Unrefined shea butter has awesome moisturizing and healing properties, Shea Butter produced in East Africa is generally more desirable for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes than the West African Shea Butter.
To understand the differences between the two, you need to begin with the trees from which Shea Butter is harvested. The Shea Tree also known as the Karite tree and by many other local names grows in the dry Savannah regions of Africa.
Shea Butter is extracted from the nut-like seeds of the trees using traditional labor intensive methods.
East African Shea Butter has a natural, nutty scent, and is lighter and slightly sweeter than the West African variety. The scent of the Shea Butter fades and is often undetectable once it is absorbed into the skin. East African Shea Butter is easier to apply and sinks into the skin more readily due to the fact that is creamier and softer at room temperature. Because of the unique fatty acid profile of East African Shea Butter, it helps the skin to retain its elasticity more efficiently.
Past civil wars and unrest in the region have had a drastic impact in reducing both the production and trade of East African Shea Butter. As a result, both suppliers and consumers have been impacted by its scarcity. The West African countries produce far more Shea Butter than East Africa, and consequently this product is more readily available.
Use Shea Butter for:
- Dry skin
- Skin rash
- Skin peeling after tanning
- Blemishes and wrinkles
- Itching skin
- Sunburn
- Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave
- Small skin wounds
- Skin cracks
- Tough or rough skin (especially feet, elbows, knees)
- Cold weather
- Frost bite
- Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
- Insect bites
- For Healthy Skin
- Muscle fatigue
- Before and after strenous exercise
- Eczema
- Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
- Dermatitis
- Skin damage from heat (hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems etc.)
Please bear in mind that this newsletter is intended solely for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as diagnosis for any specific medical condition. If you have a medical problem, please consult your Doctor.
