What is Shea butter?
Shea butter is an edible natural fat, extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree which grows in the West African region. It can be yellowish or of Ivory colour. Vitellaria paradoxa is the scientific name of the species of Shea tree that is found in West Africa. The tree is popularly known as Karite tree.
About Sigmund Shea Butter
Sigmund Shea Butter is raw, unrefined and comes from Western Africa. It is sourced directly from farmers who nurture and harvest the best quality Shea nuts in West Africa.
The Shea nut tree pollinates during the ‘harmattan’ season and cares for itself till after 4 years when it starts to produce fruits. Harvesting of the Shea fruit is done between mid May through till the end of July, whereas the butter processing usually takes place from June through to August.
Traditional methods of processing are used to ensure that no additives are used and clean Shea butter is produced – 100% pure, zero chemicals, zero additives.
Uses of Shea Butter
The benefits of unrefined Shea butter cannot be over emphasized. In some West African countries, shea butter is used for cooking. Shea butter is also used in the making of chocolate and candle. It is widely used in the treatment of skin disorders like eczema, burns, rashes, stretch marks, acne, wrinkles, skin discolorations, itching and other skin problems. It also provides natural protection from the sun’s UV rays. It is also an excellent agent for softening skin. It can also be used to maintain hair moisturization especially in dry hair.
Shea oil obtained from shea nuts is used as cooking oil as well as oil for the locals to light up their lamps at night. The skin of the shea nut is eaten and the bark of the tree is also used as a prophylactic against certain childhood illness and minor scrapes and cuts. The dry shell of the nut when burnt acts as an effective mosquito repellant. In fact even the residue left after the butter has been collected during the extraction process is used as organic manure by the local farmer’s for their crops.
Shea butter is so good for the skin because of its high content of palmitic, stearic, oleic and arachidic non saponifiable fatty acids. The increase in the use of shea butter can be seen in a wide range of products – leading skincare beauty creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, massage oils, lip balms, face masks, hair creams, etc.
Traditional Production Process of Unrefined Sigmund Shea Butter
Benefits of Shea butter
The benefits of Shea butter include but are not limited to:
- Prevents skin aging – Protects against skin dehydration and external factors such as heat, cold, wind and sudden changes in climate.
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant. Smoothes and restructure winkles, scars and other imperfection of the skin.
- As a sunscreen before and after tanning, protecting skin of the sun damages such as UVB and UVA.
- Prevents and treats stretch marks with great results. Ideal for pregnant women. Also prevents cracking on the breast skin.
- It is effective in treating diaper rash in infants. Relieves redness of the area and protects the skin from wetness.
- It is effective for cold sores/ Nasal decongestion.
- It gives elasticity to the skin and softens calluses in areas such as elbows, knees and heels.
- Protects hair from sun damage and promotes shine. Repairs and conditions dry and damaged hair as a result of chemical treatments. Rid the scalp of dandruff.
- Acts as anti-irritant for the skin with allergies propensity. Prevent and treat redness, rashes and insect bites.
- It is an excellent facial moisturizer which is ideal even for oily skin and does not cause acne.
- All massage for both adults and children
- Helping to lessen scarring and keloids
- Fortifying cuticles and nails
- Most importantly Sigmund Shea butter is non toxic, gentle and organic.
Most importantly Sigmund Shea butter is non toxic, gentle and organic.
Information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. For treatment of health ailments, please seek diagnosis and recommendations from a licensed practitioner.