Shea Butter

The Shea tree grows wild on the savannahs in West Africa; it is well suited to its growing environment as it can withstand long periods of drought.  It takes 8 – 12 years for the tree to produce fruit & reaches its peak around 40 years & can continue to 150 years.  The sweet tasting fruit resembles a small avocado or plum, the stone is about 2cms long & contains the shea butter.  For centuries the local people have used the fruit & stone for food, medicinal, decorative & cosmetic purposes, especially for protection against the sun & wind.

Shea butter properties & uses are:

·    Stimulates the formation & growth of new skin cells

·    Mildly anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory

·    Fantastic moisturiser for the skin

·    Good for dry, sensitive, baby & black skin care & skin prone to eczema & psoriasis

·    Protects the skin from drying out due to its moisture retaining properties

·    Protection from the sun, it has SPF of 2-3

·    Healing & helpful with damaged & scarred skin

·    Safe for use during pregnancy & for preventing & treating stretch marks

·    Good for dry hair & dry, irritated scalp

·    Excellent softening properties making the skin soft & supple

·    Edible & used in food products