Today’s #AfricanSuperfood is the fruit of the Karite Tree, Butyrospermum Parkii (popularly known as #SheaButter).
Karite Trees grow in most parts of West and Central Africa and have been a staple in these homes for many years with a diverse range of purposes. It is used for cooking (100% natural, unrefined shea butter is edible), for moisturizing the fragile and sensitive skin of newborns, to soothe aching skin and muscles, to heal burns, scars and sores, and for healthy glowing skin and silky hair.
I personally LOVE Shea butter. It’s like ten products in one. I use it as a moisturizer especially in winter months and also on my hair. A lot of people with locs use beeswax or other products that can leave residue in the hair, but I am extremely particular about avoiding chemicals or anything that may damage my hair (which might be why it grows like wildfire).
Shea butter also protects the skin from environmental and free radical damage, and contains cinnamic acid, which protects the skin from UV rays. Also works as a conditioner and makeup remover. If I was stranded on a deserted island, I could easily live with shea butter as one of my only go-to beauty products. -XO