With its origins in Africa, the Karite tree, otherwise known as the Shea tree; is considered sacred by many tribes. The legendary Queen Cleopatra is said to have traveled with large quantities of Shea Butter for her topical beauty maintenance on a daily basis! Shea butter is revered for its natural healing properties, and is still used today for various skin ailments and enhancement.

IT WAS CLEOPATRA’S FAVE

Cleopatra used shea butter, and there is mention of caravans of clay jars filled with shea butter for her use. It’s also said that shea was beloved by the Queen of Sheba and Nefertiti .

IT HAS SEVERAL NAMES

The word “shea” is said to be derived from the tree’s name in Mali’s Bambara language. What we call “shea” is also known as mangifolia, karite nut, galam butter and bambuk butter, amongst other names.

5 Facts About Shea Butter You Didn’t Know

IT’S THE BUZZED ABOUT INGREDIENT BASE OF SO MANY BEAUTY, BODY AND HAIR PRODUCTS. IT’S TOUTED AS A HOLY GRAIL FOR MOISTURE SEEKERS, AN ANCIENT AFRICAN SECRET THAT KEEPS SKIN AND HAIR LOOKING SOFT AND SPLENDID. BUT WHAT IS SHEA? WHERE DOES IT COME FROM AND HOW DOES IT GROW? WHAT MAKES IT SO AWESOME? LET’S GET INTO IT! HERE ARE FIVE FACTS ABOUT SHEA BUTTER THAT YOU CAN BUST OUT AT THE NEXT FAMILY DINNER.

IT’S GREAT FOR COOKING

In its purest form, shea butter is edible and can be used as cooking oil. Shea fruit is also edible, and sometimes chocolate companies replace cocoa butter with shea butter in the production process. Note – most of the shea butter we purchase is for external use only. Many companies mix their shea butter with other products but still say “shea butter” on the label, so read your ingredients to be informed!