Shea butter has unique therapeutic benefits – as a natural sunscreens, anti-elastase ( prevent stretch marks), and it helps to stimulate and regenerate skin cells. The butter also has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antiseptic qualities.
Village women harvest the Karite fruit which is known as the Tree of Life. This fruit contains seeds which, when crushed, yield the luxurious shea butter. Earnings from the butter, known as ‘women’s gold’, benefit some of the poorest villages in Africa. However, it takes 40-50 years before the tree is in full production.
African villagers have known of Shea butter’s medicinal and beautifying properties for generations. The butter is used in daily cooking, taken therapeutically for colds and flu, used as a ceremonial food, and as a gentle massage cream for babies’ skin.
The Virgin or first pressing of the nut butter, is considered the most potent. Second pressing means that a chemical process using solvents and heat has been used resulting in butter with moisturising qualities, but lower therapeutic value.
Source:
Africa Recovery. Shea nuts: making trade work for poor women www.un.org
RMIT University www.rmit.edu.au