just purchased unrefined shea butter from a distributor and need to know how to get it from the block into a useable form mixed with essential oils.
Hi, there. Shea butter is a very delicate butter that will "grow" crystals if it is heated to too high a temp. That means it should never be heated in a microwave. Although the "crystals" are just stearic acid from the Shea Butter, they do make the texture of the butter … just plain gross. 
Since Shea Butter is naturally a relatively soft butter, the best way to soften it to a blending consistency is to place the desired amount of Shea Butter in a zippy bag and then place the bag in a bowl of hot water. Check it every 30 sec – 1 minute, and massage it around in the bag each time you check on it. When it feels soft enough to be blendable, cut a hole in the bottom corner of the bag and squeeze the contents into a sterilized jar or container. (You can also leave it in the bag if that’s more convenient.) Keep the Shea Butter in a cool location and protect it from light so that the Essential Oils aren’t compromised. That’s all there is to it!!
Shea Butter’s awesome. Enjoy it to the fullest! You can make whipped shea butter by softening it (use a bowl placed in shallow hot water to soften it), adding a liquid oil such as extra virgin olive oil (very healing), jojoba, or corn oil, and then whip the butter with a hand mixer. Slowly blend in essential oils or herbal extracts while you whip. Continue whipping until it forms a fluffy, soft butter that can be easily spread on the body. It’s delightful and feels so luxurious!
Have fun with it!
July 15th, 2010 at 4:45 am
Hi, there. Shea butter is a very delicate butter that will "grow" crystals if it is heated to too high a temp. That means it should never be heated in a microwave. Although the "crystals" are just stearic acid from the Shea Butter, they do make the texture of the butter … just plain gross.
Since Shea Butter is naturally a relatively soft butter, the best way to soften it to a blending consistency is to place the desired amount of Shea Butter in a zippy bag and then place the bag in a bowl of hot water. Check it every 30 sec – 1 minute, and massage it around in the bag each time you check on it. When it feels soft enough to be blendable, cut a hole in the bottom corner of the bag and squeeze the contents into a sterilized jar or container. (You can also leave it in the bag if that’s more convenient.) Keep the Shea Butter in a cool location and protect it from light so that the Essential Oils aren’t compromised. That’s all there is to it!!
Shea Butter’s awesome. Enjoy it to the fullest! You can make whipped shea butter by softening it (use a bowl placed in shallow hot water to soften it), adding a liquid oil such as extra virgin olive oil (very healing), jojoba, or corn oil, and then whip the butter with a hand mixer. Slowly blend in essential oils or herbal extracts while you whip. Continue whipping until it forms a fluffy, soft butter that can be easily spread on the body. It’s delightful and feels so luxurious!
Have fun with it!
References :
Owner of an organic body products business; herbalist trained in naturopathy