TRADITIONAL USES OF SHEA BUTTER

Africa’s extensive relationship with Shea butter is very deep and intimate.  In ancient Egypt, the funeral beds of early kings were carved in the wood of old Shea trees. Shea butter was also used to protect the skin and hair against the fierce sun and the hot dry winds of the African deserts and the Sahara.  Here are some more interesting facts regarding African Shea butter:

• Local African healers used African Shea butter to treat rheumatism, muscle and joint pain.
• African Shea butter was and still is used as an insect repellant. 
• African Shea butter has been used to relieve nasal congestion.
• Used in combination certain essential oils . African Shea butter was used as a wonderful antiperspirant to reduce body odor
• African Shea butter has been used to as a moisturizer to protect a dog’s skin and paws from the effects of sand and salt.
• Pregnant African women their swelling abdomens with African Shea butter to prevent stretch marks.
• After birth, the women massage their babies from head to toe with African Shea butter.
• In the Ivory Coast mothers rub African Shea butter over their babies’ skin after bathing to make the children’s skin glow.
• African Shea butter in its oily form is an essential ingredient in African Cuisine.  It is the most desired oil for food preparation and becomes the base of many soups and condiments like chocolate.