The multifaceted culture of Thailand still remains a mystery to Europeans. The gastronomic preferences of Thais often surprise even the most hardened skeptics. One of these surprises is butterfly pea tea (Clitoria ternatea, Anchan), because when brewed it produces colors ranging from pale blue to deep deep blue. And recently, blue tea has gained great popularity outside the kingdom not only for its unusual color but also for its incomparable benefits.
The barely opened buds of the bright blue orchid are collected early in the morning. Then they are dried outdoors for about ten hours until the dried flowers take on a spiral elastic shape. This gentle harvesting method prevents the buds from losing their elasticity and integrity, allowing them to remain whole when brewed.
Composition
The main component of Clitoria tea is dried flowers. But other ingredients can be added to the healthy drink to give it a more unusual color and interesting taste. For example, when adding lemon juice, the tea becomes purple with a pleasant sourness.
Not only the deep blue color made the tea popular, but also a whole treasure of microelements and vitamins included in its composition:
- vitamins B1, B2, B12, B13, C, D, E, K,
- phosphorus,
- iron,
- manganese,
- potassium,
- calcium,
- amino acids.
The composition of orchid flower tea can be compared to rosehip infusion, including its use for healing and rejuvenation of the human body.
Useful properties
The floral tea of Clitoria ternatea is a 100% natural product. It has an enormous number of unmatched healing properties:
- strengthens the immune system;
- enriches the blood with oxygen and positively affects the cardiovascular system;
- calms the nervous system and provides relaxation;
- improves sleep;
- relieves chronic fatigue, tones and energizes;
- improves memory and concentration;
- calcium strengthens teeth and bones;
- improves metabolism and assists in weight loss;
- stabilizes high blood pressure;
- enhances cerebral blood circulation;
- cleanses blood vessels and reduces cholesterol levels;
- improves eyesight;
- normalizes the digestive system.
Many cosmetic products produced in Thailand also contain Clitoria extract. As a natural food pigment, blue tea is also irreplaceable in cooking.
For women
Women can use blue tea to prolong youth and address various health and beauty issues:
- improves hair, nail, and skin structure;
- normalizes menstruation, reduces discharge, alleviates pain;
- enhances libido;
- helps with infertility.
For men
It is believed that Clitoria tea helps treat and prevent male sexual dysfunction, restoring potency, increasing libido, and reducing infertility (by improving sperm motility).
With antimicrobial properties, the drink reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
And due to slowing aging processes, men maintain thick and healthy hair longer.
For weight loss
By speeding up metabolism, the tea promotes weight loss, as it helps break down fat and remove it from the body. During weight loss, sagging skin becomes firm and healthy again.
Contraindications
A great advantage of Butterfly pea tea is that it has very few consumption restrictions — almost anyone can drink it. But there are minor contraindications! Primarily for people with individual intolerance due to possible allergic reactions. It should be used with caution in the following health conditions:
- anemia;
- low blood pressure;
- blood clotting disorders.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those planning pregnancy, must first consult a doctor.
How to properly brew and drink blue tea
To preserve all beneficial properties of Anchan (blue tea), it is important to follow the correct brewing technique.
It is recommended to brew blue tea in a glass or porcelain teapot to see the full process of color unfolding: from pale blue to deep blue. Boiled water should cool slightly, because hot boiling water destroys many beneficial properties and the taste of the buds. For the first time, 5–7 flowers should be rinsed with a small amount of water for a few seconds, then poured out. After that, they can be brewed again and infused for about five minutes.
The drink can be consumed hot or cold with honey, lemon, currant leaves, or mint. It should be consumed within 12 hours, otherwise it loses its useful properties. Brewed flowers can be reused up to three times.
After drinking Anchan, there should be no blue residue on the cup. If residue appears, it indicates counterfeit tea with artificial dyes. To avoid doubts about dishonest sellers, it is better to drink tea from transparent cups.
The taste of the drink may remind someone of herbal tea, while others may note the absence of taste altogether. If too many flowers are used, a slight bitterness may appear.
Where to buy blue tea in Thailand
Butterfly pea tea is grown and harvested in Thailand, so there will be no problems finding it. In any store, shop, or even a market you can find packages with Anchan. On average, 100 g costs about 60 baht, and the more you buy, the cheaper it is. A sign of high quality is intact flowers and no impurities in the buds.
As an exotic souvenir, transparent packages with blue flowers can be purchased for yourself or as gifts for relatives and colleagues.
Reviews of blue tea
Thai doctors confirm the undeniable benefits of consuming Clitoria ternatea as tea. Numerous patient reviews and pharmacological studies are cited as evidence. They also state that Anchan cannot harm the human body except in cases of individual intolerance.
There are many reviews from people who regularly drink butterfly pea tea. They note improved vision, reduced eye fatigue, and enhanced clarity. Some report that with more flowers added, the drink has a relaxing effect that helps with insomnia. Others even experience a mild sensual excitement. The tea is also good for meditation, solitary relaxation, nature retreats, or romantic evenings. It tones, heals, helps with weight loss, and improves mood. Regular consumption also improves hair and nails.
Do not forget its stabilizing effect for people with hypertension. With high blood pressure, patients notice fewer spikes throughout the day, pressure stays normal or slightly lower. This effect is possible because Anchan cleanses blood vessels of cholesterol plaques.
Even people who try the drink only a few times note its gentle taste and pleasant aroma. After drinking it, they feel refreshed and light.
Drinking butterfly pea tea regularly or occasionally is a personal choice. But one thing is certain: in both cases, Butterfly pea tea is enjoyable at least as a reminder of a pleasant trip to Thailand.
