INTRODUCTION : 

Shea butter is a vegetable butter made from the nuts found in the fruits of the shea tree. It is also known as the ‘butter tree’ or ‘women’s gold’ because it is women who harvest the fruit. It is important to note that the shea tree is 12 to 20 metres tall and has an estimated lifespan of 200 to 300 years.

The shea tree grows mainly in certain regions of Africa. In West Africa, it grows wild. The name of this tree means ‘life’ in the Mandingue language.  In Burkina Faso, shea occupies more than 70% of the country’s territory, making it Africa’s leading exporter.

Shea butter is just as well known in Africa as it is in other parts of the world, such as Europe and the United States. In these distant lands, it is used more for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes. 

 HOW IS IT MADE?

In Africa, shea butter is only made by women, which is one of the reasons why it is known as ‘women’s gold’. Making shea butter requires traditional know-how, and over 3 million women in Africa depend on shea butter for their livelihood. Getting rid of the shea fruit pulp by fermenting and washing is the first step. Next, the almond seeds are pounded and the resulting mass thrown into boiling water. Finally, the liquid obtained clears and the oil appears on the surface. The next day, after a number of operations, the oil is transformed into shea butter.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SHEA BUTTER?

With its many properties, shea butter is an essential ingredient in African culture. 

It is traditionally used to moisturise, nourish and protect the skin. An excellent emollient, it also softens dry skin and adds radiance. For the hair, shea butter restores suppleness and accelerates hair growth. The benefits of this vegetable butter are countless, but whatever the case, it remains a rich resource for the African continent. From the youngest to the oldest, including newborn babies, shea butter is useful for everyone. With its rich content of vitamins A and E, shea butter alone is a powerful antioxidant that preserves the skin.

CONCLUSION

With its incredibly diverse properties, shea butter is used all over the world, particularly in Africa. Natural beauty is essential. What’s more, shea butter is a real moisturiser.

This priceless treasure is an asset for the whole of Africa. That’s why Africans use it every day. For women, it’s the ultimate beauty treatment.

So what could be more natural than to use it in profusion?