The one thing that all the skin and hair creams on the market will tell you is that they have no long term effect. Whatever effect there is, is one purely of instance sheen and/or moisture which will soon expire with the process of oxidation. Most importantly, what they won’t tell you is that everything Allah (SWT) created as a purpose. Everything as a synergy/resonance with something else which make sit compatible and able to achieve a certain goal. So just as there products that are good for the skin because they have a synergy that makes that compatible with the skin, the same applies to everything else pertaining to the human body, and its dependence on nature for maintaining equilibrium. Plants like humans are sensitive to the environment in which they are nurtured, to the extent that the similarity between plant cells, and human cells reveal a partnership with one providing therapy/healing/food for the other. Each plant carries a signature, which reveals its purpose for the human body.
In relation to skin care, one such product of nature is Shea Butter. Shea Butter or Karite (meaning Tree of Life) Butter has a synergy with the skin, especially black skin because of it rejuvenating qualities. It has been much used by the locals of Nigeria, as a traditional skin care treatment, and has become one of those essentials of black skin beauty care amongst black people in the Diaspora. In recent years it has become popular in the Western beauty industry because Shea Butter checks:
• Dry skin
• Stretch marks
• Itchy skin, skin rashes, Eczema, and Dermatitis
• Sunburn
• Small skin wounds
• Damaged skin
• Rough skin (such as on feet)
• Insect bites
• Muscle aches, fatigue, and tension
• Wrinkles and signs of ageing
• Chapped skin from cold weather
• Dry or over processed hair
• Nappy rash
• Skin allergies
• Frost bite
Shea Butter is native to Africa and is referred to by its Latin/botanical name as Butyrospermum parkii. It grows as a nut from a tree, also known as the Mangifolia Tree, which takes 50 years to grow, and can live up to 300 years. This alone is a signature in terms of longevity. The Shea Butter is obtained through extraction, and the age and habitat of the nut can make a big difference in terms of quality and medicinal content. Some of the medicinal constituents are:
• Saponins
• Iodine
• Fats – the same moisturizers produced by the skin, making it a superb and intensive skin moisturizer.
• Oleic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Linoleic acid
• Stearic acid
• triglycerides
• Karisterols
• Parkeol
• Lupeol
• Butryospermol
• Katitene
• Cinnamic esters – protects the skin from low ultra violet rays
• Vitamin A – sooths, hydrates and balances the skin, provides skin collagen which is beneficial to aging skin.
• Vitamin E – sooths, hydrates and balances the skin, provides skin collagen which is beneficial to aging skin.
• E Vitamin F – protects and revitalizes damaged skin and hair.
Shea Butter has a strong synergy with the skin, because it promotes skin renewal, increases circulation in the skin, including the scalp, and speeds up the healing of wounds as a result. Shea Butter also acts as a natural sun screen against low ultra violet rays.
Traditionally, as well as the above, Shea Butter has been used as a decongestant, an anti inflammatory for sprains, and arthritis, a healing salve for the umbilical cord of babies after circumcision, and even as a cooking oil, and as a fuel for lamps. In local production of soap, Shea Butter becomes a skin conditioner when added.
Usage and Application
To be sure of getting good quality Shea Butter, the first indication is the smell which is strong. If this smell is missing, then additives have been made to alter the smell, but in so doing the medicinal properties have also been undermined. Shea Butter has a creamy color, and should be stored in a cool, dark place. Shea Butter like Cocoa Butter melts when in touch with the skin, and the strong smell dissipates.
• Add a spoonful to your bath water to ease dry or itchy skin, or sore muscles. Try adding a drop of Patchouli or Rose essential oils both of which are compatible with the skin, and patchouli in particular helps to release tension, anxiety, and also helps in skin regeneration.
• In massage, for tired muscles or extremely dry skin.
• In soaps, Shea Butter has a conditioning effect. Try incorporating Shea Butter into your handmade soap recipes.
• Massaged into the scalp for dry scalp symptoms and to stimulate hair growth.
• Use during pregnancy to keep the skin supple, and to prevent stretch marks. It may also be used after giving birth to reduce stretch marks.
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Sources:
Alaffia Agbanga Shea Butter History http://www.agbangakarite.com/shea_history.php
American Shea Butter Institute 21 Reasons to Use Shea Butter http://www.sheainstitute.com/index.php/training-and-education/consumer-awareness/21-reasons.html
Botanical.com. Shea Butter Profile http://www.botanical.com/products/learn/butter/shea.html
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