Tou-SHEA!

There was a time not long ago when I did not know what Shea Butter was.  I began to see body care products on the shelves of health food stores that contained Shea Butter and would open a tester, sniff it, and put it back on the shelf.  Well, fast forward to now and I cannot tell you how much I love Shea Butter because of the amazing and therapeutic benefits it offers.  As a matter of fact, I created a "Round About" Hard Lotion Bar using Shea Butter.

So, a little about the history of Shea Butter..

• Shea Butter is the oil from the nuts that are gathered from wild trees scattered throughout the fields and forests on the African continent.
• Shea Butter is mentioned in most all African historical documents, including a reference as early as Cleopatra's Egypt, which mentioned caravans bearing clay jars of Shea Butter for cosmetic use.
• It is a very versatile active ingredient for skin and has excellent anti-aging, soothing and moisturizing properties.
• In recent clinical trials, Shea Butter was found to help protect skin against climate and UV rays, prevent wrinkles, soothe irritated and chapped skin and moisturize the epidermis.
• According to Allafia.com, Shea Butter enhances cell regeneration and capillary circulation, which helps prevent and minimize stretch marks, inflammations and scarring.

I suggest using "unrefined shea butter" since it contains the maximum amount of healing and moisturizing properties.  Many of the products on the market (and, yes, even in health food stores!) use "refined" shea butter which is virtually stripped of its healing properties.  Why?  Because it is odorless and somewhat white in color.  I happen to like the smell of "real" shea butter!!  And, we are all about health and healing.  I would never pass anything on to you that I do not believe in.