{"id":164490,"date":"2022-12-08T09:46:35","date_gmt":"2022-12-08T09:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=164490"},"modified":"2026-01-07T12:57:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T12:57:21","slug":"ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-shea-butter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-shea-butter\/","title":{"rendered":"Shea Butter: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

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Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
Nutritional Value of Shea Butter<\/a><\/li>
Properties of Shea Butter<\/a><\/li>
Potential Uses of Shea Butter for Overall Health<\/a><\/li>
How to Use Shea Butter?<\/a><\/li>
Side Effects of Shea Butter<\/a><\/li>
Precautions to Take with Shea Butter<\/a><\/li>
Interactions with Other Drugs<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince ancient times, many plant species and their products have been used by humans as food or medicines to treat illnesses. Shea butter is one such fat extracted from the shea fruit\u2019s kernel. It is obtained from the nuts of the\u202fVitellaria paradoxa\u202f<\/em>(formerly Butyrospermum paradoxa) and\u202fVitellaria parkii<\/em>\u202ftrees belonging to the family\u202fsapotaceae<\/em>. Butyrospermum, which means \u2018butter seed\u2019, explains that we can extract butter from seed after processing. The shea tree grows in Nigeria, Ghana and regions of West and East Africa. It is imported to India for its several benefits. Butter is solid at normal temperature but melts quickly at body temperature. It is utilised in cosmetics as well as in the food industry^{1<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{3<\/sup><\/a>. We can apply it as a cream or bath product like shampoo. Let\u2019s keep reading to learn about shea butter and its potential uses.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
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<\/span>Nutritional Value of Shea Butter<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nShea butter contains the following nutrients and their average content per 100g dry weight ^{1<\/sup><\/a>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
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Water (%):<\/strong> 1.4%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Carbohydrates:<\/strong> 22.3<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Lipid:<\/strong> 75<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Ash:<\/strong> 2.3<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Calcium:<\/strong> 9.6 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Copper:<\/strong> 0.8 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Iron:<\/strong> 3.6 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Potassium:<\/strong> 2.2 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Magnesium:<\/strong> 4.5 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Manganese:<\/strong> 0.006 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sodium:<\/strong> 4.2 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Zinc:<\/strong> 2.7 mg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Vitamins present in the shea butter are as follows:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Vitamin A (Retinol)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin F (Contains two types of essential fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Along with these, shea butter contains triglycerides, plant sterols, saponin and triterpenes ^{1<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>Properties of Shea Butter<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The following are the properties of shea butter:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It might have anti-inflammatory properties ^{1<\/sup><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
It might act as an emollient, which may help soothe and soften the skin ^{1<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
It might be a refatting agent (meaning easily absorbed into the skin and has good water-binding properties)^{1<\/sup><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
It might have antioxidant properties ^{3<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>Potential Uses of Shea Butter for Overall Health<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Potential Uses of Shea Butter for Healing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"wound$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Shea butter is a rich source of fatty acids and plant sterols such as linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, which may have healing properties. Due to its anti-inflammatory property, it may be applied as an ointment. Shea butter has a lower soap formation rate than other nut oils. It also includes vitamin A, which may treat skin sensitivities such as poison ivy and bug bites. It also contains Vitamin F, which might help rejuvenate rough or damaged skin. Furthermore, it may have a soothing effect. Raw and unrefined shea butter may benefit skin rashes, stretch marks, burns, bug bites, athlete\u2019s foot, scars, frost bites, skin peeling after tannin and arthritis ^{1<\/sup><\/a>. Fatty acids present in the shea butter may help in these conditions. However, shea butter alone may not be able to help you with this condition. So, please consult a physician for a diagnosis and treatment.\u00a0<\/p>}
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