Vitellaria (Butyrospermum Parkii)
1. History and use
Fat or shea butter is currently sold on the market in slabs or balls. The African method of butter preparation consists in ridding the fruits of their pulp by fermentation and washing. The almond is then reduced to pulp by shelling and resulting mass is thrown into boiling water, and on cooling, the fat floats and can be collected almost clean.
2. Description of the plant
It is a stocky tree 9 to 10 meters high, dark green foliage falls during the dry season, the leaves are grouped at the ends of the branches, the fruits are drupes containing a very oily whitish seed.
3. Curative action
Vitellaria been very well studied chinliquement. It’s composed of glycerides of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In unsaponifiable, we find triterpenic alcohols and sterols responsible for the anti-inflammatory action. Tests like nasal decongestant have given very good results. An application of shea butter inside the nose reduces congestion in Shea butter has given very good results. An application of shea butter inside the nose reduces congestion in rhinitis. On the other hand, there is no irritation as with vasoconstrictors usually employed.
4. Uses
- Pain in the limbs: Rub with shea butter the sore places at least twice a day.
- Nasal congestion: Apply a little of shea butter inside nostrils for rhinitis every 6 hours.
