Shea Butter, Unrefined, Organic, Fair Trade

Product Details

Botanical name : Butyrosperum parkii

Extraction method / Source : Hand pressed / Nut of the Shea tree

Key constituents : Steric Acid + Oleic Acid = 85 – 90%, many phenolic compounds which give shea butter excellent antioxidant properties

Plant description : Botanical family: Sapotaceae

The shea tree is native to the dry savannah belt that crosses the center of Africa. It produces small dark green leaves and large, plum-sized yellow fruits. The fruits are nuts with a thin shell. Healthy shea trees can produce fruit for up to 200 years.

Regions of Production : Ghana

Growing Practices : Harvested by hand from trees which are grown organically, using sustainable farming practices.

History / Fun Facts

Shea butter from different regions of Africa can vary from relatively soft, which is typical in Uganda, to the fairly hard consistency produced in Burkina Faso. Hard consistency is related to a higher steric acid content, and softer butter has a higher percentage of oleic acid. In Africa, Shea Butter is widely used in cooking and for making healing balms, ointments and soap. African black soap is a wonderful emollient soap made with Shea Butter and the ash from burned cocoa hulls. In the USA, Shea Butter has become a premium ingredient in many high quality skin creams, massage products and luxurious handcrafted soaps.

TIMELESS Essential Oils is a woman-owned small business in Minnesota.  10% of profits is donated to global women's and children's rights charities.

Properties

Characteristics : Usually solid at room temperature, unrefined shea butter is off- white to light yellow in color, has a mild nutty scent, and rich emollient texture. This premium butter melts on the skin, softening and nourishing skin layers. Natural, unrefined shea butter varies slightly in color and consistency depending on the growing conditions (see Fun Facts below).

Properties : Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, emollient, cell regenerative, mild sunscreen

Uses : Pure, unrefined organic shea butter is an extraordinary emollient for the skin, improving elasticity and offering some degree of ultraviolet ray protection. Rich in vitamins and phytonutrients, it can help to reduce scars and stretch marks, and has some anti-inflammatory qualities. Shea butter is mild enough for babies and sensitive skin, and can be helpful in the treatment of chronic skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

Storage : Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Refrigeration prolongs the freshness of all natural oils.

Safety

Safety : GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). Avoid if you have an allergy to shea nuts.

Notice : This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease and should not take the place of evaluation by a qualified health professional. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

References