Shea butter comes from the Shea tree (Butyrospermum parkii), which is native to Western Africa where it’s considered a sacred tree. The natural Shea butter benefits come from the unrefined or raw type of butter because it’s extracted naturally without the use of chemicals. This delicate process allows the Shea butter to remain in its natural state so it retains all of its healing properties. It has an ivory or golden color and a nutty aroma.
Chemicals are used during the extraction process of refined Shea butter, which alters the chemical makeup of the butter and greatly reduces its healing properties. For this reason, always look for the unrefined butter for the following health benefits.
Moisturize And Protect Your Skin From The Elements
Shea butter contains fatty acids, unsaturated fats and vitamins A, D and E that heal and protect the skin. Sometimes referred to as “super food for the skin”, Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer. It penetrates deep into the skin without clogging the pores. It’s an excellent choice for skincare all year long. It protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays, wind and other environmental factors that damage and irritate the skin.
Shea butter absorbs easily into the skin without clogging the pores or leaving it feeling greasy. It has regenerative properties that help to heal and strengthen the skin. Shea butter also stimulates the production of collagen, which is why it makes the best homemade anti-aging cream around. It helps to reduce or eliminate those fine lines and wrinkles leaving you with an amazing, youthful appearance. It also makes a great lip balm that softens and moisturizes through every season.
Treat and Heal Skin Conditions
Shea butter has anti-inflammatory and healing agents that help to heal skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and rashes caused by allergies.
It can also heal minor burns, cuts, scrapes and other abrasions. You can even use it to heal sunburned skin and to treat symptoms associated with frostbite. Visit Shea Butter Wisdom for instruction on making a Shea butter recipe for frostbite.
Many people use Shea butter to treat insect bites, hives, bee stings, athlete’s foot and to ease muscle fatigue. It also has the ability to help reduce the visibility of scars and stretch marks.
Shea butter is chemical free so it’s even gentle enough to use on babies as an eczema or diaper rash cream.
Shea Butter For Hair Care
If you have dry, dull hair, you can bring it back to life with Shea butter. This natural conditioner will leave your hair soft and manageable without leaving it greasy or weighed down.
Shea butter soothes dry, irritated scalp and helps eliminate dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory agents.
It will also help protect your hair from the weather and other environmental factors that can cause split ends and frizzy hair.
Ease Muscle Aches and Pains With Shea Butter
Shea butter’s anti-inflammatory properties and healing agents have the ability to help ease pain due to sore, overworked muscles. It can also help prepare your muscles for an intense workout to reduce your risk for injuries.
Shea butter’s soft, creamy texture moisturizes and heals dry, itchy skin. Use it to protect your skin from the elements or to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. For a few added benefits, add essential oils to your skin care recipes. Frankincense, Neroli, Myrrh, Geranium, Tea Tree, Patchouli and Carrot Seed are all excellent oils for the skin that goes well with Shea butter.
Shea Butter Lip Balm
The Shea butter is great for use in lip balms: it protects and soothes lips. Shea butter lip balms are great little gifts for lots of occasions: girls birthdays, Mother’s day, teacher appreciation, stocking stuffers, and more. Here are some yummylicious lip balms made with shea butter.
