Shea Butter!

Did you know that shea trees are only native to Africa? Attempts to cultivate shea trees in Europe and the U.S have been unsuccessful. It grows wild and seeds do not germinate easily, so a plantation type system does not work for shea. Also, at least twenty years will have gone by before a shea tree is able to produce large numbers of shea fruits/nuts. Shea trees do not need fertilizer, water or any type of pesticide treatment. There's a deep and intensive history behind shea butter; all the more reason to revere this perfect 'superfood' that only grows and thrives under the African sun!

African Black Soap-Part 2

African Black soap is actually a brown, soft, crumbly soap in it's raw form. In Ghana there are variations of the soap formulated for specific skin issues. 1) A super, black soap said to have been used with extra amounts of plaintain ash-which gives it the black color and lots of iron, vitamin A and E. This is seen as deep, medicinal soap. There's reverence for this soap amongst the people who use it. Like someone mentioned to me in Accra when getting samples of this soap.."If you use this soap, the devil won't touch you!". Hahahaha! 2) A super soft, brown soap made with extra palm oil for it's healing benefits. 3) A soap that gets it white color from the use of soda ash--a Ghanaian version of a salt bar! The salt makes it quite hard; bathing with this feels like bathing with a smooth rock. A natural, spa experience! When it comes down to it, it's all about personal preference. The mother Black soap is the most accessible and easiest to use.

African Black Soap

Today we're all about African Black soap! Also commonly known as Dudu Osun. However in Ghana, African Black soap is mostly referred to as Alaffia soap. Other names for this soap are Anago, Alata Simena or Ose Dudu. This is a soap like no other. Made by womens' groups in West Africa, recipes are top secret and specific to the group making the soap. Which is why you might have some slight variation between soap made in different regions or countries. West African women have been making it for centuries and completely from scratch, so it's quite a process to make it. As mentioned, there are slight variations in the soap depending on where it's from, but ingredients willl generally include plantain ash, cocoa pod ash, cocoa bark, palm oil and coconut oil. The result is a deep cleansing soap that heals beautifully. Though some use it specifically to clear acne scars, skin breakouts and to deal with any sensitive skin issues like psoriasis or eczema, it can also just be used as part of a regular skin regimen. Black soap is a strong exfoliator so it can be drying for some people. We recommend using it every other day or twice a week, if it should feel drying on your skin. Alternate with any shea butter based soap. Alaffia soap also works well as a shampoo. Some also use it to shave. An amazing soap full of Africa's goodness, made in Africa since the dawn of time.

August 8th, 2012 (from my other blog http://warriorsandpoetswellness.wordpress.com) Tree of Life For many Africans, the Baobab is known as ‘The Tree of Life’. Baobabs are special trees found in coastal and desert settings. Six species of the baobab are native to Madagascar; one species is native to mainland African and the Arabian Peninsula; the last species is native to Australia. Their thick trunks are a physical adaptation to allow them to store water. Unlike other trees, it is difficult to date Baobabs because they do not have any annual growth rings, but they are said to be thousands of years old. Baobabs are also known as monkey bread trees (it was said that the seeds of the tree would be distributed by monkeys) or referred to as upside down trees because their branches might appear as roots reaching into the sky. In Sudan the tree is known as Tabaldi. Baobabs carry with them ancient history, folkore and spirituality. The trunks of the baobab have been used as dwellings or places to store water or food. They have also been used as sacred burial places. At the tops of the trunks you can find spaces where rain water has collected-indigenous Australians would harvest this water from the baobabs, as well as use parts of the baobab for food and medicinal uses. On the African continent, the Baobab leaves, fruits and seeds have always been used for nutrition. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in soups; the fruit flesh or pulp is eaten fresh or dried and used to make juice in Sudan. At the Kenyan coast, the seeds are sold as a snack after being flavored with a red coloring. In Burkina Faso, the seeds are used to make a soup. The edible parts of the baobab are densely packed with nutrients that include proteins, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. They have very high anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Supplements derived from the superfruit of the Baobab are available for people looking to give their health an incredible boost. There are many creative ways to use this superfood. Providing essential proteins and vitamins, they make a great addition to juices or smoothies or alternatively, can be sprinkled on salads or on cooked vegetables. You can also just put a spoonful in a glass of water and drink it. The introduction of cold pressed baobab oil to the world market has been met with great enthusiasm. It has proven extremely effective in treating excema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. It helps greatly to reduce stretch marks and heal scarring. It is indeed a superfood for your skin and hair because of its potent vitamins and minerals. An excellent moisturizer, it can be used to nourish your face, body and hair. It also shields your skin from the elements of sun and wind, offering all around protection. And the anti-oxidant properties of baobab oil have anti-aging effects. Does the Baobab tree, with all its amazing qualities, harbor the fountain of youth? References http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Adansoniahttp://www.zimbio.com/Baobab+Trees/articles/YdB647ncMlJ/African+Baobab+potential+cosmetic+goldminehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adansonia Written by redochredance 1 Comment Posted in Uncategorized

This blog is about natural hair and lifestyle-rediscovery,pleasant surprises and love! To love our hair is to love ourselves.