Kombo Butter, Rich & Healing

Kombo Butter comes from the seeds of a tropical tree called Pycnanthus angolensis, also known as the “African nutmeg” and is harvested between December and April.

Unrefined Kombo Butter

It is a little known butter that has many wonderful healing properties due to its high Myristoleic acid content used to treat pain in the muscles and joints.  Myristoleic acid is also used for arthritis and gout. Kombo Butter comes from West Africa and has a beautiful unusual color that I describe as a deep chocolate burgundy that almost has a dark blue hue.

Listed below are a few notable properties:

• anti-inflammatory

• antioxidant

• antifungal

• anti-allergic

• antiseptic

I like to make a body butter or whipped butter with Kombo butter adding essential oils that would assist with joint pain relief.  I apply this after a rigorous day of horseback riding or gardening to help ease the stiffness from overused muscles.  Sometimes I rub in on my hands and fingers if they are feeling stiff and painful.

I love the texture of Kombo butter as it is silky and absorbs easily into the skin.  The aroma has been described by some as smelling fruity, and others say it has the aroma of burnt caramel.  My personal experience with it smell is earthy, with a hint of mushrooms.

The texture isn’t hard and flaky like cocoa butter but rather wet and thick with the ability to be spooned into a container, slowly sliding off a spoon.  (Kind of like a pudding!)  It is somewhat grainy.

It is important to buy this butter unrefined to enjoy the benefits that it offers us.  Store in a cool dark location or in the refrigerator.  It will last a minimum of two years.

Whipped Shea and Kombo butter

Recipe:  Whipped Shea and Kombo Butter

Use:  For inflammation and pain in the muscles and joints.

14 ounces of Shea Butter
2 ounces Cocoa Butter infused with Plai (Central)
2 ounces Kombo Butter
1 ounce Jojoba Oil

Directions: Melt the Shea and Cocoa Butter in a double boiler.  Add the Kombo butter and Jojoba oil.  Place in the refrigerator until cool and the top begins to slightly harden.  Begin a series of blending on high speed for 3-4 minutes, resting for two minutes. Continue this for approximately 20-30 minutes until you obtain a gorgeous whipped butter!

Add essential oils of choice.   Suggestions are:

Sugandha Kokila (Cinnamomum Glaucescens), Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea), Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis), Coriander – (Coriandrum sativum) and Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

Tagged as: healing oils, jojobal oil, kombo butter