The Shea Tree – The Wonder Tree

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Growing up to 60 feet tall, the Shea tree does not flower before it is 20 years old and can live up to 200 years. The Shea tree is considered sacred because of the good it can do to the skin and hair.

Sheabutter is derived from the sheanut tree, with the botanical name Butyrospermum parkii or Vitellaria paradoxa and is a common wild tree that grows extensively in the Africa.

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The fruit of this tree consists of a sweet green fleshy mesocarp, which is used to make jam. The mesocarp has a high nutritional value as it contains protein, iron, calcium and carbohydrate. The fruit pulp is also a rich source of ascorbic acid.

 

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Shea tree is considered as a wonder tree because all parts of this tree are of immense value.
– The leaves are used as medicine to treat stomachache in children. A decoction of young        leaves is used as a vapor bath for the treatment of headaches and also as an eye bath.
– leaves contain saponin that forms lather in water and are suitable for washing.
– The leaves of the sheanut tree are used as a preservative.
– Roots and root bark are used to cure jaundice, treat diarrhoea and stomach ache.

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While the tree has so many uses, it is well known for the production of shea butter. Shea nuts are traditionally harvested by women, crushed and boiled to extract the shea butter which has exceptional properties.

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The nuts are cracked to remove the outer cover leaving the endocarp or kernel which is roasted and ground into a paste from which sheabutter is extracted.

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The health benefits of Shea butter are
– It consists of many antioxidants that help to bring skin back to life and beauty.
– It protects the skin from UV sunlight, harsh climate, dehydration and pollution damage.

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– It is used as a base in medicinal ointments because of its healing properties.
– Shea butter is natural, gentle and soft hence suitable for all skin types, especially for babies.
– It helps reduce muscle aches as it stimulates the elimination of toxins from the muscle.
– It acts as a perfect lip balm, and effective treatment is chapped lips.
– It acts as a revitalising care for hair.

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