7 Amazing Uses of Shea Butter Before and After Pregnancy

Mark Wealth

Extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree, it is very rich in vitamins and nutrients and can be processed for a wide range of uses. Shea butter is popularly known as a great cosmetic ingredient/product in some places but that’s not all it is used for. For pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, post pregnancy and child care, this natural wonder is a must-have in every home.

In this article, we will highlight 7 amazing uses of Shea butter.

Clear Skin, Before and After Pregnancy

Shea butter could possibly be a woman’s best friend, forget about diamonds for now. Most women get stretch marks during puberty, after pregnancy, weight gain. Men get them but I bet they are less concerned. Shea butter has a high level of healing fraction, fatty acids and antioxidants that help heal and build the damaged middle skin that causes those ugly stretch marks. It is able to sink beneath the skin and moisturise it while the healing process is taking place. It also helps to even out complexion and get rid of the marks you have come to dislike. 

Did I mention that it boosts production of collagen, which when coupled with those antioxidants, help the skin gain it’s elasticity thereby removing wrinkles and bags under the eye?

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Skin Healer

Shea butter contains cinnamic acid a substance  that helps the skin heal. It also contains a moisturiser that’s exactly like the one the skin produces and is anti-inflammatory. This makes Shea butter one powerful, skin-healing substance on small injuries bruises or scrapes. It can be used as a cure for sun burn or frost bite because of its unsaponifiable qualities. (This means it cannot lather or form a soap and therefore traps other healing components apart from the moisturising effect).

Anti-Sinus & Cold Relief

Although there is a need for more research, Shea butter has been documented to clear nasal congestion. Apply with your index finger into the nostril and relief will occur in a less than five minutes. Some are of the opinion that it is more effective than conventional/popular nasal drops. Although experts suggest that you talk to your doctor before using it in case of allergies or a negative effect in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

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Diaper Cream

By experience, mothers have discovered that Shea butter acts as a preventive measure against diaper rashes in babies. Share this with your friend that’s worried about her baby’s diaper rashes.

According to Shea butter researchers, the fatty substance contains natural occurring antioxidants, anti-bacterial, anti inflammatory properties as well as the nutrients needed for babies skin protection, healing and healthy growth.

Relaxing Massages

Shea butter has the kind of texture that allows the masseurs hands slide smoothly along the skin but also provides enough friction for the massage to work on the muscles. The anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe tense muscles during massage. It’s recommended in some circles to rub the area around your joints and on your muscles before and/or after strenuous activities/exercise to keep those body parts relaxed and free.

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Hairy Situations

Shea butter works wonders when it comes to the hair and scalp. It moisturises the hair and scalp, helps get rid of dandruff and protects the hair follicles. We’re not even going to talk too much about the benefits of the rich nutrients and chemicals it contains or their effect on the hair. Shea butter also softens stiff hair so that it can be handled and styled as is desired.

Lips & Feet

Have you noticed people with dry, chafed lips or hard, cracked soles? Do you have one or both conditions? Shea butter with its soothing and moisturising properties can get the skin on your lips and the soles of your feet back to soft and supple within a couple of days.

The benefits of raw Shea butter are really mind blowing. We haven’t even mentioned that it is used as a cooking ingredient or as a frying agent. It is also used as a replacement for cocoa butter in the production of chocolate. 

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