Where does shea grow?
The scientific literature indicates that the shea (carite) tree is called Vitellaria, Vitellaria Nilotica (Eastern Africa), or Vitellaria Paradoxa (West Africa). The largest plantations are in Cameroon, Mali, Nigeria, Congo, Burkina Faso, Sinegal and Uganda. The height of this plant can be up to 15 meters, the trunk and branches are covered with a dark waxy substance that protects the wood from fires. The tree begins to bear fruit at the age of twenty. Yields can be up to two hundred years.
Fruits-nuts of the karite tree - this is the greatest and most important wealth of the peoples of Africa, since there is no special abundance of natural fat sources. The African tribes still collect fruits from the ancient times, which in their original form resemble large plums. The flesh that covers the nuts is a treat for animals and humans. Africans appreciate everything in this plant: trees that do not bear fruit, cut down, dried, burned, and ashes are used to paint the canvas in a dark color, and the extract of the roots of this tree is used to prepare a medicinal drink.
On these trees there is a species of caterpillars, which is considered a delicacy. The fruits of the shea tree are of almost sacred value, they are a symbol of life, luck and fertility. Fruits of karite are the best gift and serve as an exquisite treat at any feast. Shea butter is produced in East and West Africa. From the east, the oil is considered more fragrant and mild, but it has less fatty acids.
Methods of obtaining shea butter
For many centuries, the way of extracting shi oil has practically not changed. Traditionally, women are engaged in harvesting. They purify the fruit, spread them in the sun in order to soften the pulp, then eat it. Bones of fruits, nuts, sorted, washed and pounded. After the second drying, the nuts are ground in hand mills, and the flour is poured into large vats filled with hot water.
This mixture is constantly stirred, and the oil rises to the surface. Then there is added cold water and the resulting brown fat freezes. This fat is collected. Then it is heated in a large frying pan, and at the end filter. Ready-made karite oil, which now has a creamy color, is packed in special pots. Some of this remains for internal needs, and some are sent to the "big world".
Properties of Shea Butter
Shea butter is perfectly absorbed. This does not leave a greasy shine. It perfectly softens the skin and hair. Special fats, which about 15% of the oil, contribute to the natural production of collagen. This means that products with shea butter in the composition perfectly rejuvenate and heal the skin.
Karite oil is a natural filter for ultraviolet radiation (natural factor SPF 6), enhances the protective properties of the skin. Due to the fact that shea butter delivers excellent moisture in the skin and nourishes it, it is successfully used as a moisturizer.
Pure shea butter helps with eczema. dry skin, as well as with burns, to treat post acne and acne. Shea butter is quite suitable as a shaving cream, and those who have curls, shea butter, can easily comb the hair.
How to choose the shea butter
This oil is almost impossible to forge. But you have to be careful. Note that when adding hexane or other solvents to the oil, no one gives a guarantee that it will have the properties expected of it.
Many people smell the oil is pleasant. It has a slight hazel nuance. If the oil does not smell, then this may mean that it is either aged and does not already have those beneficial properties, or the above-mentioned solvents have been added to the oil. Then the oil can have a pure white color. But at any degree of "old age" shea butter does not have an unpleasant smell. If this is present, this means that there are foreign additives. It is not necessary to store it in the refrigerator. Shea butter is perfectly preserved for 2-3 years in place. where there is no access to the sun and there is a coolness.
If you prefer oil not in its pure form, but in the composition of some cosmetic means, then it's worth paying attention to such moments: when you specify the composition, shea butter should be in the first place, otherwise it's just a marketing move of cosmetic manufacturers.
Also pay attention to the manufacturing company: it must be trustworthy and trustworthy. In addition, small shea should be the main component in a cosmetic product, otherwise most of the beneficial properties of the oil will be drowned out by competitors.
Always remember that such wonderful cosmetic and pharmacological properties are possessed by shea butter only in pure form, prepared according to ancient technology by African peasants. Any other interference in its production or the admixtures of other components leads to the fact that the oil turns into just a good fat.