Why We Can't Say Enough About Shea!
Shea Butter may seem like a relatively new craze, but it’s been a staple in Africa for thousands of years. In fact, the Karite tree, which produces shea nuts, translates to “Tree of Life” for very good reasons.
Shea Butter has received a lot of interest recently because people are seeking ways to use fewer chemicals on their bodies. Read more on this from EWG Skin Deep. Regardless of your reasons for checking it out, Shea Butter is a superior moisturizer all on its own. If you prefer scent, you can always add Essential Oils to any of the uses below, which only multiplies its amazing benefits.
11 Reasons to Keep a Tub or Two of Shea Butter Nearby
1. Naturally Rich in Vitamins A, E + 5 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) and Cinnamic Acid
Vitamins A & E provide great moisturizing and healing benefits. We should emphasize ‘healing’ so you truly get the picture. Studies have been done on its healing properties and Shea Butter scores high. Part of that has to do with its naturally occurring fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidic. When applied externally, these EFA's help keep skin moist and protected from outside elements. They also help with crusting and itching of all kinds, including eczema. Lastly, Cinnamic Acid (anti-inflammatory, found in cinnamon) heals skin irritations like acne, burns and bug bites.
Your brain’s probably spinning with ways to use this amazing butter, right? Ok, moving on . . .
2. Helpful for Stretch Marks and Anti-Aging
Remember the moisturizing part? Well, Shea Butter also boosts collagen production, which makes it pretty helpful during pregnancy for stretch marks. Also, fights wrinkles. Try mixing it with argan oil. Just melt the Shea and add an emulsifying wax. Like it straight out of the jar? We call that 'Shea Neat.'
Pretty neat, right? Ok, moving on . . .
3. Reduces Cellulite
Because of its Vitamin E content, Shea helps to fight free radical damage and increases blood circulation to the skin (micro-circulation) which improves skin the longer you use it. It just gets better with time. (Sigh.) We wish we could say that about everything.
4. Outstanding Natural Moisturizer
Using Shea for its moisturizing properties alone will knock your socks off, even if you aren’t yet sold on its other benefits. You can create your own body butter recipes by mixing Shea with other oils: coconut, jojoba, almond, or butters like cocoa or mango. Or you can use it straight out of the jar. A little goes a long way! Try rubbing on bottoms of feet, slip on socks (that were previously knocked off) and leave overnight! Wake to baby soft morning feet.
5. Lip Balm and Light Sunscreen
Skip the pricey, chemical-laden store-bought lip balms. Shea makes an outstanding butter for the delicate lip area. It also contains a low, natural SPF of 4-6. If you’re outside for a short stint (twenty minutes or less) or traveling in a car (remember the left side of your body if you drive a lot), Shea is a good, natural source for limited sun exposure. For more protection, add zinc.
6. Muscle Fatigue and Soreness
Tough workout? About to have one? Lather up with Shea. Shea contains something called stigmasterol, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Natural Massage Oil for Scalp and Body and Excellent Hair Conditioner
Vitamins A, E, Oleic and Cinnamic Acid. So beneficial! Now imagine no chemicals on your scalp and none on your body. Pretty important during a massage, right? If you like scent, add an essential oil like lavender (decreases anxiety, helps with dementia) or ylang ylang (which we just love saying) or peppermint (to perk you up). Melt Shea in palms. Add 2 drops of EO. Put on some soothing music. You’ll appeal to three senses. How amazing does that sound?
For hair, daily use: Melt a nickel-sized amount and apply lightly to ends. If hair does well (fine hair tends to get greasy), you can lightly apply higher up the shaft. You can also moisturize the scalp with pure Shea.
For hair, monthly deep conditioning: Mix 2 parts coconut oil with one part Shea (i.e., 1/2 cup coconut oil, ¼ cup Shea, optional: add 1-2 teaspoons Argan Oil). Melt on stovetop. Let cool and whip with mixer. Comb through hair. Wrap hair in towel or use shower cap. Leave for an hour. Shampoo and condition as usual. (May have to lather twice.)
8. Heals Burns and Sunburns
Touch your hand on a hot stove? Stay out too long in the sun? Use Shea straight out of the jar. Scrape out a nickel-sized amount, add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil. Melt in palms. Tea Tree Oil will speed the healing time of burns. Re-apply often.
9. Reduces Blemishes
Shea has been shown to reduce blemishes because of its anti-inflammatory benefits. It might sound contradictory because Shea butter is an oil, but remember those Vitamins A and E? Use Shea straight out of the jar. Don’t mix with other oils like coconut. Tea Tree Oil could be added as well.
10. Heals Skin Irritations of Many Kinds
Cuts, scrapes and other minor wounds? Itchy skin or insect bites? Poison oak and ivy? Eczema and psoriasis? Yep, yep, yep and yessirree! Shea's got you covered. Some people have reported help with Rosacea as well. Healing properties a-plenty. Start light. If you see benefits, continue using.
11. Natural Personal Lubricant
Many chemicals are easily absorbed into delicate areas of the body, especially the mucous membranes. When it comes to personal care products, avoid those which are petroleum-based or heavily-laden with chemicals. When it doubt, read the label. (Note: Shea can break down latex.) For more on this topic, read Green Living Natural Care for ingredients to use and avoid.
Green Leaf Naturals Shea Butter Benefits
Try Green Leaf Naturals Raw Unrefined Shea Butter! It’s organic, which makes it perfect for using straight out of the jar, or in your favorite homemade recipes. Buy now and use this for extra savings.
We hope you’ll keep reading about the amazing benefits of Shea Butter. Stay tuned for future recipes that are easy to make at home. We think you’ll love them as much as we do!