Shea Butter [Related Resources]
- Shea butter is extracted from the fleshy part of the karite nut of a shea tree.
- The nut has to be crushed and processed to yield the vegetable fat.
- A shea tree is also called a karite nut tree or mangifolia tree.
- Shea trees are found in the semi-arid savannahs of West and Central Africa.
- This tree grows very well in the wild without needing much attention. The tree can live up to three hundred years.
- It is known that the shea tree is planted by at least three species of fruit bats in Western Africa.
- Natives have used the shea tree for many centuries : the bark is an ingredient in traditional remedies for some childhood ailments, minor scrapes and cuts; shea butter is used for cooking, soap-making, skin and hair care.
- The export of shea butter from the Afican regions creates jobs and income sources for many poor and illiterate rural women.
- Unprocessed shea nuts are used in the manufacture of chocolates while shea butter is used to replace cocoa butter.
- The huge interest in shea butter lies mainly in its hydrating and moisturizing properties. It has become a popular ingredient in many skin and hair care products.
- Shea butter is also used for eczema, psoriarsis and acne. It also helps to prevent stretchmarks and diaper rash.
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