Stop Suffering With Arthritis Pain Today!

Janet Hahn, CPRS

MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a nutritional supplement derived from natural organic sulfur. It has been found to have tremendous pain relieving benefits for multiple ailments. MSM has the ability to relieve inflammation and resulting pain associated with arthritis.

Clinical Research Reveals The Medicinal Power Of MSM

Clinical research has shown MSM to alleviate pain, reduce stiffness and swelling and improve the mobility of joints. MSM also promotes blood flow aiding the healing and recovery process after physical activity. Doctors report that MSM is so effective that they often are able to lower or even stop the dosages of medication they are prescribing for their patients.

Although MSM is a breakthrough remedy for arthritis sufferers its benefits are beyond the treatment of this disease. There are substantial clinical experiences proving the benefits of MSM regarding sprains and their healing time. Follow this link to read more: http://www.msm.com/MSMResearch.cfm

The Phosoplex™ MSM Connection

Lisa a tennis pro from Franklin Lakes New Jersey has been using MSM for almost three years. Lisa states, " MSM keeps me on the court and teaching. I heal faster from minor pulls and feel better than I did five years ago on the court. I will continue with MSM supplementation.

Ray a retired used car salesman has been using a product called Phosoplex™ containing MSM for three months. Ray states, Phosoplex has really eased the pain. My arthritis was getting unbearable since I stooped taking doctor prescribed drugs. Phosoplex has been a pleasant surprise because I thought I was going to have to get on a prescription again which is a scary thought in this day and age."

There are numerous formulas that contain MSM. Phosoplex™ from Optimal Therapeutics stands out because it combines MSM with other beneficial ingredients such as BioCell Collagen II® and Nextrutine™ aiding the arthritis sufferer. Combining quality ingredients in a formula like Phosoplex™ makes for a synergistic effect between the ingredients. Results are even more pronounced than when MSM is used in an individual supplement. Either in a quality formulation like Phosoplex™ or as a stand alone MSM is definitely worth a try.

About The Author

Janet is a pain relief specialist located in New York. She offers a broad range of alternative solutions for all health and pain related issues.

For more information on natural health and fitness lifestyle options, log on to http://www.bodestore.com

Some Natural Allergy Remedies

Gregg Hall

Approximately one out of every ten Americans suffers from
allergies of some type. Allergies are the body's natural
reaction to any foreign substance. When the body encounters one
of these substances, it produces many different substances,
including histamines. Once released into the body, these cause
tissue swellings called allergies. Allergies can affect many
different parts of the body including the lungs, skins, nasal
passages, sinuses, and stomach. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
can include intestinal pain, bloating, mood swings, exhaustion,
throat swelling, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate,
swelling or bloating of the skin, watery eyes, itchy nose, and
sneezing. There are many things that cause allergies including
pollen, mold, flowers, dust mites, grass, and spores.
Additionally, food and chemicals can be an allergy trigger. The
medical community has come up with all sorts of ways to treat
allergies, but many people shy away from modern day medicine
because of the extensive side effects associated with some of
the treatments. It is often the case that the treatment is worse
than the cure.



One natural allergy remedy is butterbur. Butterbur is a plant
that grows in marshy areas and has three foot leaves. They can
be found across Europe, in Asia, and in North America. It is a
gentle, natural remedy that is free of antihistamines for those
who wish to treat hay fever. It has been used for centuries to
treat all sorts of ailments, but it has been found most
effective at treating allergy style symptoms. It can also help
reduce the muscle spasms associated with allergies. Butterbur is
typically taken in tablet form, as the plants themselves can be
toxic if not properly processed. The roots are dried, beaten to
powder, and combined with other natural ingredients to create
the tablet. It is best to take one tablet three times a day, but
consult the packaging for more specific instructions.



Another natural allergy remedy is locally grown honey. This
product can assist with hay fever and other pollen allergic
reactions. It is important to start with small amounts.
Approximately a teaspoon per day should help. You must first
ensure the honey agrees with your body. If it doesn't,
discontinue use immediately. If you notice discomfort in the
gastrointestinal area, it is important not to use it again. The
goal is to work up to several teaspoons per day to ward off hay
fever. If you decide to use honey, be sure to do several things
first. Talk to your doctor before you try any natural remedies.
Remember that you might have a bad reaction to the honey. Not
every treatment works for every person. You should only purchase
non-pasteurized honey. The honey should be purchased from a
local beekeeper or at a local farmer's market to ensure the
freshest quality available is consumed. Try to make sure the
honey was collected at the same time of year that you suffer
from allergies. This will increase the effectiveness of this
cure. To make sure you get the best results possible, use the
honey one month before your typical allergy season. Using it in
the midst of your difficult season won't be enough. Also, do not
heat the honey. It decreases its natural healing properties. One
last note, begin with a small amount and increase gradually.



Another natural allergy remedy is green tea. People who
regularly consume green tea have noticed that they suffer less
from sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. Green tea is best
consumed in purer forms. Don't pollute it with additives like
honey, and don't use chemically processed tea either. It is
important that you consume at least one cup per day. You should
try to work your way up to three cups per day. It does not
matter if the tea is consumed hot or cold.



An additional natural allergy remedy is Echinacea. This herb has
been known to treat all sorts of problems, including hay fever.
It aids in the production of interferon, which assists with
decreasing the swelling in tissues, which, in turn, helps stop
the runny nose and watery eyes associated with allergies.



One final natural allergy remedy is vitamin C. You become
extremely susceptible to allergens if your diet does not contain
enough of this essential vitamin. Vitamin C detoxifies foreign
substances entering the body and strengthens your cells. Dosages
can be up to one thousand milligrams per day.



About the author:


Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online
and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16
year old son. Get your href="http://www.shop4betterhealth.com">health products at
http://www.shop4betterhealth.com

Sleeping Pills - An Effective Alternative

Donald Saunders

Overcoming insomnia is a journey - and, as you may have discovered, it can also be a matter of trial and response. Undertaken systematically overcoming insomnia and getting a good night's sleep is an ultimately rewarding process. But, if you've already made basic changes to your diet and sleep routine, and you've tried specific techniques for reducing stress and improving the quality of your sleep, you may be tempted to turn to artificial sleep aids like sleeping pills.

While sleeping pills may promise a miracle cure for insomnia, the inherent risks of taking sleeping pills to combat insomnia are myriad. Regardless of whether you opt for short-term sleeping pills or a longer course, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines alike all carry similar risks - namely the potential for over-use or, in the worst cases, the possibility of addiction.

Because sleeping pills serve to depress your body's nervous system in order to create an artificial "sleep", they do not facilitate the essential healing and restorative cycles and functions normally undertaken by your body during sleep. That's why taking sleeping pills can often leave you feeling drowsy or inadequately rested in the morning.

Instead of turning to sleeping pills to overcome insomnia, try using one of the numerous natural and time-tested remedies that are widely available. Often referred to as a "natural sleeping pill", melatonin offers one viable sleep-enhancing option.

Melatonin is the hormone naturally produced by your body to induce sleep, and many people have successfully restored their own productive sleep patterns by using melatonin to help stimulate the body's own urge to sleep. Melatonin can be an effective natural alternative to sleeping pills, but should nonetheless be used with caution as it is not yet regulated by any government body.

Herbal remedies are another excellent alternative to sleeping pills and also to melatonin. Consumed in the form of herbal teas and supplements, or even as aromatherapy, herbs like valerian root and chamomile have been lauded as effective sleep-enhancers for centuries. Unlike melatonin or sleeping pills, chamomile does not have to be consumed over a period of time before it becomes effective. Chamomile tea can be used on an as-needed basis and many people have used its sleep-enhancing qualities to successfully combat bouts of insomnia.

Slightly stronger than chamomile and usually taken in pill form, valerian root is another well-known herbal sedative recognized for its ability to overcome insomnia and promote quality sleep. Valerian's sleep-inducing properties are so effective that it is actually medically recognized as the herbal equivalent of Valium™. Indeed, it is said that the name Valium™ was derived from Valerian, although Valium™ itself is not otherwise connected with valerian in any way.

As with all adjustments to your sleep cycle or sleep routine, you should choose one natural sleep remedy and use it consistently for two weeks before making any other changes – this gives your body time to incorporate and respond to the sleep enhancing benefits of the remedy you have chosen.

Copyright © 2005 Donald Saunders

Attention Ezine Editors / Website Owners
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your website so long as you leave all links intact, do not modify the content and include the resource box shown below. You may of course use your own affiliate link in the resource box. For details of our affiliate program, please visit our website.at http://help-me-to-sleep.com

About the Author

Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including:
"Help Me To Sleep - A Guide To Natural Sleep Remedies", "Jet Lag - An Alternative Approach", "Shift Work Insomnia" and "The Art of Meditation - A Guide To Meditation, Breathing and Relaxation Techniques"
For further details please visit http://help-me-to-sleep.com

Sleep Disorder - To Call The Doctor Or Not?

Donald Saunders

Experiencing difficulty in sleeping for any great length of time may well indicate that you suffer from a common sleep disorder.

Today more than 35 million Americans reportedly suffer from a chronic sleep disorder (sleeping difficulty that lasts for more than one month) and as many as 30 million more suffer from a shorter term or "transient" sleep disorder (sleeping difficulty that lasts for less than four weeks).

Commonly triggered by upcoming events (such as important meetings or interviews), jet lag, or a passing illness (like a cold or the flu), a mild sleep disorder presents relatively little difficulty in terms of its management and, if left to its own devices, will often pass quite quickly. This said, many simple steps can be taken to both reduce the effects of mild insomnia and to speed its passing.

A persistent sleep disorder however will rarely disappear of its own accord and may well require pro-active treatment. Prolonged sleep disorders include conditions such as chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

Difficulty in getting to sleep, staying asleep, waking through the night (and being unable to get back to sleep), or waking too early in the morning, when experienced for any length of time (and certainly for more than four or five weeks), warrants a diagnosis. You should also begin exploring natural sleep remedies that can help you get a better night's sleep, not to mention assisting you in effectively managing your problem.

The most commonly diagnosed sleep disorder, insomnia, also represents one of the easiest problems to treat. Simple lifestyle adjustments, structured relaxation or meditation, or a variety of herbal and natural sleep remedies will often provide a cure.

Like insomnia, sleep apnea is another sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans each year. The most dangerous of all sleep disorders, sleep apnea occurs when air flow through the windpipe is temporarily obstructed during sleep, often due to the relaxation or collapse of surrounding muscles. Sleep apnea is most commonly associated with snoring, although snoring alone is not necessarily indicative of sleep apnea.

Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder marked by uncontrolled "mini sleeps" during the day (even when the sufferer otherwise appears completely alert), is sometimes confused with sleep apnea; however, these represent two very different conditions.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), another sleep disorder that ranks as one of the most frequently diagnosed, affects more than twelve million people in the US alone each year. Unlike other common sleep disorders, restless legs syndrome combines the physical symptoms of a sleep disorder like insomnia with neural symptoms such as periodically uncontrolled limb movement and a tingling sensation in the legs and feet.

While a serious sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea, chronic narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome requires the intervention of a medical professional, there are still various ways in which you can actively manage your sleep disorder. In fact, numerous natural sleep remedies can help you get a better night's sleep and effectively deal with your sleep disorder, without resorting to sleeping pills or artificial sleep enhancers.

These sleep remedies are too numerous to discuss them in any detail in this short article, but they include melatonin and valerian root, two natural alternatives to sleeping pills, as well as aromatherapy, color or chromatherapy and guided relaxation and meditation. Chamomile or lavender teas and infusions are also an excellent natural remedy for managing various sleep disorders.

While some persistent sleep disorders do certainly merit investigation by your doctor, chronic insomnia can, more often than not, be cured without the need for medical intervention. Understanding the underlying causes of your insomnia and then making a number of simple changes to your lifestyle or routine can make a dramatic difference to the quality of your sleep. With the added help of one or two natural sleep remedies, you can then soon say farewell to this particular sleep disorder.

Copyright © 2005 Donald Saunders http://help-me-to-sleep.com

Attention Ezine Editors / Website Owners
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your website so long as you leave all links intact, do not modify the content and include the resource box shown below. You may of course use your own affiliate link in the resource box. For details of our affiliate program, please visit Help Me To Sleep Affiliates

About the Author

Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including:
"Help Me To Sleep - A Guide To Natural Sleep Remedies", "Jet Lag - An Alternative Approach", "Shift Work Insomnia" and "The Art of Meditation - A Guide To Meditation, Breathing and Relaxation Techniques"
For further details please visit Sleep Disorder

Natures Cosmetic Bounty

Allison Saunders of HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com

Not all skin treatments require a trip to the local health
and beauty outlet, department store or pricey salon. Look
right in your fridge or pantry and you'll find quite a few
items which you can use to beautify your pretty self.
Consider your kitchen your own natural day spa.

Do you have Oatmeal?

Then you have a great calming mask. Just mix it with warm water and slather it on. When it tightens up, rinse face with warm water and be amazed with the results.

Do you have Honey?

Then you have a softening mask. Add the honey to your oatmeal mask for extra softness.

Do you have Milk?

Then you have Moisturizer. Remember the phrase "milk and honey"? Mixed together they're a vitamin-packed lotion.

Do you have Cucumbers?

Then you have Swelling reducer. All those B-movies from the '60s had it right. Slice them up, place them on your eyes and say goodbye to puffiness.

Do you have Mayonnaise?

Then you have Hair Conditioner. It really is a great skin moisturizer and hair conditioner.

Do you have Potatoes?

Then you have Blemish Treatment. Rumor has it that grated or food processed raw potatoes can be used on blemishes as a curative. The enzymes are said to boost skin's healing powers.

Do you have Strawberries?

Then you have Tooth Whitener. Smoosh them, swirl them across your teeth and smile.

Do you have Garlic?

Then you have Acne Reducer. Well, you may not smell great after this home remedy, but it's worth a try. Garlic juice applied topically is a centuries old treatment for acne.

Talk about natural beauty!!!

Hey, you don't have to trek to the mall or even out your
front door. It's stuff you have already. So give them a try.

See if these all natural treatments work for you.
About the Author

Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the
author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets"
a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner
and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison,
and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting: http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved.

Press Release



Sinus Buster Natural Pepper Nasal Spray Launches New and Improved Formula











Press Release

Sinus Buster all natural hot pepper,(Capsaicin) based nasal spray has already been embraced by chronic sinus and headache sufferers around the world, but now this unique formula is even more effective against migraines, clusters, sinus headaches, and chronic congestion. Today, SiCap Industries officially launched the new and improved version of their breakthrough product known as "The Sinus Buster".

Altamont, NY July 6, 2004 -- Known as perhaps the best headache remedy in the world, all natural Sinus Buster Capsaicin nasal spray is now 25% more effective with the launch of their long awaited "new and improved" formula. Known as the world's first nasal spray made with natural hot pepper extract, the Sinus Buster has been embraced by many doctors as a true breakthrough for treating migraine, cluster, and sinus related headaches. Officials at SiCap Industries, makers of the Sinus Buster, say this new formula can stop most headaches in under 30 seconds.





"We've spent the last six months improving the best qualities of our formula. First, we found a way to increase the efficiency of our natural pepper extracts without significantly increasing the bite. This allows the formula to work even faster on migraines, clusters, and sinus headaches. For headaches near the front of your head and behind your eyes, this new formula spells near instant relief every time you use it. In fact we've been testing it on a group of regular users for the past few months, and in terms of percentages, the new formula seems to be at least 25 percent more effective than the original sinus buster against both headaches and sick sinus symptoms. We already had the most effective sinus headache remedy ever with the original sinus buster, but now we think we have the ultimate sinus buster, and we're very excited to finally introduce it into the marketplace," says Wayne Perry, President of SiCap Industries and inventor of the original Sinus Buster formula.





Perry claims the new formula tackles some of the challenges associated producing an all natural liquid supplement. He says the new formula extends shelf life without introducing any man made preservatives found in most so-called "natural products". Perry also claims the new formula is designed to carry the capsaicin farther back through the nasal passages and into the sinus cavities.





"We've upgraded our eucalyptus oil and changed a few of the controls we use to mix the active solution. This allows the eucalyptus to act as an even more effective carrier for the capsaicin. So although you do get a slightly more powerful bite, the capsaicin has been increased only in near microscopic proportions. The biggest change is that the capsaicin is actually being delivered more efficiently," Perry adds.





Comparing the bite of the new and old formulas is a very subjective experience because both solutions feel almost equally powerful. The difference in the two formulas (however slight), would be that the new formula delivers a cleaner and longer lasting effect, and it also delivers a more brilliant burst of energy due to the triggering effect it has on the body to release natural endorphins. Both formulas will make your eyes water, and both will stomp on a headache fast, but the new formula definitely works faster. Furthermore, the new formula knocks out nasal congestion far more effectively than the old version. It also appears to take less of the new Sinus Buster to do the same job as the old Sinus Buster formula.





As far as the actual bite of the pepper extract, the new Sinus Buster formula feels stronger, but not over the top. It's similar to the difference between a 400 horsepower motor and a 450 horsepower motor, both have awesome power, but the 450 HP version is just a bit more powerful. This is due mainly to a change in the combination of natural pepper extracts used in the new formula. Wayne Perry claims the company has spent much time and money figuring out ways to get the most medicinal benefits from the capsaicin.





"We've tweaked the combination of pepper extracts we use to deliver a better all around pain stopping effect. Believe me, nothing relieves a headache or congestion like this sinus buster formula. The old formula has always been awesome, but the new version simply takes the cake," boasts Perry.





Perry also says the new formula addresses some of the issues related to bottling a totally natural product, and the length of time that the product is at its most effective. While developing the formula, SiCap researchers took great pains to increase shelf life effectiveness through completely natural methods.





"We decided to make the switch to a very expensive organic rosemary extract along with increasing its parts per million ratio to better uphold the integrity of the formula. When used properly, rosemary extract is one of the best all natural preservatives known. It especially works well when you're dealing with essential oils and natural resins in a liquid mixture. We've looked into using other preservatives commonly used in other so-called natural products, but the truth is those preservatives contain compounds that frankly work against the benefits of our pepper extract. We refuse to USE anything but completely natural food grade ingredients. After all, I use this stuff too and I'm not putting anything in my nose that isn't all natural and safe," adds Perry.





SiCap Industries prides itself on being a microbrewer of sorts. Instead of making vast quantities of Sinus Buster designated for surplus storage, SiCap produces their formula in fresh batches on a bi-monthly basis. The company's philosophy is one of hand crafted old world excellence, a philosophy that shines through when you try your first shot of the Sinus Buster.





"The secret of intranasal capsaicin is that so little active ingredient is actually needed, and when you're dealing with totally natural ingredients, the pepper resins are susceptible to a certain amount of oxidation once the bottle has been open for awhile. So with the old formula, within three months after opening the bottle some people might experience a slight weakening of the pepper bite. The effectiveness of the formula actually remains about the same, yet there is a psychological factor since some users may believe it won't be as effective if the bite is lessened. The other thing is that when you're dealing with hot pepper extract, the average user will get used to the bite and believe it's weakened when actually it hasn't. Of course this all depends on how a person stores their sinus buster and how tightly they close the top between uses. Our formula is full of anti-oxidants and anti-microbial compounds so it doesn't go bad at all, but the stability of the pepper bite still relies heavily on storage factors because of the small amount used. With our new formula, by increasing the rosemary and vitamin C, and by modifying our temperature controls during the mixing process, we've found a way to increase the shelf life of an open bottle by as much as 50 percent. So once opened, the pepper bite remains fully effective for up to six months and possibly beyond," Perry explains.





In the fall, SiCap plans on introducing a metered dose version of their Sinus Buster in addition to the original bottle which will continue to be their top seller. The newer bottle will be an upright closed top atomizer, and marketed mainly for allergy sufferers. Although one advantage of the closed top atomizer is the fact that air is never introduced to the formula, officials at SiCap say there are also some downfalls.





"It's a give and take thing. The closed sprayer naturally extends shelf life by at least double, but it only delivers a metered dose in a fine mist spray. This seems to work well for typical allergy sufferers, but for chronic headaches and sinus infections, a pre-metered mist just doesn't do the job the way the original spray bottle does. The original bottle does have the disadvantage of taking in air when the bottle is squeezed and released, but it's far more versatile for most users once they learn how to control the bottle. When you first open it, the bottle is full and it can fire a solid stream into the nasal cavity. The harder you squeeze, the bigger the burst. As it empties, you may have to tilt the bottle upward to continuously get the bursting stream spray effect, but you quickly learn how to position the bottle for your desired effect. The other thing is that this bottle can also be used to deliver a light mist spray depending on how hard you squeeze it, and how you position the bottle. People with chronic headaches and sinus congestion rarely need the same dosage every time. So they would probably get little relief from the fine mist application, but the original bottle gives them true versatility in dosage and application. For instance, the fine mist doesn't help my cluster headaches the way the original bottle does. When I have an attack, sometimes I need to be able to spray a long burst very far into my nose to get rid of the headache. You just can't do that with the fine mist applicator. So that's why we'll continue to focus our main attention on marketing the original bottle, while the newer one will be offered as an alternative," Perry explains.





All in all, the Sinus Buster has the same aromatic qualities as the old formula, but there's a more intensified aroma of eucalyptus with an extra hint of citrus and rosemary. The new Sinus Buster is definitely a more exhilarating experience, and it seems to leave your nasal passages feeling even more satisfied than the old formula. Once the initial bite wears off (usually about 5 seconds), the warm sensation of pepper combines with the cooling sensation of eucalyptus to create an incredibly refreshing and lasting feeling.





"Our long time regular users will merely notice a cleaner fresher sensation in taste and aroma. We also use a very pure Aloe Vera gel that moisturizes the nasal passages leaving you with a crisp and clean healthy feeling. I've been using nothing but the new formula for about three months now, and it's just fantastic. Usually I have to fight a sinus cluster headache cycle every summer, and with the old formula I could fight it off, but when it's really humid I'd have to use it sometimes every 20 minutes. But with the new formula, I've warded off my summer attacks pretty much instantly, and a couple good doses daily seem to be preventing my headaches more than ever. We're always striving to improve our product line, and with this new formula I believe we've got it almost perfect. There's no sinus headache remedy that even comes close to the sinus buster. There never has been, and now with the new formula, we're years ahead of the pack," Perry exclaims.





To find out more about The Sinus Buster, the world's first capsaicin (hot pepper) nasal spray, visit the company website at (www.sinusbuster.com).





Media kits and samples are available for verified media and medical personnel upon request.





Contact via email at ( webmaster@sinusbuster.com)


or call SiCap Industries direct at (518) 861-5216.











About the author:

Shea Butter ~ Africa's Golden Gift

Lisa Maliga

From department stores to discount and drug stores, shea butter lotions, creams, lip balms, soap, conditioners and moisturizers are becoming more familiar to us. On television, a commercial announcer boasts of a brand name moisturizer containing shea butter, when the fact is that the butyrspermum parkii, the Latin name for this ingredient, is listed near the end of a long list of fillers, petroleum castoffs, and preservatives.

What Is Shea Butter?
With its growing reputation we are enticed to try this "new" and wonderful sounding ‘butter' which is not a dairy product. Technically, shea butter is a nut fat, as it is derived from the crushed nuts of the karite tree that grows wild in the African savannah, an area that comprises more than a dozen countries and is approximately the size of America. To a person from Ghana or Burkina Faso, two of the largest exporting countries of shea butter, they are quite accustomed to the benefits of shea butter. They massage it on their skin and hair; they cook with it, and it's known to help people of all ages with accelerating the healing of minor cuts, burns, and scrapes. Those who try natural shea butter are amazed to discover that applying all natural shea butter onto their skin, a thin protective layer forms, that is non-greasy!

Shea [Karite] Trees Grow In The Wild
Shea butter comes from karite trees, which live for hundreds of years and only begin providing fruit by the time they are about 25-30 years of age. Most wild [as opposed to cultivated which is very small scale at this time], karite trees are pollinated by small fruit bats, which help to ensure the continued existence for this ‘tree of life' as those whose livelihood depends on these fruitful trees oftentimes refer to it as. The shea nuts aren't picked from the trees as they must first mature and fall from the trees where they are then collected. Women are responsible for the gathering and production of shea nuts and helping cultivate them into valuable shea butter. The process of harvesting the shea fruit is time consuming, but the results are well worth the amount of effort that goes into each batch of natural shea butter. While the ripe green, fleshy fruit is rich in ascorbic acid as well as vitamin B; it's the kernels inside the nut that comprises the shea butter.

Making Shea Butter
The nuts are first sorted and parboiled, and then left to dry in the hot sunshine for up to one week. When the shea nuts are completely dehydrated, they can either be stored for several weeks or months, or they go to the next step of shea butter production.

Crushing the dried nuts, either with a wooden pestle, or, in more sophisticated operations, a special press, causes the nuts and the kernels to be separated. Next, the kernels are roasted in large metal pots and processed through a grinder, which results in a brown colored paste. This paste is processed a second time. The labor-intensive procedure continues with the mixing and kneading of the kernels after some water has been added. While this step of the shea butter making production goes on for several hours, it's a vital step as this is what creates the shea butter itself. It's still unrefined, but many people prefer the natural shea butter to the more refined versions. Also, there are places in Africa that have various types of shea refining machinery, allowing the shea extracting process to remain easier for all parties involved. For instance, the shea butter is filtered by a natural cold process method that strains the shea butter of any debris such as gourd pieces, dirt, leaves, etc. Most shea butter that is refined in Africa is usually free of hexane solvents that not only bleach and remove many of the vitamins and minerals, but also can remain in the finished product.

Unrefined Shea Butter
This type of shea butter has a wide range of colors and some differences in textures. Generally, unrefined shea butter is that which has been filtered [hopefully] and possibly refined at least once in the most natural cold process method. Beige, light or dark green, gray or dark tan are the colors that unrefined shea butter can end up. The green colors come from shea nuts that are less mature than the beige colors. Shea colors are also dependent upon the time of year the nuts are harvested and processed, along with the region in which the shea nuts are selected from.

While most unrefined shea butter maintains all the 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 the 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 the 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, the nutty and/or smoky scent should be lighter. Shea butter can be mixed with fragrances and essential oils to completely change the aroma, making it sweet, spicy, fruity, floral, herbal, etc.

While shea butter is added to a myriad of bath & body products, the best way to sample the 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 the 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 the 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.

About the Author

Lisa Maliga, bath & body products designer of [http://www.everythingshea.com] Everything Shea Aromatic Creations, has been working with shea butter since 2001.