Is there really such a thing as magic? Well, maybe not the pull-out-a-bunny-out-of-a-top-hat kind but one that happens inside a teacup. 

If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you obviously haven't encountered the Blue Butterfly Pea Tea.

It's this extraordinary type of tea that majestically changes its colors from ocean blue to pinkish and purple-like hues. It's absolutely beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to witness a simple beverage to do something like that. It's the main factor that differentiates blue butterfly pea tea from other types of teas. 

However, the butterfly pea tea is more than just its color-changing abilities. It's a special type of drink that will do wondrous things for your mind and body. 

Read on to find out more about how this color-changing tea can also change your life. 

What is the blue butterfly pea tea? 

The blue butterfly pea tea is a caffeine-free tea that's made from the majestic blue butterfly pea flowers. These are flowers that are also referred to as Clitoria flowers, which are commonly found in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. 

The tea made from the butterfly pea flowers exhibits a natural shade of blue. It's kind of hard to believe that something with this kind of color can come from nature, but that's the way it is. The color-changing takes place once you add lemon juice, where the crystal blue color slowly and beautifully transforms into magenta. 

One important thing to note: although the butterfly pea tea is often referred to as "tea", it's not the same as others like black tea or green tea that are derived from the plant, Camellia Sinensis. The blue butterfly pea flower tea is more of an herbal infusion or tisane, just like chamomile or mint tea. The butterfly pea flower tea is also caffeine-free, freeing you from the side effects that may come along with that energy-boosting compound. 

The tea is made from dried butterfly pea flowers which you steep in boiled water and then strained once you have brewed the tea to your liking. 

What does the blue butterfly pea flowers tea taste like? 

We all know what tea made from blue butterfly pea flowers looks like. But when it comes to the taste, what is it like, really? 

The taste of butterfly pea flower tea isn't a burst of flavors. It's more of a mild taste of tea with subtle hints of earthy and woody notes, something that would remind you of soft green tea. Although it's not necessarily something to be ecstatic about, you can really enhance the flavor (and the positive effects) by adding some lemon juice to it. The blue butterfly pea flower tea may not be a celebration in the tastebuds but its visual appeal and health benefits are the very reasons why it's worth drinking. 

What are the blue butterfly pea flower tea health benefits? 

The changing of colors is not the only one to blame for the butterfly pea tea's "magical" abilities. Drinking this tea can do wondrous things for our health, which is quite magical in a way. It's a healthy beverage that can certainly help improve our lifestyle, allowing us to live healthily and happily. 

Get to know more about the blue butterfly pea flower tea benefits below:

1. Improves skin health 

The blue butterfly pea flowers contain flavonoids. These are compounds that help stimulate collagen production, which in turn, develops and maintains skin elasticity. This means it can help reduce the risk of showing signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Also, drinking one cup of blue butterfly pea tea now and then removes undigested food particles from our system, cleansing our stomach, liver, and kidneys. Cleansing our internal organs also helps brighten our dull skin. Now, if you're a beauty guru, then this might be a helpful natural beauty treatment for you. 

2. Stimulates hair growth 

One of the benefits of blue butterfly pea tea is providing nutrients for our hair. The tea contains anthocyanin, a compound that can increase blood circulation in the head which, therefore, maintains a healthy scalp. Drinking the tea will also help strengthen our hair follicles from within. Now, if you drink blue butterfly pea tea consistently, you can enjoy flaunting a gorgeous amount of hair wherever you go! 

3. Aids in weight loss 

Trying to shed some pounds? Having a cup of blue butterfly pea tea might be able to help you through it. Butterfly pea tea drinks are great to have whenever you're trying to lose weight because it cleanses our stomach of wastes and impurities. Other than being caffeine-free, butterfly pea flower tea is also zero in carbs, fats, and cholesterol. And if you're worried about giving in to your junk food or fast food cravings, drinking this tea will help you avoid them by regulating your appetite. 

4. Protects from free radical damage 

Free radicals are compounds that cause damage to parts of our cells, which might lead to serious diseases like heart ailments, cancer, and diabetes. Fortunately, consuming butterfly pea flower tea can help protect us from that. It's filled with various antioxidants that combat free radical damage and also helps promote good digestive health. 

5. Uplifts mood 

Feeling stressed lately? Another one of the notable blue butterfly pea flower tea benefits is being a mood-enhancer. The tea is found to have anti-stress effects that might also help in reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Butterfly pea tea drinks may help refresh the brain, boost energy levels, as well as stimulate positive emotions. So if you're feeling demotivated or unproductive, maybe a cup of butterfly pea tea might do the trick. 

6. Promotes healthy eyesight 

This blue tea is rich in proanthocyanidins, making it a nutritious beverage for enhancing eyesight. This is also used in treating symptoms of eye infections such as redness, swelling, and discomfort because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Furthermore, it helps stimulate the passage of blood filled with essential nutrients to our optic cells' intricate capillaries. 

What are the best blue butterfly pea tea recipes? 

If you are planning to make your own homemade blue butterfly pea tea, here are some of the most notable recipes that you can follow. 

1. Basic blue butterfly pea flower tea 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water (+ more to warm teapot)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers  
• Lemon juice (or lemon slices) 

Directions: 

1. Boil the water. If you're using an electric kettle, set it to 100 Degrees Celsius. Boil more water than needed to use it to warm the teapot. 
2. Pour some of the boiled water into the teapot and swirl it around a bit. Throw away the water.
3. Add the dried butterfly pea flowers to the teapot and add more of the hot water. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tea's color turns blue. 
4. Remove the dried butterfly pea flowers and pour the tea into a teacup. 
5. Add the lemon juice or lemon slices for enhanced flavor. 

2. Iced blue butterfly pea flower tea 

Ingredients:

• 1 pitcher water
• 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers  
• 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
• 2 slices of lemon or lime (to garnish) 
• (optional) 1 teaspoon honey or sugar 

Directions: 

1. Put the dried butterfly pea flowers and cold or room temperature water together in a pitcher. (Filtered water is preferred)
2. Cover the pitcher and store in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. 
3. Strain out the dried butterfly pea flowers and pour the tea into a cup.
4. You may or may not add ice cubes (since the drink is already cold). 

What else can the butterfly pea tea be used for?

Find out about the other interesting ways people enjoy the blue butterfly pea tea. 

• A welcome drink - In Thailand, the butterfly pea flower tea is commonly served as a welcome iced tea drink (along with a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice)
• Blue butterfly pea lattes - If you like coffee drinks, then you might enjoy a blue latte like this one. All you have to do is add blue butterfly pea powder to frothy milk and voila! 
• Cocktails - Bartenders all over the world are incorporating blue butterfly pea flowers to create a natural blue effect in their cocktails. Enjoy adding this to your gin, vodka and so much more. 

What are the possible side effects of blue butterfly pea tea? 

Unlike other types of teas, the blue butterfly pea tea has no reported side effects as of now. Some have expressed concerns involving nausea and diarrhea, but only some people have experienced them. Individuals who have allergies or a sensitive digestive system must be cautious when they're drinking this tea for the first time. 

Can you drink blue butterfly pea tea every day? 

Since this tea is caffeine-free, you can actually enjoy it anytime without worrying about it keeping you up all night. Drinking this actually helps soothe and relax your mind and body. Many individuals drink butterfly pea tea after a yoga session, meditation, massage, or spa. 

Is butterfly pea tea safe for pregnant women to drink?

Although this is a herbal tea, it is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. It contains flavonoids that are known to trigger uterine contractions. But don't worry, there are plenty of other teas that are deemed safe for women undergoing pregnancy, with rooibos tea being one of them. 

Where can you get blue butterfly pea tea?

You can get butterfly pea flowers and dry them on your own, but if you want a quality one that's ready-made but still very much fresh and organic, you might like our Crystal Blue Butterfly Pea Tea! It's already infused with other natural ingredients such as lemon myrtle and ginger, which will enhance its flavor and elevate the health benefits it can give. 

To expand your options, we also have a blue butterfly pea tea powder that you can add to your blue latte.