Shea

Vitellaria paradoxa

Shea butter softens dry skin and protects hair; it is also an important cooking fat. Medical claims are not well studied.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

External use: pure or processed shea butter on skin and hair; in the kitchen as a cooking fat.

Use in traditions

In the Sahel and savanna regions of West Africa women gather the nuts and process them into butter: boiling, roasting, grinding and kneading with water. Shea butter is used for cooking, on the skin of babies and the elderly, for sunburn, on hair and for bruises. Because the income goes mainly to women, it is also called 'women's gold' in Burkina Faso.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Natural skin and hair care

Attributed effects

Moisturising and softening.

Preparation and amount

External: shea butter in beauty balm and coconut balm.

Ways to prepare herbs: Salve and balm
Recipes: Beauty salve Coconut balm

Sources

All herbs from Africa →