Chyura (Phulwara) Butter
Scientific Name: Diploknema Butyracea

Origin: India 

 It is native to the steep slopes of Himalayan region of India and Nepal. 

It is also spread over to sub-Himalayan regions of Sikkim & Bhutan.

Chyura tree is a fast-growing, deciduous, medium size tree with a height of 40-60 m

Chyura trees starts fruiting in the month of April-July.

The oil is extracted from the kernel present in the seed of the fruit 

through a traditional method as detailed below.

Extraction Method

The extraction process of Chyura Butter is very similar to traditional African process of Shea butter extraction. 
Seeds are taken out of the fruit, cleaned and boiled. Boiling softens the outer layer of seed so that the kernel can be taken out easily. 
The kernels are dried in sun and then roasted to remove moisture. 
Roasted kernels are then pounded and again boiled in water.

This results in the buttery paste separating out and floating on top of water.

This paste is isolated, kept in a cloth and pressed manually till drops of oil seep out.

The paste is again dried, crushed into a powder and kneaded continuously to give it a soft texture.

Lukewarm water is poured on it and ghee formed is skimmed out when cool.

Approximately 18 kg of Chyura seeds yield 1 kg of butter.

Key Characteristics

1. Chyura butter has cosmetic as well as edible uses (bakery, confectionary etc).
2. It has been used for cooking traditionally in native regions.
3. It is rich in fatty acids, Omega 3,6,9 & vitamin E . Fatty acid profile is outlined as below;

a. Palmitic Acid (C16:0) – 58 – 65%

b. Oleic Acid (C18:1) – 29 – 35%

c. Stearic Acid (C18:0) – 3-5%

d. Linoleic Acid (C18:2) – 4- 6%
4. It is a soft butter like shea with a melting point  of 35-40 deg C and can be used as a replacement of Shea and 
Mango butter.

Benefits and Uses

Due to high Palmitic Acid content, it is a good replacement for palm fat and hence, 

finds applications in soap making and confectionary industry.

Due to presence of anti-oxidants, the butter has anti-ageing properties  and hence, 

useful for skin care formulations like creams, lotions etc.

Moisturizes the skin

1. Treats and soothes rashes and itches
2. Omega 6 present in the butter reinforces the skin barrier function
3. Presence of Omega 9 repairs the hair bringing back their natural sheen, 
4. Hence can be used in hair masks. 
5. Anti-microbial nature which inhibits the bacterial growth in the skin and prevents acne without over-drying the skin.
6. Hence it can be used as a remedy against skin infection.
7. The butter can be applied on burns, wounds and chapped skin and lips to facilitate healing.

Plant part used: Seed

Texture: Creamy

Product Colour: White to Cream Product Odour: Slightly sweet Skin Type: All skin type

Origin: India/Nepal (Upper Himalayas)

Shelf Life: 2 years

Comedogenic Rating: NA