Aparajita, Shankupushpam, Butterfly pea (Clitoria Ternatea) – Uses, benefits, care & Side Effects

Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea) butterfly pea, is a member of the Fabaceae family of medicinal plants. According to reports, the plant can be used to treat pulmonary TB, insect bites, skin conditions, asthma, burning sensations, ascites, inflammation, leucoderma, leprosy, hemicrania, and amentia.

The deep blue blossom of the butterfly pea plant is called a butterfly pea flower. The flower is around 4 cm by 3 cm in size and has golden patterns. Certain plant species yield white blooms.

Description

This plant, known in English as Clitoria Ternatea, is considered a sacred flower in India. Particularly, they are employed in everyday prayers. The root of the Aparajita plant, a strong, creeping legume plant, can grow up to five meters in length. This is an inexpensive plant that yields a lot of protein when grown. Livestock prefer the Aparajita plant above other plants, which makes it valuable as a pasture legume. This legume plant fixes nitrogen and is used as a cover crop in farms that grow coconuts and rubber.

Botanical Name:

Clitoria Ternatea

Family:

Fabaceae

Leaves:

It’s stalked; alternating leaves are pinnate, with five to seven elliptic or ovate leaflets that measure two to five centimeters.

Flowers:

The gorgeous blue blossoms of the Aparajita plant are its main feature. They open in the morning and close in the afternoon.

Fruits:

The fruits are flat pods that are 5–7 cm (2–2+3⁄4 in) long and contain six–ten seeds each.

Habitat:

Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea) although it was brought to Africa, Australia, and the Americas, this plant is native to equatorial Asia, which includes parts of South and Southeast Asia.

Parts Used:

Roots, seeds and leaves

Varieties:

  • White flowers
  • Blue flowers

Dosage:

  • Root powder 1-3g
  • Seed powder 1-2 g

Chemical Constituents

The contents of Clitoria ternatea included proteins, alkaloids, antharaquinone, anthocyanins, cardiac glycosides, phenols, carbohydrates, saponins, triterpenoids, phenols, flavanoids, flavonol glycosides, and volatile oils in addition to tannins, phlobatannin, and steroids.

Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea) Synonyms

Asphota, Sephanda, svetã, Visnukrãntã, sankhapuspi, Mahãsvetã,Girikarni

Other Language Names of Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea)

Bengali name – Aprajita

Gujrati name – Garnee

Malayalam name – Shankhapushpam

English name – Butterfly pea, Mezereon, Winged – leaved, Clitoria,

Hindi name – Koyala

Marathi name – Gokarni

Sanskrit name – Vishnukranta, Yonipushpa, Girikarnika, Kokilaa

Telugu name – Dintena, Sankupushpam

Tamil name – Kakkanam

Sanskrit name – Vishnukranta, Yonipushpa, Girikarnika, Kokilaa

Telugu name – Dintena, Sankupushpam

Unani name – Mezereon

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Class Dicotyledons
Subclass Polypetalae
Series Calyciflorae
Order Rosales
Family Fabaceae
Genus Clitoria
Species ternatea

Ayurvedic Properties

Guna (Characteristics) – Laghu (Lighr),Rooksha (Dry).

Rasa (Taste) – Katu (Pungent),Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya ( Astringent)

Vipaka (After Taste that Develops Post Digestion) – Katu (Pungent)

Virya (Potency) – Sheeta (Cold Potency)

Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea) Care

Soil:

For growth, the soil must be neutral and damp.

Light:

Make sure the plant receives direct sunshine.

Water:

During the plant’s first growing season, it requires consistent irrigation. But do no

Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea) Uses

Culinary uses:

It is applied to culinary items to color them in Southeast Asia. It is a common component in Thai and Burmese cuisines as well.

Medicinal uses:

The herb has medicinal uses in Ayurveda. Anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, anti-lipidemic, anti-oxidant, and wound-healing qualities are among its well-known benefits.

Traditional Uses:

It has long been a mainstay of Ayurvedic therapy in Southeast Asia. It’s a food-grade, natural dye for clothing and hair dyeing. It can also be served with honey and lemon as a soothing herbal tea.

Respiratory system:

Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea) used to treat common colds, coughs, and asthma. Apart from this, smoking is done with the entire plant. The infusion is gargled when symptoms of the throat appear.

Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea) Benefits

Uplifts Mood:

It is thought that the earthy flavor of butterfly-pea flower tea improves mood. It’s said that the tea has anti-stress properties that could lessen anxiety symptoms. It’s also been shown to revitalize the mind, boost vitality and endurance, affect happy feelings, and thus boost productivity at work.

Brain boost:

The Indian Ayurvedic medical system is best famous for using butterfly pea flower as a brain herb. For ages, this flower has been used to treat anxiety, sadness, ADHD, stress, Alzheimer’s disease, and memory loss in addition to providing general brain support. The active ingredient, acetylcholine, which improves memory and is vital for brain function, is responsible for these effects.

Improves skin health:

Antioxidants abound in blue butterfly pea. It can prevent premature aging, slow down the aging process of the skin, and enhance the general tone and texture of the skin.

Stimulates Hair Growth:

Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea)anthocyanin, a substance found in blue pea flowers, is known to promote blood circulation in the head and so maintain a healthy scalp, it is also great for hair. Additionally, it supports the internal strengthening of the hair follicles.

Improve eyesight:

Butterfly Pea is not just good for the brain—it’s also good for our eyes! Anthocyanin, an antioxidant found in flowers, has been demonstrated to improve blood flow to the eyes. This aids in the treatment of glaucoma, retinal degeneration, impaired vision, and eye fatigue. It has also been shown to protect the eyes from potential damage and enhance night vision.

Uplifts Cardiac Wellness:

Fortifying bioflavonoid components found in blue tea provide heart health with both preventive and therapeutic antioxidant effects. Rich in components that prevent hyperlipidemia, blue tea significantly reduces blood levels of cholesterol and abnormally elevated fat and lipid levels. Additionally, drinking a glass of blue tea raises levels of good HDL cholesterol and lowers dangerous triglyceride and bad LDL cholesterol.

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Aparajita, (Clitoria Ternatea) Side Effects

Laxative effects:

Due to its diuretic qualities, consuming butterfly pea flower tea in excess may have laxative effects.

Allergic reactions:

As with other plants, allergic reactions can occur. After taking Aparajita, if you experience any pain like itching, swelling or difficulty in breathing, stop using it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

There is insufficient scientific data to support Aparajita’s safety for expectant or nursing mothers. It is advisable to refrain from taking it at these times.

Conclusion

Flowers and plants are recognized to enhance the appearance of homes. Homes can greatly benefit from plants that align with the principles of Vastu Shastra. To get the most advantages, though, you need to choose the correct Vastu plants. When things are arranged improperly and Vastu rules are broken, bad luck can seep into a household. Certain trees release bad energy that may be harmful to people. Planting plants that are in harmony with Vastu Shastra might bring good fortune and success.

FAQS

What is the purpose of parajita in medicine?

Aparajita is useful in treating a number of common diseases, including fever, diarrhea, gastritis, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding from anus. In Ayurvedic medicine, parajita is actively utilized to treat neurological problems, mania, and schizophrenia, among other conditions. Additionally, it supports the respiratory and cardiac systems.

What advantages does Aparajita offer?

aparajita benefits the brain. Research has indicated that the plant’s components help lessen anxiety and sadness and enhance memory and cognitive performance. It can also provide you with an energy boost without making you jittery because it is a natural form of caffeine.

Is the blossom of the butterfly pea toxic?

The Butterfly Pea Flower Plant’s seeds and roots are toxic and can make you sick and throw up.

How is the flavor of butterfly pea?

The flavor of the butterfly pea tea is earthy and woodsy, akin to green tea.