal organs, migraine (flower juice), gonorrhoea, bladder irritation, ulcers, swollen joints.

Preparation and amount

Tea 28–56 ml; root powder 0.6–2 g; alcoholic root extract 0.3–0.6 g; seed powder with ginger; leaf tea as a wash.

Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Tincture Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →