Shea Butter Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Shea butter is an off-white thick or creamy type substance made from the nuts of the shea tree. The shea tree is native to West Africa, including Senegal, Sudan and Ethiopia. Shea butter is a very popular product used to produce natural skin care products.¹ Shea butter in its all-natural form is commonly used as a moisturizer because it offers tremendous benefits for skin health. Shea butter is also well-known for its distinct smell.² Shea butter is often combined with other natural products like lavender and mint to enhance its health and skin care benefits.¹ Shea butter is available in local drug stores. For the best shea butter benefits, choose products that are 100% natural shea butter. Shea butter can be found in products like creams and lotions.

Shea Butter Health Uses and Health Benefits

Shea butter benefits come from its natural compounds that provide lots of nourishing vitamins. Shea butter is high in both vitamin A and E which are good for rejuvenating and hydrating skin. Shea butter is also high in stearic and oleic acids, which are fatty acids with important anti-inflammatory and other health benefits.¹ Shea butter has a natural ability to help tissues repair and regenerate themselves.Shea butter benefits for health include:

• Providing natural skin care
• Protects the skin against aging by fighting wrinkles
• Moisturizes and hydrates scalp and hair
• Moisturizes and hydrates skin damaged by dry and cold climates
• Minimizes the appearance of stretch marks, scarring and cellulite
• Prevents diaper rash

Shea butter uses include being able to treat and prevent the following conditions:

• Eczema (Dermatitis) - Shea butter’s extreme hydrating and moisturizing benefits make it an excellent product for treating eczema.
• Burns - Shea butter uses include being able to treat burns by helping to heal and repair the skin.
• Genital Warts - Shea butter can heal and hydrate genital warts. Frequent application of shea butter can help to remove genital warts.
• Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis) - Shea butter is a natural moisturizing and hydrating product that can be applied to cradle cap. Regular application can help to heal cradle cap and prevent it from returning. It’s also a safe product to use on babies.

Shea Butter Side Effects and Precautions

Some people with nut allergies may experience shea butter side effects in the form of an allergic reaction on the skin. However, most people don’t experience shea butter side effects.¹

References

1. https://draxe.com/raw-shea-butter/
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/324195-what-are-the-benefits-of-raw-shea-butter/