The Many Wonders of Shea Butter

Shea butter has been enjoying a type of beauty renaissance and has lately become a trendy buzzword for the global beauty industry. Although the main product directed towards the consumer is not 100% pure, it is still gaining a lot of visibility in beauty products.
Natural, unredefined Shea butter is generally an off yellow or ivory in colour and is extracted from the seed of the African Shea tree. The fat from the tree - which makes the butter - is crushed and boiled at high temperatures. Shea butter is edible and in Africa it is often used in cooking products, such as cooking oil and it also can be used for making chocolate. It also can be used in candle making.

I grew up and was introduced to the miracle of shea butter at an early age by my mum. I also used copious amounts for my two children whilst they were young babies - it was especially good for nappy rash and the mild childhood eczema that my youngest child faced.
Shea butter has many uses. I use it for a moisturiser for my skin. The best way to apply it is to warm it ever so slightly (about 10 seconds) in a microwave and rub it on damp skin. It's also excellent for a hair butter and really benefits afro hair. I also mix essential oils in some of my shea butter jars - rosemary being the main one for my hair usage.
Also, if you've had a rough workout in the gym or your generally feeling run down and your muscles hurt, or your joints feel stiff, shea butter is an excellent antidote to sooth away the aches and pains.
I always carry one of my homemade shea butter products in my bag, as I never know what and when I may need it for.