6 Shea butter Uses for Skin, Hair & Health

I am not a health professional. Please use with the item discussed below with caution for the first time. Particularly if you’re prone to allergies.

Shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa or Vitellaria nilotica), which is native to Africa. It has been used for centuries by African communities for its numerous benefits. Shea butter uses vary widely.

Shea butter’s natural origin, rich nutrient profile, moisturizing properties, and versatility in applications make it a sought-after ingredient in the beauty and wellness industry. Its effectiveness in addressing various skin, hair, and health concerns has contributed to its popularity as a natural and versatile option for personal care.

Raw shea butter is one of the most useful things you can have in your cupboard – your kitchen cupboard, bathroom cupboard, or dressing table. Here are some of the different ways we use it in our family.

Frying/baking/grilling/roasting 

Literally any form of cooking or baking that requires some grease.

Shea butter has a relatively low smoke point, typically around 175°C to 190°C (347°F to 374°F). The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil or fat starts to break down and produce smoke. Using shea butter for frying or grilling at high temperatures can result in the production of flavours that are unpalatable to some people so bear that in mind.

Moisturiser for lips/face/body/heels/hands/hair

I currently use raw african shea butter for my daughter’s hair. I mix it with some coconut oil, olive oil and honey. Perhaps I’ll share the exact recipe here sometime. It smells great and doesn’t irritate her skin. Generally, it can be very moisturising for most skin types.Shea butter works wonders for dry and cracked heels – slab it on thickly overnight while wearing socks over a period of time. People swear by it for thickened hair, toned and glowing skin and non-brittle nails and cuticles. It’s also useful as a lip balm.

Nose and ear drops

Melted quickly on a hob or even faster for 30 seconds – 1 minute in a microwave, you can use it in a liquid form in the same way you would use olive oil ear drops. Some people even use it as a barrier-type oil for hayfever – using it inside their noses. I must say that I haven’t tried this before so can’t attest to it.

Balm, with or without menthol or other essential oils

You can make a shea butter rub by mixing it with menthol or any other essential oil such as peppermint, lavender or eucalyptus oil depending on what you’re trying to achieve. For example, I mix in a few menthol crystals with my shea butter to use as a chest rub during times when the family is down with colds or coughs. This same type of mixture can be used as massage oil as well.

Shea butter is known to have soothing properties and can be used for muscle and joint relief. While it may not directly address the underlying cause of muscle or joint pain, it can provide temporary relief and help promote relaxation.

Shea butter can be beneficial for wound healing due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. However, it’s important to note that shea butter should be used as a complementary treatment and not as a substitute for proper wound care and medical advice.

Shea butter contains vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants that may provide nourishment to the skin and promote a healthy wound healing environment.

Oil pulling

Like people use coconut oil or olive oil in oil pulling, a small chunk of shea butter its more solid form can be used for oil pulling.

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth for a certain period, typically around 15-20 minutes, and then spitting it out.

While some people do claim benefits such as improved oral hygiene and fresher breath, more research is needed to substantiate these claims. If you choose to use shea butter for oil pulling, it’s recommended to consult with a dentist or healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your oral care routine and any specific dental conditions you may have.

Wood polish

Yes, this use was new(s) to me too! According to my mom, you can use shea butter to polish wood too by mixing it with a bit of citrus oil. I wouldn’t have guessed it.

So there you have it. A few shea butter uses. Are there any of these that you weren’t aware of? Are there any additional uses that you know of? Drop them below and I’ll add them to the list!