Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea)
This week, with Mother’s Day upon us, it only feels right to shine the spotlight on an herb that reminds me so much of mothers (and honestly, mother figures of all kinds).
Butterfly Pea — you brilliant, beautiful, multitasking marvel. 💙
Let me set the scene:
She’s vibrant.
She’s versatile.
She shows up in a hundred different ways, even when no one notices how much she’s doing.
Sound familiar?
Yep — just like every mom I know.
Butterfly Pea is best known for that stunning, electric blue hue she gives to teas and infusions. (Pour a little lemon juice in? Boom — it magically shifts to purple. Yes, she color-changes like a boss.)
But behind her beauty, she works tirelessly in the background — offering nourishment, balance, and calm, all while dazzling everyone with her glow.
Kind of like how moms juggle grocery lists, doctor appointments, life advice, hugs, carpooling, cheering us on, and quietly keeping the wheels turning... all while we just admire how she makes it look effortless.
When I think of Butterfly Pea, I think of her multi-tasking powers:
💙 Nervous system soother – She gently calms frazzled minds and bodies, giving us that deep exhale we didn’t know we were holding.
💙 Brain supporter – Packed with antioxidants and compounds that support cognitive function and memory (because let’s be honest — moms remember everything).
💙 Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant powerhouse – She works behind the scenes to fight oxidative stress and support our overall wellness, keeping the whole machine running smoothly.
💙 Beauty from the inside out – Rich in anthocyanins, Butterfly Pea promotes skin and hair health, because she knows that when you feel good, you glow differently.
💙 Mood uplifter – There’s something about that bright blue sip that feels like a little celebration for your soul. Almost like a mom saying "You’ve got this, sweetheart."
For me, making a cup of Butterfly Pea tea feels like brewing a quiet tribute to every mom out there — and honestly, to the mothering energy we give ourselves and each other.
You don’t have to have given birth to be a mother.
You don’t have to fit into a Hallmark card version of "Mom."
You just have to show up. You just have to care. You just have to pour love into others, even when your own cup feels half empty.
And like Butterfly Pea, you do it beautifully — quietly, steadily, and with way more power than anyone realizes at first glance.
I’ll be sipping on this beautiful blue brew this week in honor of all the moms, nanas, dad-moms, aunties, bonus moms, grieving moms, pet mamas, friends who mother us when we need it most, and women who nurture their communities in quiet ways.
You are seen. You are celebrated. You are appreciated.
You are the Butterfly Peas of our lives — multitasking, nourishing, soothing, and making magic happen with love and grit.
If you want to make some at home, here’s how I like mine:
💙 1 tsp dried Butterfly Pea flowers
💙 8 oz hot water
💙 Steep 5–10 minutes — watch that vivid blue appear!
💛 Optional squeeze of lemon to shift it purple & add a bright zip
💛 Sweeten with honey if desired, and sip with gratitude.
To the great multi-taskers — herbal and human alike — I raise my tea cup to you.
Here’s to grace, grit, and glowing blue tea. 💙
🌿 May your tea be strong & your stress be weak — and may you know how deeply you’re appreciated. 🌿
-Nikki
