The Great Benefits of Using Natural Shea Butter

Shea butter, also known as Ori here in Nigeria, is a great health and beauty cream. It comes from the nut of the shea tree, or karité, that is indigenous to Africa.

Natural unrefined shea butter contains vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids. It is creamy in colour and has a very distinct smell. While not everyone is a fan of the butter’s particular fragrance, the  health benefits, most of which are for the skin and hair, are totally worth it. It has been used for centuries for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties.

Natural shea butter is the purest and therefore the best to use since it hasn’t gone through processing stages, which kill some of its healing properties.

Here are just some of the health benefits of natural ori:

1. Daily moisturizer and sun protector:
   Shea butter provides protection against the ultraviolet radiations of the sun, thus can be used a natural sunscreen. It can also be applied as a daily moisturizer, especially in winter (harmattan period), to soothe, hydrate and balance your skin.
2. Natural anti-inflammatory:
   Its natural anti-inflammatory properties help to heal scrapes, cuts and burns, and to relieve sunburn and rashes.
3. Effective nasal decongestant:
   Applying shea butter to the inside of your nostrils can help to clear congestion within two days.
4. Antiaging cream:
   Shea butter helps to prevent wrinkles and facial lines because it contains essential fatty acids, and vitamins A and E, which are crucial to maintaining your skin’s elasticity. 
5. Soothing disinfectant:
   Shea butter can also be used when shaving to soothe irritations and to improve the general condition of your skin. It can also be used as a soothing disinfectant and a healing agent for insect bites, due to its high content of vitamin A.

Get your household a cup of natural shea butter and enjoy little healing miracles!