What are the benefits and contraindications of butterfly pea flowers?

Nov 05, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Butterfly pea is a herbal plant whose benefits and effects mainly include supplementing nutrition, protecting vision, reducing inflammation, promoting digestion, and preventing heatstroke. However, when consuming butterfly pea flowers, one should also be aware of the associated contraindications, such as for pregnant women, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, women during menstruation, people with allergies, and patients taking medications. If any physical discomfort occurs after consuming butterfly pea flowers, prompt medical attention is recommended.

Butterfly pea flower is a herbal plant whose benefits and effects mainly include nutritional supplementation, vision protection, anti-inflammatory properties, improved digestion, and prevention of heatstroke. However, when consuming butterfly pea flower, one should also be aware of its contraindications, such as for pregnant women, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, women during menstruation, those prone to allergies, and patients taking medications. If physical discomfort occurs after consuming butterfly pea flower, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Benefits and Effects of Butterfly Pea Flower

1. Nutritional Supplementation
Butterfly pea flower is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as various amino acids and essential minerals. These nutrients help meet the body's daily nutritional requirements.

2. Vision Protection
The anthocyanins and carotenoids present in butterfly pea flower are beneficial for eye health. They strengthen microcirculation in the retina, help prevent retinal diseases, and may slow the progression of macular degeneration to some extent. For individuals who spend prolonged periods in front of electronic screens, regularly drinking butterfly pea flower infusion can help relieve eye fatigue and protect vision.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Butterfly pea flower contains polyphenolic compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators in the body, thus helping to manage inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and skin inflammation.

4. Improved Digestion
The dietary fiber in butterfly pea flower promotes intestinal motility and aids digestion. Individuals with weak digestion or indigestion may benefit from moderate consumption of butterfly pea flower or butterfly pea tea, which can help improve gastrointestinal function.

5. Heatstroke Prevention
Butterfly pea flower has a cooling nature. Consuming it during hot weather helps replenish bodily fluids, clear internal heat, and provide a cooling effect, thereby preventing heatstroke and lowering body temperature.

II. Contraindications of Butterfly Pea Flower

1. Pregnant Women
Pregnant women have a more sensitive constitution. If butterfly pea flower causes abdominal pain or diarrhea, it may negatively affect fetal health. Additionally, the anthocyanins in butterfly pea flower may inhibit platelet aggregation, potentially increasing the risk of severe bleeding during pregnancy.

2. Individuals with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency-Cold
Due to its cold nature, butterfly pea flower may exacerbate symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It is recommended that individuals with this condition avoid consuming butterfly pea flower.

3. Women During Menstruation
Butterfly pea flower has blood-activating and stasis-resolving properties. Consumption during menstruation may stimulate the uterine cavity, increase menstrual flow, and lead to irregular periods or abdominal pain. It is advisable for women to avoid butterfly pea flower during their menstrual period.

4. Allergic Individuals
If an individual is allergic to certain components in butterfly pea flower, symptoms such as itching, redness, or swelling of the skin may occur after consumption. In such cases, intake should be stopped immediately, and medical treatment sought.

5. Patients Taking Medications
Patients currently on medication should consult their doctor before consuming butterfly pea flower to avoid potential interactions that could affect the efficacy of their treatment.

It is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional before consuming butterfly pea flower to prevent adverse reactions due to improper use. Although butterfly pea flower offers the aforementioned benefits, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is advised.

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