Refined vs Unrefined Shea Butter
February 21, 2008
For centuries, dating as far back as Cleopatra, shea butter has been used for multiple purposes. It conditions the skin and hair and protects them from harsh dry climates. It is also traditionally used for soothing sprains and strains and for its anti-inflammatory properties. New research is confirming natural shea butter to be a versatile active ingredient for skin anti-aging, moisturizing and healing. Everything from wrinkles and stretch marks, to rashes, blemishes, and muscle aches can benefit from its use. However, according to the American Shea Butter Institute, when shea butter is refined and bleached by the use of heat and chemicals, like most shea butter products on the market are, it loses most, if not all of its healing properties.
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Western demand drives Burkina Faso organic goods
February 19, 2008
TANGHIN-DASSOURI, Burkina Faso (AFP) - Burkina Faso may be one of the poorest countries on the planet but some of its people are now getting ahead thanks to rising demand in the developed world for organically grown cotton and skin-saving shea butter.
And the principal beneficiaries of this flourishing new trade are village women.
The famed US women’s wear chain Victoria’s Secret last July signed a deal for the delivery this year of 600 tonnes of organic cotton, with the first shipment sent out on December 24.
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