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)
Aromatics International owner Karen Williams is a Certified Aromatherapist, RN and CFM. She supports organic farmers and essential oil distillers from around the world.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I love kombo butter, the aroma and texture adds such depth to my body butters. Thanks for the great post Karen!
Karen
Three questions, please:
1. I assume you remove the contents from the double boiler and scrape it into a cooking blender – is that correct?
2. At what point do the essential oils get added?
3. I reckon my blender would groan at this extended blending period – can the ingredients be blended in some other way and what would the final texture be, please?
Your blog is new to me and I’d like to say thank you for sharing – I appreciate it.
Kind regards
Donna
Hi Donna,
The essentials would be added after the oils have cooled. I melt the oils in a glass measuring cup placed in a pan of water. When the oils have melted, I then pour the oils into a larger container and cool in the refrigerator. The blender I use is a hand held blender and it doesn’t put a strain on the blender. It reminds me of whipping cream.
I live in Los Angeles and in interested in trying Whipped Shea & Komba. What is the best way to get high quality & shea butter? Do you have and information on taking an oral komba based supplement to help with arthritis?
Thank you,
Christina
Hello Christina, In obtaining quality butters and oils, they need to be virgin & unrefined. This way they retain their valuable healing properties. You can find quality butters at Aromatics International.
Hi,ia’m hoping you can help me with some advice.recently i brought kombo butter from a person in England,its unrefined kombo butter,she buys it from gahna.I came out in a very itchy rash all over my body,with using it straight.it’s been 3 weeks and still have the rash and been to doctors to get pills for it and cream and is now clearing up.I was wondering if you had any complaints of the combo butter you sell.It is suppose to cure allergies lol yet i got a rash from it.anyway sorry about the whinge,but iam concerned about the safety of this product.plese get back to me soon.thanks
regards Annette
Hello Annette, It looks like you are allergic to Kombo butter. I would avoid it. It is the 1st time I’ve heard of an allergic reaction to Kombo butter, but we are all different and react differently. I hope you are over the reaction soon as I know it can be miserable.
Greetings. i would like to know after you made your whipped shea and kombo butter creme how long is the shelf life? do i “have” to add any anti septic essential oil to prevent bacteria to grow?
Hello Viviana, I made this whipped butter in June of 2010 and as of December 2011, I’m still using it. I have kept it at room temperature and it doesn’t show signs of deterioration. I live in a dry climate without humidity, so that also affects the shelf life.
Hello,
Do you have laboratory reports on kombo oil/butter to know the ingredients,chemicals and medicinal qualities ? I will like to know if you have.
thanks