Raw Shea Butter A few years ago I discovered the benefits of using raw, African shea butter. This natural, unrefined product can be used by anyone and has become my main moisturizer over the years. There are numerous uses for shea butter which is rich in vitamins A and E, so I thought I would highlight a few. Traditional Production The shea nut comes from the Karité tree found in various regions in Western and Central Africa. The process of extracting the shea butter from the nut is very labour intensive and is traditionally performed by women in rural communities. One of the reasons I continue to use this inexpensive product is that shea butter production is often linked to sustainable, fair trade income for the women who produce the shea butter for their families and communities. Wikipedia:
Separating/cracking: The outer pulp of the fruit is removed. When dry, the nut, which is the source of shea butter, must be separated from the outer shell. This is a social activity, traditionally done by Women Elders and young girls who sit on the ground and break the shells with small rocks.
Crushing: To make the shea nuts into butter, they must be crushed. Traditionally, this is done with mortars and pestles. It requires lifting the pestles and grinding the nuts into the mortars to crush the nuts so they can be roasted.
Roasting: The crushed nuts are then roasted in huge pots over open, wood fires. The pots must be stirred constantly with wooden paddles so the butter does not burn. The butter is heavy and stirring it is hot, smoky work, done under the sun. This is where the slight, smoky smell of traditional shea butter originates.
Grinding: The roasted shea nuts are ground into a smoother paste, water is gradually added and the paste is mixed well by hand.
Separating the oils: The paste is kneaded by hand in large basins and water is gradually added to help separate out the butter oils. As they float to the top, the butter oils, which are in a curd state, are removed and excess water squeezed out. The butter oil curds are then melted in large open pots over slow fires. A period of slow boiling will remove any remaining water, by evaporation.
Collecting and shaping: The shea butter, which is creamy or golden yellow at this point, is ladled from the top of the pots and put in cool places to harden. Then it is formed into balls.
Refined Shea Butter Unlike raw, unrefined shea butter, refined shea butter is extracted from the nut using a chemical process which involves bleaching, deodorizing and overheating. This process often strips the shea butter of its natural, healing properties. Refined shea butter is what most cosmetics that claim to have natural shea butter actually consist of. Unrefined Shea Butter Raw shea butter comes in an ivory or yellow hue that has a mild, smoky, nutty scent. The butter is soft to the touch and melts upon contact with the skin. Although some would argue the difference between yellow and ivory shea butter, I haven't found a substantial difference, but I prefer to use the ivory. Raw shea butter is edible and is traditionally used in cooking for its high fat and nutritional content. Shea butter and cocoa butter are often interchangeable in producing foods such as chocolate, although there is a slight taste difference. In the West, shea butter has mostly been adopted for its cosmetic and topical treatments. 15 Uses
Lip balm
Hair moisturizer and conditioner
Skin treatment for sun damage
Makeup primer for more intense eyeshadow
Massage oil for muscles and joints (add a few drops of essential oil)
Post-waxing moisturizer
Diaper rash treatment
Stretch mark prevention
Razor burn treatment
Fading cream for scars and burns
Nail and cuticle cream
Eyebrow and eyelash definition
Insect bite treatment for reduced itching and swelling
Anti-aging wrinkle cream
Deep moisturizer for dry face, hands and feet
There are so many more unconventional uses for shea butter. Since most applications only require a small amount of product (a little goes a long way), shea butter lasts a long time if kept in an airtight container. You can purchase raw shea butter online or from your local African beauty supply store. If you haven't tried it already, I encourage you to pick up some of this miracle moisturizer and start experimenting for yourself.