Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy

Shea Butter-7 Amazing Benefits Of Shea Butter

Shea butter is a unique substance made from raw fats extracted from shea nut that can be used both internally and externally to improve your health.

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is made from a type of fat that is found in the nuts of an African tree – the shea tree. Scientifically known as Vitellaria paradoxa, when the fat is extracted from the nut, it can be processed in various ways to make it more versatile and useful, both in food preparation and cosmetic products. As a triglyceride, this butter is primarily composed of oleic and stearic acids, both of which have a wide range of effects on human health. ^[1

Shea Butter Benefits 

The most recognized benefits of shea butter may include effects like moisturizing the skin, reducing inflammation, preventing premature aging, protecting cardiovascular health, and lightening the skin, among others.

May Moisturize The Skin

The fatty acids in this butter may be popularly known to penetrate the skin and deliver nutrients and antioxidants deep into the skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy. ^[3]

be popularly known to penetrate the skin and deliver nutrients and antioxidants deep into the skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy. ^[3]

be popularly known to penetrate the skin and deliver nutrients and antioxidants deep into the skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy. ^[3]

May Aid In Hair Care

Using shea butter on your scalp and hair may help increase growth, prevent hair loss, and reduce inflammation. This simple fix may lead to less dandruff. ^[4]

May Be Anti-Inflammatory

Applying this substance to itchy or irritated areas of the body may help quickly relieve discomfort and soothe conditions like psoriasis, acne, eczema, or rosacea. ^[5]

May Help In Skin Care

Regularly applying this fat-rich butter to your skin may eliminate rough skin and boost skin tone by encouraging circulation and repair of damaged skin cells.

May Prevent Premature Aging

The antioxidant activity of certain active compounds in this butter, such as linolenic and linoleic acid may help prevent oxidative stress in the skin, which may reduce the likelihood of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of premature aging. ^[6]

May Help Remove Stretch Marks

Following rapid weight change (pregnancy, crash diet, etc.), your body may develop stretch marks that can be difficult to eliminate. Thanks to the skin-lightening properties of this natural butter, you can make the stretch marks less noticeable. ^[7]

May Protect From Diaper Rash

Popular with new parents, shea butter may help protect your child against one of the most irritating and annoying conditions of infancy – diaper rash. Daily application of a small amount can keep them feeling good all day!

How to Make Shea Butter?

Although shea butter is widely available around the world, some people like to prepare their own at home, which isn’t particularly difficult, provided you have the time and are willing to put in the effort! Let us take a look at the recipe below.

Shea Butter Uses

This butter has been used in countless ways throughout history, but some of the most popular applications may include its use as a skin lotion, hair conditioner, cooking oil, and soap. In terms of its strictly medicinal uses, it might be known to help relieve inflammation and the pain of insect bites, while also stimulating regrowth, repair, and better health of the skin. While most commonly known as a cosmetic product, this versatile butter continues to appear in new products every year. ^[8]

How to Store Shea Butter?

If you make your own butter, or have an excessive amount and want to store it safely, be sure to wrap it in saran wrap and store it in a plastic bag. From there, place it in a cool, dry place. If exposed to excess heat, or fluctuations in temperatures, the butter can melt and harden over and over, which will gradually reduce the potency of the active ingredients. Unrefined shea butter should have a shelf life of roughly 2 years when stored properly.

Shea Butter Side Effects

Some of the side effects of this specialty butter may include allergic reactions, as well as heart issues when used in excess. As mentioned, most people use this butter for cosmetic purposes, and that can result in irritation or inflammation for those with sensitive skin or allergies to shea. Furthermore, using an excessive amount of this “butter” in your cooking can result in weight gain or even obesity, due to the concentrated fat levels. ^[9] 

Reference:Organic Facts: by John Staughton (BASc, BFA)