butterfly pea tea | shankhpushpi tea | specialdesirecipes

Butterfly Pea Tea | Shankhpushpi |Aparajita | Special Desi Recipes

What if a drink could change color like magic right before your eyes? Imagine sipping something that goes from deep blue to vibrant purple, all while offering a delicate flavor and subtle scent. Get ready to explore the enchanting world of Butterfly Pea Tea, where every pour is a visual and sensory adventure.

In India, it is known as as Aparajita ( shankhpushpi ), meaning “the undefeated one,” and often associated with Goddess Durga. Used in Ayurvedic medicine and spiritual rituals for purification and protection.The white variant is considered particularly auspicious in Hindu pujas.

The unique properties of butterfly pea tea are explored in this post & in a video, including its distinctive taste, subtle aroma, and the fascinating way its color transforms with temperature changes. Viewers are offered an intriguing look into a beverage that is as visually captivating as it is flavorful.

Video Recipe:

🍵 Butterfly Pea Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• Water - 4 cups
• Butterfly pea Flowers - 12
• Lemon juice - 1/2 Tbsp.
• Honey - 1/2 Tbsp.

Instructions:

• Boil Water: Bring 4 cup of water to a gentle boil.
• Steep Flowers: Add the  Butterfly Pea flowers and let them steep for 3–5 minutes until the water turns deep blue.
• Strain: Remove the flowers and pour the tea into a cup.
• Flavor (Optional): Add honey for sweetness.
• Color Change (Optional): Squeeze in a few drops of lemon juice to watch the tea turn purple or pink due to the natural pH change.
• Serve: Enjoy it hot or iced — both ways are refreshing!

Uses:

• Acts as a Natural Food Color with a brilliant blue or purple hue to desserts, rice, cocktails, or mocktails.
• Perfect as Cooling Beverage for hot days; can be served cold with mint and ice.
• Used in wellness routines or evening relaxation Mood-Boosting Drink/teas.
• Often included in detox water or skin-care diets as Beauty Drinks.
• Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Thai herbal remedies as Cultural Use

💙 Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Tea

• Rich in Antioxidants: Helps combat free radicals and supports healthy aging.
• Reduces Stress & Anxiety: Contains apigenin and other compounds that promote calmness.
• Enhances Brain Function: Improves memory and cognitive performance by increasing acetylcholine levels.
• Supports Eye Health: Contains anthocyanins, which are beneficial for vision and retinal health.
• Boosts Skin & Hair Health: Promotes collagen production and improves overall skin texture.
• Aids Digestion & Detox: Acts as a mild diuretic, supporting natural detoxification.
• Balances Blood Sugar Levels: May help regulate glucose metabolism.
• Natural Immunity Booster: Strengthens the body’s defense system through powerful plant nutrients.

Fun Facts

• The color-changing property (blue → purple → pink) happens because the anthocyanins in the flower are pH-sensitive.
• The flower is symbolic of peace, calm, and clarity in Thai traditional medicine.
• It’s often used in natural tie-dye and eco-friendly fabric dyeing.
• Completely caffeine-free, making it an excellent herbal alternative to coffee or green tea.