Shea butter is a product manufactured from a Shea tree. This particular tree will bear fruit only after 20 years and produces a full crop after 45 years of growth. The tree grows mainly in West Africa and can reach a maximum height of 20 meters. Unfortunately, the tree cannot be cultivated. The fruit contains a nut with a hard white center for the Shea butter.
The Shea tree can live up to two centuries. Traditionally the butter was extracted by tribesman using different techniques, depending upon what was passed down through the generations. The basic process, however, is the same. The fruit is picked, cracked, grilled, and then pounded to extract the butter. It is then boiled in water until the butter rises to the surface.
This process is the best way to extract the most pure Shea butter. But this method doesn’t work in mass quantities. There is no need to use chemicals or synthetic agents to get the butter from the fruit, which is called unrefined or raw Shea Butter. (1)
Before Shea butter was introduced to the world for use in the cosmetic industry, it was used for other purposes as well. Traditional healers have used it as a spiritual cleansing, during certain ceremonies or in recipes.
Today, thorough mass manufacturing processes, Shea butter is available to many more individuals who have found an amazing number of ways of using the product to improve their external and internal bodies. For instance, Shea butter is a wonderful all over body soap or lotion and can be used daily. Some researchers also believe that there is a strong use in anti-aging products because of the high amount of Vitamin A and E it contains. These are anti-oxidant vitamins that may also help to boost collagen production.
For decades, women have been using Shea butter and vitamin E to fight stretch marks during pregnancy. These are essentially scars that develop when the skin is stretched too quickly. Shea butter has also found some use to soothe the skin and improve healing from abrasions, allergies, eczema, dermatitis and insect bites.
Other benefits of Shea butter are reduction in acne and treatment of diaper rash. Shea butter helps restore elasticity to the skin and evens out skin tone.
After a chemical processing of the hair – such as perm or coloring – Shea butter may help to sooth the scalp. It can also help to protect the skin from the elements and soothe sunburn. Soaking your feet in Shea butter may also help to soften and protect them as well.
Because of its many uses, this product has quickly become a popular skin care product. Many companies are also starting to include Shea butter in other products. Even men’s companies are getting into the act because Shea Butter will help to reduce irritation and restore skin luster after shaving.
Pure Shea butter is found in three different types of extractions – raw, refined or highly refined. The more the product is refined the more highly processed and other chemical solvents are added to the product. The natural color of raw butter is cream to yellow while the products that are more refined lean toward being white.
Although it is called butter, the product doesn’t require refrigeration and can have a shelf life of up to 3 years before losing effectiveness. It will continue to have moisturizing qualities but may lose healing qualities. Store the container in a cool, dry place.
Shea butter also has a low melting point. This is both a positive and negative. For instance, when transported in the summer months, it may actually arrive liquified. It is still good and should be refrigerated with the lid off until it hardens again. On the other hand, it almost liquifies when it reaches your skin, making it very easy to apply.
Another difference between raw and refined butter is the smell. If this is not an issue, then using the raw butter is best for the body. But, if you don’t like the smell, try East African Shea Butter. It has a milder aroma. Or, trypurchasing refined butter without solvents.
Reference
(1) Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics: An Analysis of Allocative Efficiency of shea Butter Processing methods in the Northern region of Ghana
http://www.academicjournals.org/jdae/PDF/Pdf2011/Apr/Issahaku%20et%20al.pdf
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