Story about Shea Butter

Some history records show that the precious natural Shea Butter was used in skin care products at the time of Queen Cleopatra. Large jars of Shea Butter accompany her on all her travels so that she could apply the smooth, hydrating, soothing, and rejuvenating butter to her skin daily.  However, this natural emollient was used long before then by the people of Africa. For use in the harsh desert climates, Shea nuts were crushed, mashed, and boiled into a butter that was used to protect skin and hair from drying, damaging elements, and insect bites. Traditionally, African local healers used this nourishing butter to remedy health issues such as coughing, bruising, rheumatism, inflammation, and leprosy. Its wound-healing properties made it effective in diminishing stretch marks and regenerating skin.

With its nick name “The Tree of life”, the handcrafted shea butter truly gives life to the women of Africa. In some of Africa’s poorest regions, the Shea tree has become important to the economy. Shea Butter is called ‘Women’s Gold,’ as its production is the source of income for many women and families, allowing them to purchase food, clothing, personal items, and to afford education for their children.

From West Africa to the countries all over the world, Shea became a popular global trade ingredient in cosmetic industry. For many years, Shea butter has been a secret ingredient in rejuvenating skin care products. It is reputed for its exceptional moisturizing and softening properties, natural conditioner, super food for skin.

Nature provides all we need for our well-being.

Shea butter contains natural constituents that are powerful for the skin, when used topically, combined with other carrier oils like baobab or rosehip, or by itself. Rich in vitamin A &  E, it contains more anti-oxidants than Green Tea. Shea Butter also works as a heat protectant when using hair styling tools or when exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. It has natural SPF 6. Contains healthy Omega-9, Omega-6, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper.

Shea Butter, not only beautify but also heal, when used in hair, on burns, scratches, scars and bruises, as a lotion, massage crème, or wrinkle reducer, for eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, razor bumps and rashes, or to protect skin from sun damage.

As often the case with natural ingredients, nothing is invested in scientifically proven facts, but it does not mean that we can not enjoy the benefits of Shea Butter on our own skin.

At BioAromatica we offer unrefined, crude Shea Butter in the most natural form. The aroma is strong, nutty, pungent, sweet oily, that is characteristic of a pure & natural Shea Butter from Ghana. The texture is soft, fresh, and easy to whip. By adding some essential oils of your choice or BioAromatica essential oil synergy blends you can make a fantastic body butter, massage oil, lotion, balm, or cream for your home spa use.

Shea Butter can be combined with other therapeutic oils to make a salve that soothes skin afflicted with sores, burns, peeling, cracking, allergies, and damage from heat. In a blender, combine 50 gr. unrefined Shea Butter, 10 gr Aloe Vera Gel, 10 gr Lavender floral water, 5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil, and 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil. Blend all the ingredients together into a smooth cream. Keep on cool place, use within 10 days.

Shea butter is easily whipped in a luxurious body butter. Simply combine by whipping 180 gr of unrefined Shea Butter with 40 gr of Baobab oil or Rosehip oil. The best texture is achieved if Shea butter is melted first (over double boiler), then rest in the fridge or freezer until solid and after that whipped with the stick blender while adding some liquid oils. You can add some essential oils of your choice. Please note: If you add essential oil of any citrus to your body butter, do not expose your skin to the sun rays. Citrus essential oils are photosensitive. Recommendation is to add Lavender essential oil, Helichrysum Italicum, Tea-tree or Rose Geranium.

For soothing and relaxing massage, combine 10% of shea butter, 10% of coconut oil, 80% of liquid oils (e.g. Sweet Almond, Olive oil, Grape seed oil, Apricot kernel oil). Melt Shea butter and Coconut oil (over double boiler), add liquid oils. Combine by stirring. Add a couple of drops of BioAromatica essential oil Synergy blends.

Possible contraindication: Unrefined Shea butter is for topical, external use only. Shea Butter should not be ingested and should not be stored within the reach of children. As with all butters, a patch test should be conducted on the inner arm or other generally more sensitive area of skin, applying a small amount of Shea Butter to check for sensitivities. If no allergic response within 48 hours, use of butter is safe.  Individuals with allergies to tree nuts are at a higher risk of developing an allergy to Shea Butter and should avoid its use. Consult with medical professional or naturopath before use if you have any concerns.