Shea Butter - What It Is, What It Does for Our Skin

Shea Butter - What It Is, What It Does for Our Skin: "Shea Butter - What It Is, What It Does for Our SkinMore Skin Care Solutions
By Cait Johnson, Assistant Producer, Care2 Healthy Living Channels.
It�s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every time I�ve opened a magazine lately, there is a picture of a tin of 100% Shea Butter for sale from L�Occitane, who donates part of the proceeds to breast cancer organizations. It got me wondering what shea butter actually is (how do you milk a shea?) and why everybody says it�s the best skin-healer and moisturizer around. A little research convinced me: everybody needs to know about this fabulous stuff! "

L�OCCITANE en Provence - Skincare > Moisturizer > Shea Butter - 24 Hours Ultra Rich Face Cream

L�OCCITANE en Provence - Skincare > Moisturizer > Shea Butter - 24 Hours Ultra Rich Face Cream: "Increases skin hydration for 24 hours. Synergistic formula of plant nutrients offers immediate comfort and relief from dryness, and continues to hydrate and protect, leaving skin smooth and supple. Blend of 25% Shea Butter, chestnut extract and wheat protein helps to replenish skin's hydrolipidic film, restoring balance to the skin barrier that defends against harsh environmental conditions. Skin feels revived and looks healthier. "

tea tree oil

tea tree oil: "tea tree oil

What Is It?
Health Benefits
Forms
Dosage Information
Guidelines for Use
General Interaction
Possible Side Effects
Cautions



What Is It?
It was centuries ago that Australian aborigines probably first started plucking leaves from a native tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) to treat skin infections. In 1770, sailors from Captain Cook's expedition to the South Seas ventured ashore at New South Wales and brewed a tea using the leaves of the same tree. This event engendered the herb's English name 'tea tree'--which is actually something of a misnomer because the Melaleuca species bears no relation to the Camellia species, the usual source of tea leaves.
Today, an aromatic oil with a fragrance reminiscent of nutmeg is steam-distilled from the Melaleuca leaves. Because the Melaleuca alternifolia grows only in Australia, that country is now the major source of tea tree oil, exporting some 700 tons of annually. Tea tree products are often referred to as 'melaleuca oil.' The pure oil is colorless to pale yellow.
Health Benefits
High-quality tea tree oil contains 40% or more of terpinen-4-ol, the ingredient that fights harmful bacteria and fungi and makes the oil so effective in preventing and fighting infection in cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and stings.
Specifically, tea tree oil may help to:
Treat cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings, and other minor skin wounds and irritations. Tea tree oil blends rapidly and easily with the skin's own oils. In the process, the oil alters the chemical barrier of the skin, making it less hospitable to the growth of fungi and other organisms. In these ways, tea tree oil not only lessens the chance of infection, it also promotes healing and reduces the likelihood of"