Shea Butter: What’s the Big Deal?

Shea butter is also known as Karite butter as is produced from the kernel (or pit) of the fruit of the Karite tree that grows wild and abundantly throughout the savannah of central and West Africa. The vitamin rich fruit is harvested by local women and children. The fruit is consumed, and then the pits are dried, roasted, ground and boiled over a fire to extract the butter. The extraction process is done by hand and is long and laborious. Women and children are the main producers and benefactors of shea commerce in West Africa.

All shea is not equal. Pure, unrefined shea butter ranges in the golden-greenish-beige color and still retains the smoky scent of the extraction process. Refined and Ultra-refined shea butter has been processed and is usually white and unscented. The use of gases and chemicals in the process of refining the butter in order to deodorize it can compromise its healing abilities. Almost all retail shea butter sold in America is white and odorless, refined shea butter with a chemically extended shelf life.

The healing properties of unrefined shea butter are extensive and allergic reactions are rare, making shea an ideal ingredient for skin care and cosmetic products. Many skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, rashes, burns, sunburn and dry and itchy skin can benefit from application of the butter. High in unsaponified fats, minerals, and vitamins A and E, the butter is used to retain elasticity and anti-aging cell health in the skin. The presence of Stigmasterol to reduce stiffness and swelling in muscles making a useful treatment for rheumatism and arthritis sufferers. Shea butter can be applied directly to the scalp as a moisturizing treatment for dry, itchy scalp & dandruff, and the butter can be applied to the length if the hair shaft to moisturize, add shine, and strengthen the shaft. And because it is also know for increasing circulation and drain toxins from sore muscles, shea butter is perfect for massage therapy. The list goes on and on�

The uses are extensive:

Lotion, apply directly on dry skin.

Lip balm, apply directly to lips.

Scalp treatment before or after shampooing.

Hot oil treatment on hair.

Bath oil, melt a tablespoon directly in bath water.

Foot treatment, apply liberally to feet and then slip on socks before bedtime.

Wrinkle cream.

Cuticle cream.

Massage oil.

Anti-static on hair, melt a little between hands and run hands through hair.

Scar treatment and minimization.

Salve for bruises.

Sports rub for sore muscles.

Stretch mark prevention and treatment.

Razor burn prevention and treatment.

Mild burn treatment.

Diaper rash cream.

Cradle cap treatment.

Natural Sun/UV protecting pre-sun lotion.

Unfortunately, the amount of natural, unrefined shea butter present in most mass produced, commercial products is probably minimal. However, any presence of shea butter is better than none. See sources for a list of reliable high quality unrefined shea butter.