There is a tree in Africa known as the Karite or Shea Tree. From the fruit of this tree a small nut is extracted, then dried, pounded and smoothed between stones to produce a paste know as Shea Butter. The paste moisturizes, revitalizes and protects the skin. Its high content of vitamins A, E, & F leaves a beautiful satin finish and improves elasticity. Used as a protective film against cold weather, it eliminates chapped lips and ashiness you may experience during winter months. Shea butter may be used along with sunscreen products before and after sun exposure to eliminate peeling due to prolonged exposure. It is excellent for diaper rash and for lubricating dry, flaky patches of eczema. Shea Butter is also the best kept secret to prevent stretch marks.

The essential oil of each plant is its life force. It contains medicinal and aromatic characteristics. Essential oils are readily absorbed through the skin and when inhaled affect the brain and its release of neuro chemicals. Essential oils can help you relax, enjoy, rejuvenate, increase mental awareness and much more. True essential oils provide tremendous healing and balancing properties in just minutes.

The inhalation of essential oils can bring speedy relief to respiratory and stress related problems. CAUTION: Close your eyes when inhaling. For immediate effect, sprinkle a total of eight drops of a blend of essential oils on a tissue. Inhale deeply three times. Add three to four drops of an essential oil or blend of oils to a basin of hot water. Lean over the basin, covering your head with a towel and inhale deeply several times. CAUTION: Do not use this hot-water-based method of inhalation if you suffer from asthma, since concentrated steam can cause choking. You can use essential oils in the bath to help a wide range of health problems. The oils do not readily dissolve in water but will disperse rapidly when swished around. Add a total of six to eight drops of one or more essential oils to a warm bath. Do not use very hot water, since this will cause the oil (s) to evaporate too quickly. If you have dry skin, dilute the essential oil (s) in two teaspoons of carrier oil before adding to the water. For maximum benefit, stay in the water for 10-20 minutes. You can use local application to treat many skin conditions, or as an alternative to massage. Dilute the essential oil (s) in a carrier and rub into affected areas. Unless you have dry skin, use a non - greasy lotion as a carrier. An essential oil compress may soothe aches, sprains or swelling. Cut a piece of non - medicated, clean cotton to the required size. Vary the number of essential oil drops and size of receptacle according to the ailment: from two drops in an egg cup full of water for a septic finger to eight drops in a medium sized basin of water for a wrist sprain. Use hot water for muscular aches and cold water for sprains or headaches. Immerse the cloth in the water, squeeze it gently and place over the affected areas. Cover with plastic wrap/cling film. (Keep hot compresses warm.) Leave the compress in place for at least two hours.