Shea Butter popularly known as ‘Ori’ in Yoruba language of Nigeria is a vegetable fat derived from the nuts or seeds of the African Shea tree. The Sheatree is quite common and grows naturally in the West African Savannah and in other parts of Africa. In total, it can be found in twenty-one countries across the continent of Africa. Cool right?

Where does the name “shea” come from? Well it actually comes from “s’í” which is the name of the Shea tree in Bambara language of Mali. Some other local names for ‘shea’ include Kpakahili in Dagbani language of Ghana, kaɗe or kaɗanya in Hausa language of Nigeria and karité in Senegal’s Wolof language.

Where does the name “shea” come from? Well it actually comes from “s’í” which is the name of the Shea tree in Bambara language of Mali. Some other local names for ‘shea’ include Kpakahili in Dagbani language of Ghana, kaɗe or kaɗanya in Hausa language of Nigeria and karité in Senegal’s Wolof language.
It usually looks yellow when raw and white or near white when refined.

What’s so special about Shea Butter?

So research has proved that very high levels of vitamins A, E and F can be found naturally in Shea Butter. This is why it’s a highly desirable product. It’s also a complex fat that contains fatty acids such as oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, linolenic acid and arachidic acid. These components make Shea Butter the perfect “refatting” agent for all skin types. In fact, it’s a skin superfood as its able to melt quickly when applied on the skin. The skin then absorbs it and all its awesome nutrients for continuously amazing results. Shea Butter has been an all-time favorite for our ancestors as it has a very wide range of benefits and it’s definitely a must-have for every home. No wonder, it is commonly used in cosmetics for the production of creams, moisturizers, ointments, balms or lotions and even in the production of some foundations and makeup products.

What can Shea Butter be used for?

Skin Care

1. It can be applied on the skin to protect it from UV rays
2. It can be used after a sun tan to refresh the skin
3. It moisturizes, softens and smoothens the skin while protecting it from harsh weather and dryness
4. When applied under the eyes it can remove under-eye wrinkles and bags
5. It can be used as a massage or body butter
6. It can be used as a facial cream to reduce or control acne
7. It can help reduce and clear up stretch marks
8. It can be used as a lip balm

Hair care

1. It softens the hair
2. It moisturizes the scalp to reduce or prevent itch and dandruff

Medicinal use

1. It reduces skin inflammation
2. It can be used to treat wounds and skin infections
3. It’s also used to clear up scars
4. It helps heal up sore noses (with broken skin) during a cold or flu

How is Shea Butter stored?

It’s always best and advisable to store it in a cool dry place out of direct light, heat and running water.

Did you also know that….

• In some countries, Shea Butter has been integrated into assorted tissue products like toilet paper?!
• It can be eaten and used to prepare food in some African countries!
  Some chocolates are made with it!
• It’s perfect for baby skin?!
• And can even be applied on eyelids before adding makeup to help the makeup last longer?!

Now that you know all these amazing facts about Shea Butter, here’s a perfect opportunity for you to get yours. Click here to shop our rich Shea Butter based products for you and your loved ones. Enjoy!

We source only grade A, raw unrefined shea butter, ethically sourced and fair priced from the local women Shea association in western Nigeria. The Shea butter processing Centre is NAFDAC certified and the butters are SGS tested.

REFERENCES

1. En.wikipedia.org. (2018). Shea butter. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.ohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_ link here
2. Mama, K. (2018). 21 Shea Butter Benefits and Uses | Wellness Mama. [online] Wellness MamaWhat exactly is Shea Butter?. Available at: https://wellnessmama.com/27324/shea-butter-benefits/ [Accessed 23 Apr. 2018]. Here
3. Sheainstitute.com. (2018). 21 Reasons to Use Shea Butter | American Shea Butter Institute. [online] Available at: https://www.sheainstitute.com/asbi-library/21reasons/ [Accessed 23 Apr. 2018].