Why Shea Butter?

Akwaba! Today, I thought I'd share with you an article on why my Ghanaian people use Shea Butter. The benefits speak for themselves!

In Ghana, Shea Butter is traditionally used to treat the following ailments:

• Dry skin conditions
• Eczema / psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Cell renewal
• Dry scalp
• Skin rash- including nappy rash
• Blemishes and wrinkles
• Itchiness
• Minor burns/sunburn
• Razor irritation
• Small skin wounds
• Dry feet / heels
• Stretch marks
• Sun and wind protection
• Uneven skin tone
• Blemishes and scarring
• Scalp irritation from dryness or chemical processing
• Bumps after shaving
• Reduced skin elasticity
• Dull, lacklustre hair

Shea butter from the nuts of the Karite tree, or "tree of life" as it is known in West Africa, is the ultimate oasis for dry skin conditions. Ghanaian mothers use it to moisturise their newborn babies, as its purity makes it gentle and non-drying to their sensitive skin.

In Ghana, destruction of the shea tree is prohibited because this little nut provides a valuable source of food, medicine, and income for the population. In fact, shea butter is sometimes referred to as 'women's gold' in Africa, because so many women are employed in its production.

Shea butter protects your skin from both environmental and free-radical damage. It contains naturally occurring vitamin A and vitamin E as well as complex fatty acids which feed and nourish your skin. Shea butter also contains cinnamic acid, a substance that helps protect you from harmful UV rays, and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Shea butter can also help treat skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, however, you should always consult a physician or dermatologist about serious or persistent skin problems. Shea butter is not recommended for people with latex allergies.

Visit our website for more on the women who make our Shea Butter or to browse our products.