Shea Butter Facts

Shea butter was widely used in different areas of Africa, but it has now gained popularity in the United States. Shea butter can be found in various soaps, lotions and hair oil, especially those specific for African American hair. Ideal for dry skin, Shea butter moisturizes and heals sores. It is an appealing fragrance, and it is used in soap.

Origin

Shea butter is from the western area of Africa and derived from the Shea nut tree. Shea butter is also referred to as karite.

History

Shea butter has been used for centuries in Africa and is derived from a nut. Shea nuts are dried and grounded up, then boiled with water. The remnants rise into a product that becomes the slightly chalky Shea butter.

Fragrance

Shea butter's smell is slightly similar to the smell of cocoa butter. The scent is subtle, but it can substitute for perfume.

Medicine

The ingredients in Shea butter help eliminate wrinkles or heal burns. It can act as a nasal ointment, as a sunblock and to fade scars. However, Shea butter must be used regularly to do so.

Moisturizer

Shea butter has a chalky texture. However, when placed in the sun or at a warm temperature, it melts like butter and glides smoothly over the skin. Shea butter moisturizes easily in dry skin and is not greasy.

Hair Conditioner

Shea butter helps eliminate dandruff, dry skin in hair. A melted version of it can be used to oil African American hair. Shea butter also helps to hold and untangle curls.

Resources

• Sheabutter.net