Although, the use of shea butter amongst African-Americans and others in the Western half of the African Diaspora is relatively recent. The use of the shea butter nut for medicinal, culinary, and beauty purposes in Africa dates back for thousands of years, and should be considered an ancient beauty product. Now, the thick, smooth, unrefined butter can be found in tubs of varying sizes throughout metropolitan urban districts, or even purchased online through retailers, such as www.sheabutterhut.com or www.Amazon.com. Both men and women are slathering on this substance, which imparts many benefits. The five principal fatty acids, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and arachidic, give shea butter its great moisturizing abilities. The high fatty acid content, actually allows shea butter to be an excellent additive to soaps, shampoos, anti-aging creams cosmetics, and lotions. The Western markets have already begun to incorporate shea butter extracts in their many varied products. Why not by pass the higher costs and additional chemical additives, by just simply using the natural unrefined shea butter? This product is also rich in vitamins A, E, and F. Shea butter also contains cinnamic acid, a substance that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
After the first application, shea butter leaves the skin glistening, feeling smooth and luxurious. Shea butter may be used on the hair or skin, and is utilized in the following applications:
As a moisturizer in the treatment of dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, and minor burns
As a treatment for skin cracks and small skin wounds
As a moisturizing protectant against cold weather and frost bite
As an anti-aging treatment that reduces wrinkles and blemishers
As a treatment to soothe irritated itchy skin
To treat sunburn
To prevent stretch makes during pregnancy
To treat dark spots and skin discoloration
As a shaving cream
To treat diaper rash
As a hair conditioner
As a hair moisturizer
To combat muscle fatigue aches and tension
To provide pain relief from swelling and arthritis
I would encourage you to experiment with shea butter to create a custom blended body cream or hair moisturizer. Creating your custom blend will be quite easy, and all that one would need is a bowl, spoon, tub of shea butter, and an assortment of preferred oils. Here is an example of a moisturizing shealoe recipe below:
Ingredients
1 cup shea butter
1 Tsp honey
1/4 cup of aloe vera gel
2 Tbs of coconut oil
1/4 cup of aloe vera gel
2 Tbs of coconut oil
2 Tbs of castor oil
2 Tbs of extra virgin olive oil
Optional:
1 Tsp Vitamin E (could use capsules)
1 Tsp Avocado oil
1 Tsp Jojoba oil
1 Tsp Argan oil
Essential oils - Rosemary, Lavender, Tea Tree oil
Directions
Begin with softening the shea butter. By placing the unrefined shea butter in a small glass bowl, and then by placing the small bowl in a pot of hot water. This creates a makeshift double boiler. Just be sure not to allow any water to get into the bowl or allow the shea butter to boil, this will make it grainy. Careful, because it melts quickly.
Once the shea butter has soften remove it from the hot water bath and use a hand mixer to whip it until it is fluffy.
Add the coconut, castor, and olive oil and continue whipping until the contents are well mixed.
Add the aloe vera gel gradually, continue whipping, allowing much air to get into the mixture.
Now add the honey, and other optional ingredients such as vitamin E. Be sure to mix these ingredients will into the paste.
Pour the mixture into a dry plastic or glass container and allow to thicken for 30 minutes.
7. The mixture should be stored in a cool dry place.
There are a plethora of beauty products that promise to perform feats that are just short of a miracle. So, it is quite easy to fall into the trap of being a “product junkie”. Why not give shea butter a try, especially since it has withstand the test of time, and at a cost of $5 - $7 for a 1lb. tub, it certainly costs less than other hair and body moisturizers, that are far from natural with names of active ingredients that many will struggle to pronounce.
