Description
Shea butter comes from the nut of the karite shea tree that is
indigenous to Africa. Raw, unrefined shea butter contains vitamins
and minerals such as vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty
acids. It has a creamy color and a very distinct smell. It has been
used for centuries for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and
antiaging properties. There are many regions where the Karite Shea
tree grows in Africa. Shea butter actually comes from this tree,
which bears the fruit and it is the nut inside the fruit that
contains the shea butter. Shea butter is often seen as ceremonial
and spiritual with great healing powers in the African
communities.
Shea butter has the ability to soothe, hydrate and balance your
skin. It is used as a moisturizer for dry skin and eczema, as a dry
scalp treatment, for chapped lips and to help soften cracked dry
skin on heels, elbows and knees. It is important, according to the
American Shea Butter Institute, to make sure unrefined shea butter
is used. Raw shea butter maintains its therapeutic qualities and
will keep your skin moist and supple, whereas refined, processed
shea butter loses almost all of its healing properties. Dr. Robyn
Tisdale Scott, a clinical pharmacist, concurs with the American
Shea Butter Institute, supporting the claim that unrefined shea
butter reverses dry skin in about three days.
Shea butter has natural anti-inflammatory properties that have been
known to heal scrapes, cuts and burns; relieve sunburn and rashes;
take the sting out of insect bites; and ease the pain from muscle
fatigue and arthritis. A study published in a ***0 issue of the
"Journal of Oleo Science" by Toshihiro Akihisa and colleagues found
that shea fat has significant anti-inflammatory properties. The
study showed a remarkable reduction of inflammation in mice
suffering from edema. After being given shea fat compounds, the
inflammation was reduced by over *5 percent. Another study
published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology by the
Department of Pharmacology at the College of Medicine of the
University of Lagos concluded that shea butter is an effective
nasal decongestant. Participants were given two to four
applications of shea butter in the nasal cavity, and within just *2
to *4 hours they showed no signs of inflammation, congestion or
nasal damage.
Shea butter has been used for centuries as a wrinkle reducer. Shea
butter contains essential fatty acids, along with vitamins A and E,
which are imperative to maintaining your skin's elasticity and
suppleness. In a clinical study done by Frank Renard, Ph.D., shea
butter was found to have significant antiaging properties and was
proven to help rebuild and rejuvenate collagen. Participants in
this study were given shea butter to use as a balm to massage on
their skin for four to eight months. The results showed clearer,
brighter skin; less wrinkles; and even less sun damage.
