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[[Image:Sheabutterloccitane.JPG|thumb|right|Shea butter in a small tin for cosmetic use.]]
[[Image:Sheabutterloccitane.JPG|thumb|right|Shea butter in a small tin for cosmetic use.]]
'''Shea butter''' or '''Shea nut butter''' is a slightly yellowish or ivory-colored natural [[fat]] extracted from [[fruit]] of the [[shea]] tree by crushing and boiling. Shea butter is widely used in [[cosmetics]] as a [[moisturizer]] and an [[emollient]]. Shea butter is also edible. It is used as a [[cooking oil]] in [[West Africa]], as well as sometimes being used in the [[chocolate]] industry as a substitute for [[cocoa butter]].
'''Shea butter''' or '''Shea nut butter''' is a slightly yellowish or ivory colored natural


[[fat]] extracted from the [[seed]] of the [[shea]] tree by crushing and boiling. Shea butter
The shea or karite tree, formerly ''Butyrospermum paradoxum'', is now called ''[[Vitellaria paradoxa]]''. It produces its first fruit (which resemble large [[plum]]s) when it is about 20 years old and reaches its full production when the tree is about 45 years old. It produces nuts for up to 200 years after reaching maturity.


is widely used in [[Cosmetics|cosmetics]] as a moisturizer and salve cream. Shea butter is also
Many vernacular names are used for ''Vitellaria'', which is a reflection of its extensive range of occurrence—nearly 5,000km from [[Senegal]] (west) to [[Uganda]] (east) across the [[Africa]]n continent. The nomenclature history and synonymy of the shea tree followed a very tortuous evolution since the oldest recorded specimen collected by a European—[[Scottish people|Scottish]] explorer [[Mungo Park (explorer)|Mungo Park]]—dated [[May 26]], [[1797]]. It eventually arrived at the name ''vitellaria'' with subspecies ''paradoxa'' and ''nilotica''. It usually grows to an average height of about 15m with profuse branches and a thick waxy and deeply fissured bark that makes it fire resistant.


edible, used in food preparation as well as sometimes in the [[chocolate]] industry
The shea tree grows naturally in the wild in the dry [[savannah]] belt of West Africa from Senegal in the west to [[Sudan]] in the east, and onto the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands. It occurs in 19 countries across the African continent, namely [[Benin]], [[Burkina Faso]], [[Cameroon]], [[Central African Republic]], [[Chad]], [[Ethiopia]], [[Ghana]], [[Guinea Bissau]], [[Côte d'Ivoire]], [[Mali]], [[Niger]], [[Nigeria]], [[Senegal]], [[Sierra Leone]], [[Sudan]], [[Togo]], [[Uganda]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] and [[Guinea]].

substituting for [[cocoa butter]].

The shea or karite tree called formerly ''Butyrospermum paradoxum'', is now ''[[Vitellaria

paradoxa]]''. It produces its first fruit (which resemble large [[plum]]s) when it is about 20

years old and reaches its full production when the tree is about 45 years old. It produces nuts

for up to 200 years after reaching maturity.

Many vernacular names are used for ''Vitellaria'', which is a reflection of its extensive range

of occurrence—nearly 5,000km from [[Senegal]] (west) to [[Uganda]] (east) across the

[[Africa]]n continent. The nomenclature history and synonymy of the shea tree followed a very

tortuous evolution since the oldest recorded specimen collected by a European—[[Scottish

people|Scottish]] explorer [[Mungo Park (explorer)|Mungo Park]]—dated [[May 26]], [[1797]]. It

eventually arrived at the name ''vitellaria'' with subspecies ''paradoxa'' and ''nilotica''. It

usually grows to an average height of about 15m with profuse branches and a thick waxy and

deeply fissured bark that makes it fire resistant.

The shea tree grows naturally in the wild in the dry [[savannah]] belt of West Africa from

Senegal in the west to [[Sudan]] in the east, and onto the foothills of the Ethiopian

highlands. It occurs in 19 countries across the African continent, namely [[Benin]], [[Burkina

Faso]], [[Cameroon]], [[Central African Republic]], [[Chad]], [[Ethiopia]], [[Ghana]], [[Guinea

Bissau]], [[Côte d'Ivoire]], [[Mali]], [[Niger]], [[Nigeria]], [[Senegal]], [[Sierra Leone]],

[[Sudan]], [[Togo]], [[Uganda]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] and [[Guinea]].
[[Image:Vitellaria paradoxa distribution.png|thumb|Distribution of shea trees]]
[[Image:Vitellaria paradoxa distribution.png|thumb|Distribution of shea trees]]
In Ghana (FAO, 1988a), it occurs extensively in the Guinea savannah and less abundantly in the Sudan Savannah. The shea tree occurs over almost the entire area of Northern Ghana, over about 77,670 square kilometers in Western Dagomba, Southern Mamprusi, Western Gonja, Lawra, Tumu, Wa and Nanumba with Eastern Gonja having the densest stands. There is sparse shea tree cover found in Brong-Ahafo, Ashanti, and the Eastern and Volta regions in the south of the country.
In Ghana (FAO, 1988a), it occurs extensively in the Guinea savannah and less abundantly in the
Sudan Savannah. The shea tree occurs over almost the entire area of Northern Ghana, over about
77,670 square kilometers in Western Dagomba, Southern Mamprusi, Western Gonja, Lawra, Tumu, Wa
and Nanumba with Eastern Gonja having the densest stands. There is sparse shea tree cover found
in Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, and the Eastern and Volta regions in the south of the country.


== Properties ==
== Properties ==
Shea butter is known especially for its [[Cosmetics|cosmetic]] properties as a [[moisturizer]]
Shea butter is known especially for its [[Cosmetics|cosmetic]] properties as a [[moisturizer]] and [[emollient]]. Some claim that it is also an [[anti-inflammatory]] agent.{{Fact|date=May 2009}}Shea butter is marketed as being effective at treating the following conditions: fading [[scars]], [[eczema]], [[Burn (injury)|burns]], [[rash]]es, [[acne]], severely dry skin, [[blemish]]es, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the [[irritation]] of [[psoriasis]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Shea butter provides natural [[ultraviolet]] [[sun]] protection, although the level of protection is extremely variable, ranging from nothing to approximately SPF 6.{{Fact|date=July 2009}} Shea butter absorbs rapidly into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. In Nigeria, it is known to be very effective in the management of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion.<ref>Tella, A, Br (1979) "Preliminary studies on nasal decongestant activity from the seed of the shea butter tree, Butyrospermum parkii", ''J Clin Pharmacol'', May;'''7'''(5):495-7.</ref> This is due to its emollient properties which helps in relaxing the tension in the face skin thus easing respiration. Scarcity of supply results in an erratic market price.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}

[[cream]] and [[emulsion]] . Some claim that it is also an [[anti-inflammatory]] agent.

{{Fact|date=May 2009}}Shea butter is marketed as being effective at treating the following

conditions: fading [[scars]], [[eczema]], [[Burn (injury)|burns]], [[rash]]es, [[acne]],

severely dry skin, [[blemish]]es, dark spots, skin discolorations, [[chapped lips]],

[[stretchmarks]], [[wrinkles]], and in lessening the [[irritation]] of [[psoriasis]].

{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Shea butter provides natural [[ultraviolet]] [[sun]] protection,

although the level of protection is extremely variable, ranging from nothing to approximately

SPF 6.{{Fact|date=July 2009}} Shea butter absorbs rapidly into the skin without leaving a

greasy feeling. In Nigeria, it is known to be very effective in the management of sinusitis and

relief of nasal congestion.<ref>Tella, A, Br (1979) "Preliminary studies on nasal decongestant

activity from the seed of the shea butter tree, Butyrospermum parkii", ''J Clin Pharmacol'',

May;'''7'''(5):495-7.</ref> This is due to its hydrating properties which helps in relaxing

the tension in the face skin thus easing respiration. Scarcity of supply results in an erratic

market price 2005.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}

== History ==

European botanists are said to have come across the shea tree recording the genus family

[[sapotaceae]] of the plant cirka late eighteenth century as traded by merchants of the age.

[[Ashanti]], [[Benin]], [[Burkina Faso|Burkinabe]], [[Mali|Malian]], and other [[spice|spice

merchants]] actively traded extracts in early cultures as far as [[Meroë]] and [[Kingdom of

Kush]] head way waters by the [[Blue Nile]] channeled by [[Aswan]] supported rivers.


== Uses ==
== Uses ==
[[Image:Shea soap MS 6579.JPG|thumb|right|Shea butter soap.]]
Shea butter can be found in many high-end moisturizing [[skin]] products. Shea butter is known for its skin softening effect. It is also used in [[hair conditioner]]s to add and maintain [[moisture]] in dry brittle [[hair]], in addition to retaining softness<!-- What does revitalizing mean here? Can it be changed to something clearer as to what it claims (i.e. clearer as to how one would measure it) and less like advertising speak? --> and preventing breakage.
Handcrafted shea butter is used in Togo, West Africa for ceremonies among the [[Fulani]] ethnic group.


[[File:hamer_girl.jpg|thumb|right|Local woman.]]
Many carvers of [[djembe]] shells and other African [[drum shell]]s use shea butter to condition the wood. Shea butter is also used to condition the goat or cow skin heads of these drums.
[[File:hesoap.jpg|thumb|right|Shea butter soap.]]<br>
Shea butter can be found in many high end moisturizing personal care products. Shea butter

extract is known for its skin softening effect, it is also used in [[hair conditioner]]s to add

and maintain [[moisture]] in dry brittle [[hair]]; in addition to retaining softness<!-- What

does revitalizing mean here? Can it be changed to something clearer as to what it claims (i.e.

clearer as to how one would measure it) and less like advertising speak? --> and preventing

breakage.

Handcrafted shea butter is used in [[Burkina Faso]], [[Liberia]], [[Sierra Leone]] and

[[Togo]] for ceremonies among the [[Fulani]] and Mano River ethnic groups.
It is a acclaimed natural butter derived from the Shea Karite tree growing across Africa and

hoticultured in other regions by agricooperatives.

Many carvers of [[djembe]] husks and other african [[drum]]s used from [[zouk]] to [[soca

music]] have traditional instrument gourds using shea extract to condition the wood for

durability; butter oil extract is also used to condition the leather binds of these

instruments.

Shea butter is a favorite among soapmakers it is typically used in small amounts (5-7% of the

oils in the recipe). Shea butter extract is a complex fat that contains many non-saponifiable

components (cannot be fully converted into soap.) Thus the shea butter leaves a small amount of

oil in the soap, which seals moisture into the skin after washing.; the product is widely used

in luxury end cosmetics as a moisturizer salve.

With regular use Shea Butter evens skin tone and returns skin to a natural luster, melting at

body temperature, it absorbs quickly and completely into the skin without leaving a noticable

oily residue. Shea Butter penetrates deep into the skin to rehydrate and promote cell growth.

Toilet paper manufacturer [[Andrex]] released a Shea Butter enriched toilet roll to the UK

market in Summer 2009.
In North America shea butter is added to some brands of paper tissue (e.g. Puffs Plus) which is


fabric softener to give additional texture. Baby wipes Huggies also use simular tissue
Shea butter is also a favorite among soapmakers. It's typically used in small amounts (5-7% of the oils in the recipe). Shea butter is a complex fat that contains many non-saponifiable components (cannot be fully converted into soap.) Thus the shea butter leaves a small amount of oil in the soap, which seals moisture into the skin after washing.


softeners in thier product brands.
Toilet paper manufacturer [[Andrex]] released a Shea Butter enriched toilet roll to the UK market in Summer 2009. In North America shea butter is added to some brands of paper tissue (e.g. Puffs Plus) to give additional softness.


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 09:06, 26 October 2009

Shea butter in a small tin for cosmetic use.

Shea butter or Shea nut butter is a slightly yellowish or ivory colored natural

fat extracted from the seed of the shea tree by crushing and boiling. Shea butter

is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and salve cream. Shea butter is also

edible, used in food preparation as well as sometimes in the chocolate industry

substituting for cocoa butter.

The shea or karite tree called formerly Butyrospermum paradoxum, is now [[Vitellaria

paradoxa]]. It produces its first fruit (which resemble large plums) when it is about 20

years old and reaches its full production when the tree is about 45 years old. It produces nuts

for up to 200 years after reaching maturity.

Many vernacular names are used for Vitellaria, which is a reflection of its extensive range

of occurrence—nearly 5,000km from Senegal (west) to Uganda (east) across the

African continent. The nomenclature history and synonymy of the shea tree followed a very

tortuous evolution since the oldest recorded specimen collected by a European—[[Scottish

people|Scottish]] explorer Mungo Park—dated May 26, 1797. It

eventually arrived at the name vitellaria with subspecies paradoxa and nilotica. It

usually grows to an average height of about 15m with profuse branches and a thick waxy and

deeply fissured bark that makes it fire resistant.

The shea tree grows naturally in the wild in the dry savannah belt of West Africa from

Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, and onto the foothills of the Ethiopian

highlands. It occurs in 19 countries across the African continent, namely Benin, [[Burkina

Faso]], Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, [[Guinea

Bissau]], Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone,

Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinea.

Distribution of shea trees

In Ghana (FAO, 1988a), it occurs extensively in the Guinea savannah and less abundantly in the

Sudan Savannah. The shea tree occurs over almost the entire area of Northern Ghana, over about

77,670 square kilometers in Western Dagomba, Southern Mamprusi, Western Gonja, Lawra, Tumu, Wa

and Nanumba with Eastern Gonja having the densest stands. There is sparse shea tree cover found

in Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, and the Eastern and Volta regions in the south of the country.

Properties

Shea butter is known especially for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer

cream and emulsion . Some claim that it is also an anti-inflammatory agent.[citation needed]Shea butter is marketed as being effective at treating the following

conditions: fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne,

severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips,

stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis.[citation needed] Shea butter provides natural ultraviolet sun protection,

although the level of protection is extremely variable, ranging from nothing to approximately

SPF 6.[citation needed] Shea butter absorbs rapidly into the skin without leaving a

greasy feeling. In Nigeria, it is known to be very effective in the management of sinusitis and

relief of nasal congestion.[1] This is due to its hydrating properties which helps in relaxing

the tension in the face skin thus easing respiration. Scarcity of supply results in an erratic

market price 2005.[citation needed]

History

European botanists are said to have come across the shea tree recording the genus family

sapotaceae of the plant cirka late eighteenth century as traded by merchants of the age.

Ashanti, Benin, Burkinabe, Malian, and other spice merchants actively traded extracts in early cultures as far as Meroë and [[Kingdom of

Kush]] head way waters by the Blue Nile channeled by Aswan supported rivers.

Uses

File:Hamer girl.jpg
Local woman.
File:Hesoap.jpg
Shea butter soap.


Shea butter can be found in many high end moisturizing personal care products. Shea butter

extract is known for its skin softening effect, it is also used in hair conditioners to add

and maintain moisture in dry brittle hair; in addition to retaining softness and preventing

breakage.

Handcrafted shea butter is used in Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone and

Togo for ceremonies among the Fulani and Mano River ethnic groups. It is a acclaimed natural butter derived from the Shea Karite tree growing across Africa and

hoticultured in other regions by agricooperatives.

Many carvers of djembe husks and other african drums used from zouk to [[soca

music]] have traditional instrument gourds using shea extract to condition the wood for

durability; butter oil extract is also used to condition the leather binds of these

instruments.

Shea butter is a favorite among soapmakers it is typically used in small amounts (5-7% of the

oils in the recipe). Shea butter extract is a complex fat that contains many non-saponifiable

components (cannot be fully converted into soap.) Thus the shea butter leaves a small amount of

oil in the soap, which seals moisture into the skin after washing.; the product is widely used

in luxury end cosmetics as a moisturizer salve.

With regular use Shea Butter evens skin tone and returns skin to a natural luster, melting at

body temperature, it absorbs quickly and completely into the skin without leaving a noticable

oily residue. Shea Butter penetrates deep into the skin to rehydrate and promote cell growth.

Toilet paper manufacturer Andrex released a Shea Butter enriched toilet roll to the UK

market in Summer 2009. In North America shea butter is added to some brands of paper tissue (e.g. Puffs Plus) which is

fabric softener to give additional texture. Baby wipes Huggies also use simular tissue

softeners in thier product brands.

References

  1. ^ Tella, A, Br (1979) "Preliminary studies on nasal decongestant activity from the seed of the shea butter tree, Butyrospermum parkii", J Clin Pharmacol, May;7(5):495-7.