The Healing and Nurturing Energy of Shea Butter For The Mind, Body, and Spirit

The divine luxurious shea butter is another of Tamr Henna’s essential ingredients. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer because it contains high fatty acids that lock in moisture. This product has been dubbed ‘Women’s Gold’ because making shea butter is a female-dominated industry. Since its inception, it has helped women improve the quality of life for their families and communities. 

What Is The Origin Of The Word Shea Butter?

The English word “shea” comes from the Bambara word (the language of Mali) for the tree, s’í. In Wolof (the language of Senegal), the tree is known as ghariti, from which the French name of the tree and butter, karité derives.  In French, shea butter is known as”beurre de karité.”

Botanically, Shea Tree is known as “Vitellaria paradoxa” (formerly Butyrospermum parkii).  The African Shea tree is indigenous to the continent and produces tiny nuts with almond-like seeds and abundantly thrives in West Africa, where it is harvested.

Ancient and Modern Uses of Shea Butter for Skin Care

Shea Butter is credited with being a precious cosmetic and skincare product in ancient Africa. In ancient Egypt, it is said that Queen Cleopatra loved shea butter and that she was supplied with clay jars filled with shea butter for cosmetic use; moreover, it was beloved by the Queen of Sheba and Nefertiti, so it must be good!

The moisturizing properties of shea butter can only be obtained manually (primarily by women) through a painstaking process that involves collecting, cracking, pounding, roasting, grinding, separating, and molding the dried nuts into a paste.  A quick fix is not possible here!

Nowadays, it’s known worldwide for its rich moisture and soothing, hydrating properties in cosmetics.  It is notable for its ability to reduce stretch marks after delivery.

The emollient properties of shea butter help smooth and soften dry skin. Fatty acids lock in moisture and allow the skin to hold onto it for more extended periods. It is also rich in vitamins which deeply moisturize dry skin.  It also contains substances that can help treat eczema.

Refined and Unrefined Shea Butter

Unrefined: Pale Yellow, Ivory Shea Butter

Shea butter can take on different hues depending on how it is processed.  The yellow unrefined shea butter is raw shea butter mixed with natural additives and is not edible as some makers add palm oil, while others add Borututu roots; both herbal extracts have beneficial nutrients. It is sometimes called ‘Borututu Root Shea Butter.’ On the other hand, the ivory-colored unrefined butter is 100% raw without additives. The natural odor of unrefined Shea Butter is described as being slightly smoky or nutty.

Refined/ Ultra-refined: White Shea Butter

Refined or ultra-refined shea butter is extracted and processed with high heat using natural solvents. The result of this process is white, odorless shea butter and extended shelf life.  It does not get grainy when reheated, unlike the unrefined shea butter.

Shea trees are symbolic of healing and nurturing energy for the mind, body, and spirit.

Tamr Henna is proud to continue bringing you the most delicate beauty secrets ancestors knew back then.  Shea butter is a premium ingredient that we combine with luxurious essential oils and other natural elements to create luxurious and rich products that bring a sense of heritage and modernity.

It’s time to butter up!