While most unrefined shea butter maintains all vitamins, especially vitamin A and E, and minerals, it also retains its aroma. The scent of unrefined shea is what discourages a lot of people from trying this healing butter, as it can be a rather earthy combination of smoky and nutty. The aroma, while being somewhat strong, depending upon shea butter and your sense of smell, does disappear after it has been applied to your skin within a matter of minutes. Unrefined shea butter’s texture can vary from smooth and creamy; think commercial smooth peanut butter, to hard, waxy and/or chunky, such as a crunchy peanut butter. Those of you who have never been around shea butter before would be understandably put off if, upon opening a jar, you found a smelly and crunchy looking product! But after an experimental dab or two, you will discover that shea butter does leave your skin looking and certainly feeling smoother and softer than it did pre application.

Refined Shea Butter Actually there are two categories here: Ultra-Refined and Refined. The first type is usually white to cream colored, has no discernable nutty/smoky scent, and is smooth and creamy. The difficulty with ultra or even refined shea butter, is in knowing whether that product has been commercially refined to remove its minerals and vitamins with a hexane solvent. Also, shea butter can be bleached to make it appear even lighter. One way to determine a shea butter’s authenticity is to see if it has been cold-pressed, sometimes called cold-processed or expeller-pressed.

The Refined shea, which ranges in color from white to beige, is sometimes referred to as gently refined, has had some of its vitamin/mineral properties removed in process of refining, but it does retain a bit of a beige or light tan color and nutty aroma. The texture can be either creamy or chunky.

The ideal shea butter would feel creamy and smooth and be absorbed into your skin quickly. Also, nutty and/or smoky scent should be lighter. Shea butter can be mixed with fragrances and essential oils to completely change aroma, making it sweet, spicy, fruity, floral, herbal, etc.

While shea butter is added to a myriad of bath & body products, best way to sample delights of this African butter is to buy a small jar and try it for yourself to learn what is so great about shea butter.

Shea Butter’s Benefits Many web sites will sell shea butter in various sizes, containers, prices, and types. They might have some information about shea butter on site, or you may have to do some online research to discover more about this product. Either way, be informed before purchasing shea butter. If a site tells of wonderful things happening after just one application, other than fact that it soothes skin, please use your own judgment. Like any “new” product out there, a lot of hype can be attached to it. Shea butter, as you’ve just read, is a skin soothing nut fat that may be very beneficial and here are some reasons:

~ Shea butter can be used as an all-natural hair conditioner. ~ Shea butter promotes quicker healing of small wounds, burns, cuts and scrapes. ~ Shea butter is an efficient natural makeup remover. ~ Shea butter is safe to use on babies, children and adults. ~ Shea butter helps prevent and soothe sunburns. ~ Shea butter is high in vitamins A and E. ~ Shea butter helps moisturize dry skin. ~ Shea butter soothes sore, overworked muscles. ~ Shea butter is recommended for conditioning animal’s coats. ~ Shea butter makes an excellent natural lip balm. ~ Shea butter helps restore elasticity of aging skin.

Does shea butter cure serious skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis? There have been some testimonials to that effect, yes. But in actuality, if you were to have a somewhat serious or persistent skin problem, you should consult with a healthcare practitioner or dermatologist. Shea butter is not recommended for people with nut or latex allergies. Or you could find out by trying shea butter. Whenever considering trying a natural remedy, you should be responsible and do your research both on and off-line. The choice to use a “new” product is always up to each individual.

Braces or Corsets Braces and corsets support your back and keep you from moving it too much. They do what strong back muscles do, but they won't make your back stronger.

Spinal Manipulation** This treatment, done by a professional such as chiropractor or physical therapist, uses hands to apply force to "adjust" spine. This can be helpful for some people in first month of low back symptoms. Check with your doctor about spinal manipulations.

-alex www.basic-guide.com