Shea butter is a seed fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree or African karite trees (Vitellaria paradoxa), a plant native to East and West tropical Africa. It is solid at warm temperatures and has an off-white or ivory color. For hundreds of years, shea butter has been applied as a component in cosmetic products. Its high vitamin and fatty acid content, along with its spreadable texture, allow it to act as an emollient.

Benefits of Shea Butter

Here are five uses and benefits of shea butter:

1. Skincare

Shea butter is suitable for direct skin application. Using your fingers, remove about a teaspoon of the shea butter from the jar and apply it to your skin, rubbing it in until it absorbs fully. Using shea butter at night before bed may be preferable because it is slippery and can prevent makeup from sticking to your face. It is also claimed that shea butter calms and shields the lips, so it can be applied multiple times a day as shea butter.

2. Hair care

Shea butter has the potential to shield hair from damaging free radicals found in the
air, water, and severe weather. Shea butter spreads readily over the scalp because
of its non-greasy nature. After applying, shea butter shields hair from heat. With
colored or processed hair, this protective feature might be beneficial. Shea butter can
shield hair from chlorine and salt when applied before swimming. Moreover, it can
help restore and soften dry, damaged hair as well as curly hair treatments.

3. Grooming (shaving)

The debate is still out on this one; but some people think a shea shave is great
because it feels good on their skin, while others argue that because it doesn’t foam,
it doesn’t provide the razor enough cushioning. Use shea to shave if you prefer
an “oil shave” over a sudsy one. Applying shea butter after shaving can help reduce
irritation, especially if you don’t use much soap when shaving.

4. Medicinal purposes

Rich in fatty acids and plant sterols including linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids,
shea butter may be beneficial to health. Applying it as an ointment is possible
because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Compared to other nut oils, shea butter has a lower rate of soap production. It also contains vitamin A, which helps heal bug bites and other skin sensitivities like poison ivy. Additionally, vitamin F is included,
which may help smooth out rough or damaged skin. It might also have a calming
effect. Skin rashes, stretch marks, burns, insect bites, athlete’s foot, scars, frost
bites, skin peeling after tanning, and arthritis may all benefit from raw, unrefined shea
butter.
Shea butter might not be able to treat these conditions on its own, though. Thus, for
a diagnosis as well as treatment, please see a doctor.

5. Culinary purposes

Shea butter is frequently used as cooking oil in traditional culinary applications.
Plantains and other starchy foods are fried in shea butter in West Africa. It thickens
the dish and adds a rich, nutty flavor to stews and soups during cooking. Shea butter
is used as a spread in cuisine. Shea butter is sometimes combined with sugar or
honey to create a sweet spread that pairs well with porridge or bread. Ghana and
other West African nations love this spread as a morning meal.
Additionally, it’s employed in the making of traditional African confections and
sweets. For instance, it’s used in Ghana to make “kelewele,” a common treat
consisting of fried plantains seasoned with chili and ginger. It is utilized in Nigeria to
make “kuli-kuli,” a well-liked snack consisting of ground peanuts or other nuts
combined with spices and shea butter.

Shea butter’s high level of good fats is one of its primary advantages.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to decrease
cholesterol and promote heart health, are abundant in shea butter. These fats can
support normal bodily and mental functions and are crucial for preserving general
health.