Shea Butter
Shea Butter
Shea Butter is a solid fat that is extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree mainly found in the wild areas of west and east Africa.
Shea Butter is most commonly used in creams, lotions, moisturisers for skin and hair. Applying Shea Butter on scalp prevents hair damage due to the presence of antioxidants. Shea Butter has anti-ageing properties that helps to soften the skin and stimulates skin cell regeneration. Regular application of Shea Butter on lips during extreme cold and summer season keeps them soft and moisturized due to the presence of vitamin E.
Shea Butter helps in the management of arthritis by reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also has an analgesic property that reduces the pain associated with muscle soreness.
Although consumption of Shea Butter in food amounts is safe. But, it is advisable to avoid the excessive consumption of Shea Butter or consult a physician before taking Shea Butter[2][5].
Shea Butter is most commonly used in creams, lotions, moisturisers for skin and hair. Applying Shea Butter on scalp prevents hair damage due to the presence of antioxidants. Shea Butter has anti-ageing properties that helps to soften the skin and stimulates skin cell regeneration. Regular application of Shea Butter on lips during extreme cold and summer season keeps them soft and moisturized due to the presence of vitamin E.
Shea Butter helps in the management of arthritis by reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also has an analgesic property that reduces the pain associated with muscle soreness.
Although consumption of Shea Butter in food amounts is safe. But, it is advisable to avoid the excessive consumption of Shea Butter or consult a physician before taking Shea Butter[2][5].
What are the synonyms of Shea Butter?
Vitellaria paradoxa[2].
What is the source of Shea Butter?
Plant Based
Benefits of Shea Butter
Modern Science View
Shea Butter might help in the management of hayfever. A study suggests that applying Shea Butter in the nose clears the blockage in the air passages and improves breathing. This helps in managing the symptoms of hay fever[2].
Modern Science View
Shea Butter helps manage the inflammation in skin due to its anti-inflammatory property. It contains certain constituents which inhibit the mediators of inflammation. Applying a cream containing Shea Butter reduces the pain and inflammation associated with skin problems[7].
Modern Science View
Shea Butter cream helps in the management of muscle soreness that might lead to inflammation and stiffness in the body. It helps reduce inflammation and pain in muscles due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties[4].
Modern Science View
Shea Butter might help manage the symptoms of arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property. It contains certain constituents that inhibit the activity of an inflammatory protein. This reduces the pain and swelling associated with arthritis[3].
Modern Science View
Shea Butter might help in wound healing due to the presence of antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent further damage at the wound site by fighting against free radicals. It causes wound contraction as well as closure and helps in the formation of collagen and new skin cells. It also reduces the risk of infection in the wound and thus promotes wound healing[7][9].
Tips for using Shea Butter for wound healing.
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and a few drops of coconut oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the affected area for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Tips for using Shea Butter for wound healing.
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and a few drops of coconut oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the affected area for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Modern Science View
Shea Butter might be useful in eczema due to its emollient property. It helps to reduce the symptoms of eczema such as dry skin and itchiness by providing healing and soothing effects to the skin[8].
Tips for using Shea Butter in eczema.
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and a few drops of Sandalwood or Lavender essential oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the affected area for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Tips for using Shea Butter in eczema.
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and a few drops of Sandalwood or Lavender essential oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the affected area for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Modern Science View
Shea Butter has strong healing properties due to the presence of Vitamin A. It is effective in promoting healing and soothes skin allergies such as insect bites[5].
Modern Science View
Shea Butter ointment helps prevent skin dryness due to the presence of vitamin F. It has an emollient property that helps to soften the skin. It also has the ability to rejuvenate skin by soothing and healing rough and dry skin[5].
Tips for using Shea Butter for dry skin.
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and few drops of Jasmine or Chamomile essential oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the affected area for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Tips for using Shea Butter for dry skin.
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and few drops of Jasmine or Chamomile essential oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the affected area for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Modern Science View
Shea Butter, when used in the form of nasal drops, might provide relief from nasal congestion. It reduces the inflammation in the nasal passages due to its anti-inflammatory property. It helps to clear the sinuses by removing mucus from the nose[10].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Shea Butter in psoriasis. However, it might help in managing the symptoms of psoriasis due to its healing and soothing properties. The topical application of Shea Butter helps in reducing skin rashes and dryness[5].
Tips for using Shea Butter on psoriasis.
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and few drops of Jasmine or Chamomile essential oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the affected area for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Tips for using Shea Butter on psoriasis.
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and few drops of Jasmine or Chamomile essential oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the affected area for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Modern Science View
Shea Butter helps manage skin scars due to its moisturising and healing properties. It acts as an emollient that softens and soothes the skin when used in ointments[1][5].
How effective is Shea Butter?
Insufficient evidence
Arthritis, Dry Skin, Eczema, Hay fever, Insect bite, Muscle spasm, Psoriasis, Sinusitis, Skin conditions with inflammation & itching, Skin disorders, Wound healing
How to use Shea Butter
Shea Butter Paste
a. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and few drops of coconut oil (or as per your requirement).
b. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
c. Apply this paste regularly on the wounds for better results.
d. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
a. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and few drops of coconut oil (or as per your requirement).
b. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
c. Apply this paste regularly on the wounds for better results.
d. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Frequently asked questions
Ayurvedic View
For External Use
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and few drops of coconut oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the wounds for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
1. Take 50-55 grams of Shea Butter and few drops of coconut oil (or as per your requirement).
2. Mix both the ingredients properly to make a uniform paste.
3. Apply this paste regularly on the wounds for better results.
4. Preserve it in an airtight container for long time storage.
Modern Science View
Shea Butter can be used at any time of the day. It can be used at night as feet and hand moisturiser. It is better to use Shea Butter as a skincare product during extreme cold and summer season because it provides moisture, nutrients and protection to the skin[5].
Modern Science View
Unprocessed form of Shea butter is considered the best for use. It is non-fragrant, off-white ivory or yellowish in color. Processed shea butter is generally bright white in color. However, the color may range due to the country of origin. The texture of butter should not be hard or greasy as the presence of vitamin E gives it firm yet supple quality consistency.
References
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- WebMD.Shea butter: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Foyet HS, Tsala DE, Essono Bodo JCZ, et al. Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of a methanol extract from Vitellaria paradoxastem bark. Pharmacognosy Research. 2015;7(4):367-377.
- Chen SP, Lo SF, Wang YC, et al. Validating Efficacy of Shea Nut Oil Extract in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2013.
- Izideen Maanikuu PM, Peker K. Medicinal and Nutritional Benefits from the Shea Tree- (Vitellaria Paradoxa). Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare.2017; 7(22):51-57.
- Abidemi TA, Adebayo OJ, Idowu O, et al. Nutrient content and anti-nutritional factors in shea butter (Butryospermum parkii) leaves. African Journal of Biotechnology. 2009;8(21):5888-5890.
- Kai-Lin T, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int. J. Mol Sci. 2018;19(1):70.
- Belibi SE, Stechschulte D, Olson N. The use of Shea Butter as an emollient for eczema. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009;123(2):S41.
- Israel MO. Effects of topical and dietary use of Shea Butter on animals. American journal of life sciences.2014;2(5):303-307.
- Tella A, Preliminary studies on nasal decongestant activity from the seed of the shea butter tree, Butyrospermum parkii.Br J Clin Pharmacol.1979;7(5):495-497.
- Kokil S, Kadu M, Vishwasrao S, et al. Review on Natural Lip Balm. International Journal of Research in Cosmetic Science. 2015; 5(1): 1-7.
- Megnanou RM and Niamke S. Improving the optimized shea butter quality: a great potential of utilization for common consumers and industrial. Springerplus. 2015; 4: 667
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.