FAQ
We believe nourishment is born in the earth; that the earth provides all, for every single one of us. We believe we must give in order to receive; that we are all inter-connected and can benefit from over 6.9 billion x 200,000 years of aggregate experience on this earth. We believe the fountain of youth IS mother-nature, she provides us with everything we need to live rich full lives, her unadulterated purity is what we need emulate and derive our longevity from.
What Is Shea Butter?
Shea Butter is a 100% natural multi-purpose vitamin A and E cream which originates from the fruit of the Shea tree also called karite. The creamy emollient contains natural properties which protect, replenish, nourish, and moisturize to give radiant and silky soft skin and hair. It has the highest healing fraction as compared to other oils and butters used in cosmetics and personal skincare products. The Shea tree produces its first fruit at approximately 25 years of age and reaches its full production at approximately 45 years of age. It then produces fruits for an additional 200+ years. There are 21 countries that produce Shea fruits but the main producer coutnries are Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo and Uganda. Shea Butter has been used by West Africans for centuries to treat a number of skin related and health problems including: dry ashy skin, burns, blemishes, eczema, wrinkles, muscle aches and pain, respiratory and congestive chests, joint aches and stretch marks. Today Shea Butter has gone main stream in the health and beauty industries and has found its way into most beauty and pharmaceutical skincare products globally. Shea Butter is also used in the food industry and chocolates in Europe and Brazil. Although there are penalties for cutting Shea trees, unfortunately they remain the tree of choice for charcoal production and so we help teach environmental management and train the communities we work in to protect the trees and help preserve this rich natural resource.
Refined Shea Butter vs. Unrefined Shea Butter. Which is Better?
The word “Refined” can be misleading when it comes to Shea Butter. Refined Shea Butter is often bleached and has been chemically treated to remove Shea Butter’s nutty aroma, Shea Butter’s natural color, and most of Shea Butter’s natural healing properties. DO NOT be fooled by companies marketing “Refined Shea Butter” as 100% pure or organic Shea Butter.
Our handcrafted unrefined Shea Butter is 100% pure and comes in 3 colors: Ivory, Beige and Yellow. It has the highest level of natural healing properties because it is produced without chemicals, preservatives or additives. The aroma is nutty and pleasant.
What Can I Use Shea Butter For?
Shea Butter is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In Europe and Brazil it is also used in the food industry especially in confectionery and chocolate as a cocoa butter substitute. Shea Butter is used to treat various skin problems including:
- Minimizing skin blemishes
- Improving skin elasticity and tone
- Wrinkles and fine line reduction (anti-aging)
- Stretch marks prevention & minimization
- Repairing dry, itchy, and cracked skin
- Treating Psoriasis, Eczema, & Burns
- Natural UV protection
Other uses:
Shea Butter adds and maintains moisture to dry and brittle hair, revitalizes, repairs breakage, split ends , promotes hair growth, muscle fatigue aches and pain, congestive chests, joint aches, and cuticle repair for manicures and pedicures.
Is Mother’s Shea Butter Fair Trade?
Yes, Mother’s Shea handcrafted Shea Butter is produced in Damango, Ghana using Fair Trade principles. Our shea crafters produce unrefined virgin Shea Butter using traditional methods. The women groups are compensated at least 20% more than the government stipulated minimum wage and more than the market price for Shea Butter and nuts. All of our products undergo rigorous quality testing to ensure that they meet our requirements, as well as yours.
What is the Shelf Life of Mother’s Shea Butter?
Mother’s Shea Butter has a shelf life of 18-24 months when kept in a cool dry place. You can extend the shelf life by keeping your Shea Butter refrigerated however Shea Butter is best when it is fresh
Returns & refunds
If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase within 30 days from the date of purchase, we will gladly refund the cost of any unused portion. Please note that returned or exchanged products must be in the condition you received them and in the original box and/or packaging.