Karite, the Tree of Life

The fruit of the Karite Tree, Butyrospermum parkii, popularly known as Shea butter, has been a secret weapon in the beauty arsenal of women in Africa for thousand of years. The Shea Tree wildly grows in most parts of West Africa and gradually spreads through Central African Republic and Ethiopia in the Eastern part of the Continent. Shea butter has been a staple in homes in Africa and it is used for diverse purposes. For others, we only take it out of our stash when we need to keep our skin, heels and lips in check during the Harmattan.

Shea butter is edible.

We mean 100% natural unrefined Shea butter and Yes, it is edible. Cooking with Shea butter is very popular among Women in the Northern part of Ghana, the butter is heated and used as cooking oil to prepare variety of meals. Shea butter is also combined with other ingredients to make confectioneries.

For Medicinal Purposes

Traditional homes in West Africa have long depended on unrefined Shea butter to moisturise the fragile and sensitive skin of newborns. It is not used only for its moisturising effect but it is also believed that Shea butter strengthens the bones of infants when they are skillfully massage with the butter. In herbal medicine, it is also a part of therapeutic concoctions as remedies to soothe aching skin and muscles, mild skin irritations, sinusitis and nasal congestion.

For healthy and glowing skin

Unrefined Shea butter contains vitamins and essential fatty acids therefore making it an excellent choice for a skin moisturiser, it improves the skin’s elasticity and rejuvenate collagen. This means less stretch marks, wrinkles and sun damage while promoting a more brighter and healthy skin. When used regularly Shea butter makes the skin supple, soften and heals dry irritated skin.

For Soft and Silky Hair

This multi purpose butter has been used for thousand of years by women to promote hair growth and healthy hair. It is excellent for conditioning hair and bringing the life back in your tresses. Apply to hair and scalp to add moisture to dry, brittle hair; to prevent weak hair from breaking, fading or thinning out; to prevent dandruff; Shea butter will protect hair from the damaging rays of the sun, hair dryers, perms and dyes. Unlike petroleum based products, it will not clog pores and block hair shafts. Use it as a conditioning sheen to maintain hair’s natural shine and improve manageability. Try it before swimming to protect hair against chlorine and sea salt.

What do you use your Shea butter for?