Mafura butter is extracted from the kernels of the fruit of the Natal Mahogany (Trichilia Emetica) tree which is indigenous to African countries from Sudan to South Africa.
It is widely used in Mali, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
According to www.database.prota.org " In traditional medicine, various parts of Trichilia emetica are used for a wide variety of complaints. The bark soaked in water is used as an emetic, for treating intestinal ailments and as a purgative. It is used in small doses only as its effects can be violent. A decoction of the bark and roots is a remedy for colds, pneumonia and for a variety of intestinal disorders including hepatitis. In Senegal a macerate of root bark is used to treat epilepsy and leprosy, while in Mali powdered root is given to treat cirrhosis, river blindness, ascariasis and dysmenorrhoea. A decoction of the roots is also used to treat infertility and to induce labour in women. Leaves are taken in southern Senegal against blennorrhoea. In Zimbabwe the bark is used to induce abortion and as fish poison. The oil is consumed to relieve rheumatism and to treat leprosy and fractures."
The mafura butter I use is from Mozambique and I use it as a body moisturizer.
I prefer to mix my Mafura butter with melted raw cocoa butter and a little vanilla essential oil for scent.
Though perhaps nowhere near as interesting as its other uses, it pleases me to know its an Afrikan thing.
