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Benefits of African Shea Butter

May 9, 2010 | By Suzanna McGee
Benefits of African Shea Butter
Photo Credit paesaggio africano image by lino beltrame from Fotolia.com

Shea tree grows wild in central and western Africa with no special needs for nourishment. Almost all parts of the tree, such as roots, bark, leaves, fruit seeds and oil have some practical use. Because of the healing properties the shea tree got its name "karite," which means the "tree of life." The pure unprocessed African shea butter is made by grounding the fruit seeds. Shea butter has many health benefits.

Skin Moisturizer

The moisturizers in shea butter are similar to those that the sebaceous glands in the human skin produce, according to American Shea Butter Institute. Shea butter enables the skin to absorb moisture from the air, and, as a result, skin becomes softer and stays moisturized for a longer time. African men and women have used shea butter for centuries to promote healthy skin and hair.

Skin Conditions

Thanks to high amounts of vitamin A, the African Shea butter can serve as a great skin moisturizer with healing properties. According to American Shea Butter Institute shea butter has shown to be effective for many skin conditions. "Vitamin A in shea butter is important for improving a number of skins conditions, including blemishes, wrinkles, eczema and dermatitis. Additionally, premium shea butter cream has properties that treat skin allergies, insect bites, sunburns, frostbites and a number of other conditions of the skin."

Anti-aging Properties

Vitamin E protects our bodies against destructive properties of free radicals and their effects on aging and disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Biological Research for Nursing. Shea butter contains vitamin E and, as a result, protects the skin from harmful effects of the sun and environmental exposure. Vitamin E in shea butter also encourages the circulation in small blood vessels and enhances blood supply to and from the skin and as a result promotes healing.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

The hydrating properties of shea butter are used in Nigerian medicine to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, patients ages 12 to 50 years with severe or complete nasal blockage were treated with topical shea butter and experienced prolonged relief. Shea butter was applied to the interior of the nose each time when nasal congestion set in. The relief lasted for 10 to 12 hours after two to four applications, and 48 to 72 hours after 10 to 15 applications. No side effects were experienced.

Joint Anti-Inflammatory

In January 2010, researchers from Australian Center for Complementary Medicine Education and Research (ACCMER) published a study in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research, suggesting that supplements containing therapeutic doses of shea oil reduce joint pain and, in some instances, reverse the underlying age-related damage. The participants in the study experienced 25 percent reduction of joint inflammation after three months. Shea oil is made from shea butter by removing the stearic acid that makes the butter harder. Shea oil melts at lower temperatures and is easier to apply, but the healing properties are equal.

Pure and Unrefined

Only pure, unrefined shea butter has the true healing and moisturizing properties. If the shea butter is white and odorless, it has been "refined" to remove the natural, slightly nutty scent and color, but it also no longer contains the effective agents. Always use unrefined shea butter for the best healing properties.You can find unrefined shea butter at most health stores. Always look for the word "pure" or "unrefined" on the label to ensure that you get the most healing benefits. There are many distributors of pure unrefined shea butter online as well.

References

Article reviewed by Stephanie Skernivitz Last updated on: May 9, 2010

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