Sanghupushpam, aka the Asian pigeonwings plant or butterfly pea, is a herb that features prominently in Indian literature and music. The herb, with beautifully dark blue flowers, is believed to have many medicinal and health benefits. The blue and white varieties of the flower are the most popular, though the plant also has flowers in many other colours. That said, only the blue and white flowers are used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, stem and roots are also used to make Ayurvedic medicines.
Benefits of Sanghupushpam water
According to Ayurveda, the flower has many health benefits, such as:
1) Some studies say the pea extract has properties to improve cognitive functions including memories.
2) Drinks are also made by infusing water with butterfly pea flowers. Water boiled and cooled with Asian pigeonwing flowers is considered a remedy for eye sores. 3) Butterfly pea water is often used to boost the immune system and enhance beauty.
4) It is also said that adding ground roots of the plant to coconut oil and consuming it regularly on an empty stomach can improve children’s memory.
5) A decoction of Asian pigeonwings flowers is traditionally given to patients suffering from hysteria, lung diseases, and sleep deprivation.
6) A drink made from ground roots mixed with milk can act as a laxative. It is also a remedy for sore throat, fever, body weakness, and gynaecological disorders.
7) A tea-like drink can be made by boiling three Asian pigeonwing flowers in a glass of water to combat fatigue.
8) Some practitioners believe that consuming de-stemmed petals of the flower with honey reduces the risk of cancer by controlling glucose absorption in the body.
Precautions
Individual responses to herbs can differ as per their physical conditions and therefore, it is best to consume the butterfly pea flower extracts after consulting with your doctors. You will find the extracts of the flower and various parts of the sanghupushpam plant as powders, pills and more in the market. However, make sure you follow the instructions of your doctors to get the dosage, form and timing of your consumption right for best results. Prolonged use of the flower is also not advised by medical practitioners.
