Episode Details

Butterfly pea is beautiful enough to steal the show—but what if its real magic has nothing to do with its color?

In this episode, I’m joined by Clarenda Stanley (aka Farmer Cee), who completely changed the way I think about butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea).

I’ll admit that before this conversation, I mostly thought of butterfly pea as the plant that turns your tea an incredible cobalt blue. But Cee makes a compelling case for looking beyond the color. She shares why she loves butterfly pea for mood support, nourishment, and as a surprisingly versatile ally during the transitions of perimenopause and menopause. We also talk about its role as a nitrogen-fixing plant, its beautiful relationship with bees, and so many delicious ways to enjoy those vibrant flowers.

During our conversation, Cee also takes us inside Green Heffa Farms and her philosophy of boutique farming, where quality, sustainability, and the well-being of the farmer come first. Along the way, she offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be an herbalist—and to build a life that sustains rather than drains.

Cee shares her recipe for Herbal Cool Aid, a refreshing, vibrant blend of butterfly pea flower along with other cooling herbs. You can download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► Three reasons butterfly pea can be so helpful during perimenopause

► How to include butterfly pea in your diet—from teas to syrups to the most gorgeous ice cubes, and more!

► What makes butterfly pea such a wonderful plant for the garden

► Why Clarenda believes that herbal remedies should be beautiful and delicious (not just functional!)

► Tips for running a thriving herbal business

► And so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Clarenda “Farmer Cee” Stanley is the founder and CEO of Green Heffa Farms, a regenerative farm and natural wellness brand based in Liberty, North Carolina. Since launching the company in 2018, Farmer Cee has become a nationally recognized voice at the intersection of regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, and values-driven entrepreneurship. Green Heffa Farms is one of few farms in the United States to earn Certified B Corporation status, with several products also carrying Soil & Climate Health verification.

Farmer Cee is also an award-winning fundraising and marketing executive. She has earned degrees in Marketing and Education, is a graduate of NC State Extension’s Farm School, serves on the Southern SARE Advisory Council, and is the author of the book Black Girl’s Guide to Building a Boutique Farm, which blends practical strategy with cultural insight for the next generation of farm entrepreneurs.

I’m so grateful Cee shared her passion, wisdom, and very honest perspective with us. And I’m glad to say that for me, butterfly pea has officially graduated from “pretty blue tea” to a plant I want to get to know much better!

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Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com

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You can find Clarenda at GreenHeffaFarms.com.

For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram!

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