Some herbal drinks play a significant role in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda. One of these anti-inflammatory beverages is Blue Tea Anchan, made from the flowers of Clitoria ternatea.
In Ayurveda, a medical system practiced in India for thousands of years, tea made from Clitoria ternatea flowers is called Anchan tea. It is used in religious ceremonies to symbolize love, peace, and protection and is also associated with the powerful Hindu goddess Aparajita (whose name means “invincible”).
Beyond its spiritual significance, the Clitoria ternatea flower is packed with health-boosting compounds, including antioxidants (such as anthocyanins) and pigments that allow it to naturally color foods and drinks.
What Is Clitoria Ternatea?
Clitoria ternatea is a plant native to Southeast Asia, commonly used to make herbal tea. It is a perennial herbaceous plant from the legume family. Due to its high content of protective antioxidants, it is consumed in extract form to help combat free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.
Tea made from Clitoria ternatea flowers is also used for cosmetic purposes, such as promoting healthy skin, hair, and eyes.
Additionally, since it produces a rich blue or purple hue when steeped in hot water, it serves as a natural dye. Sometimes, it is combined with water and an acidic ingredient such as lemon, which alters the pH of the water, changing its color from blue to purple.
Nutritional Value
One cup of brewed Anchan tea contains about five calories or less and is caffeine-free, with no fat, protein, carbohydrates, or sugar.
Most of the benefits of Clitoria ternatea flowers come from their antioxidants, which are responsible for their signature blue color. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, including:
- Anthocyanins such as ternatins, similar to those found in superfoods like berries, cherries, and red wine
- Flavonoids
- Kaempferol
- Quercetin
- Myricetin and its glycosides
- Gallic acid
- p-Coumaric acid
It also contains cyclotides, microproteins that help form the connective tissue of plants.
Health Benefits of Clitoria Ternatea and Anchan Tea
What are the benefits of Clitoria ternatea for humans? It is known to help combat inflammation in the body, support a strong immune system, and protect joints, the brain, eyes, and skin from damage.
Here are some ways this plant-based drink can contribute to overall well-being and a healthy appearance:
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Rich in Antioxidants
Historically, Clitoria ternatea tea has been considered a natural remedy for numerous ailments, including fever, inflammation, arthritis pain due to collagen degradation, and diabetes, among others. Since its flowers are rich in antioxidants, they can help fight oxidative stress and free radicals, which are two major contributors to aging and disease development.
These specific compounds have been shown to help prevent the growth of cancer cells and may also protect the liver, brain, heart, blood vessels, and other organs from damage.
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Possesses Natural Antimicrobial and Immune-Boosting Effects
Blue Tea Anchan is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of compounds such as p-coumaric acid and delphinidin glucoside. Consuming Clitoria ternatea and its tea can also help fight viruses and infections.
Research suggests that this tea may support healthy digestion and gut health, which are closely linked to immune function, and protect the gastrointestinal tract from spasms, nausea, heartburn, and ulcers. It also potentially aids in detoxification and enhances the liver’s ability to eliminate harmful waste from the body, acting as a mild laxative and natural diuretic.
Furthermore, Clitoria ternatea has anthelmintic properties, meaning it is sometimes used to treat parasitic infections.
Another immunity-boosting effect of this plant is its ability to promote respiratory health. It may help clear mucus and fluids from the lungs and airways and reduce irritation and inflammation, making it beneficial for treating bronchitis, colds, and coughs.
It is also considered useful for managing asthma and allergies. In Ayurvedic tradition, Clitoria ternatea flowers have been one of the most widely used ingredients in various formulations for treating respiratory disorders.
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Supports Cognitive Health
Some studies, including animal research, indicate that Clitoria ternatea may enhance levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which is a beneficial compound for concentration, memory, and other cognitive functions.
Due to its ability to combat oxidative stress, the flowers of this plant may help slow down age-related memory decline and support overall mental well-being, including protection against anxiety, chronic stress effects, and depression.
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May Help Protect Vision
Antioxidants found in Clitoria ternatea may protect the eyes from free radical damage, including damage from the sun, irritants, and the effects of poor diet. They may also enhance blood flow to the eyes.
Extracts and eye gels made from Clitoria ternatea are sometimes used to address vision-related problems such as glaucoma, retinal damage, blurry vision, poor night vision, and tired/dry/strained eyes.
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Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair
Clitoria ternatea flowers may help prevent signs of premature skin aging when applied topically, including loss of skin elasticity, fine lines, uneven tone, and texture.
There is evidence that they may enhance skin hydration and protect against sun damage thanks to antioxidants such as polyphenols. Since they have anti-inflammatory properties, they may also help treat rashes, swelling, itching, dermatitis, or allergic reactions affecting the skin.
Another benefit is its ability to support scalp and hair health. It is believed to help bring more blood to hair follicles and reduce inflammation that hampers hair growth.
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Helps with Metabolic Functions
Clitoria ternatea may help reduce hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol levels, aid in other cardiovascular functions, and stabilize blood sugar levels, as shown by some animal studies. Some research also indicates that it may protect against symptoms associated with diabetes and insulin resistance due to its ability to combat oxidative stress.
Contraindications and Side Effects
What are the side effects of butterfly pea flowers? Generally, it is well tolerated, but you should not start taking it in high doses if you have serious conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or diabetes.
Consult your doctor before using butterfly pea tea or flower extracts if you are on daily medication or if you are pregnant.
Always read the instructions carefully when using plant extracts, and do not drink more than one to three cups of herbal tea per day.
How to Brew and Drink Blue Tea (Anchan)?
Clitoria ternatea is most commonly consumed as tea or extract, made from the leaves and petals of the plant. What does it taste like? It is described as having a mild floral aroma with a hint of sweetness, similar to chamomile tea.
If you purchase butterfly pea tea, expect it to be bright blue or light purple in color. Look for it in dried form, often sold by producers from Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Vietnam, or India.
To prepare Anchan at home:
- Use approximately 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves and petals for each cup of tea.
- Pour very hot water over the dried leaves and petals and let them steep for about 3-5 minutes.
- Watch as the water turns dark blue.
You can squeeze some lemon or lime juice into the tea if you want it to turn purple instead of blue. In countries like Vietnam and Thailand, a traditional recipe using butterfly pea (called nam dok anchan) adds a bit of sugar and lime, creating a unique taste similar to a “mocktail.”
For added sweetness, add some honey. You can enhance the flavor and health benefits by adding other ingredients like fresh ginger root, mint, cinnamon, hibiscus, lavender, orange, lime, or lemon zest.
Traditionally, blue Anchan tea is used as part of a calming meditation. The idea is to watch the color change in the tea while imagining yourself growing and changing.
In addition to making tea, try using this plant in cocktails or as a natural food coloring, such as for desserts.
You will also find it in some cosmetic products and even in garden preparations used for supporting nitrogen fixation in crops.
