If you are living anywhere in West Africa, chances are the cold dry harmattan winds have started blowing severely.
Now although some people love the coolness that is associated with this weather change, failure to adapt properly can make the season unbearable for you.
What is harmattan?
According to Wikipedia, "Harmattan is a season in West Africa that occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterized by the dry and dusty northeasterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea".
The dry winds leave skins dry, lips cut and bodies dehydrated.
However fear nought, here are five products from OTI you can use to be safe from the harsh effects of harmattan.
This is an obvious choice especially if you have experienced harmattan for years. Shea butter is like all-purpose combat for the effect of the weather on the skin. Applying either the oil or butter on your skin regularly will leave your skin feeling smooth and supple.
Regularly applying these products to your palms and body will help keep your skin in good shape.
You can use our organic shea butter as a lip balm to moisturise your lips as exposure to the dry wind can cause them to crack, leaving behind painful cuts. You may want to use this in your hair as well to lock in the moisture.
The benefits of shea butter are endless. You can choose from our range of shea butter: Ivory Unrefined / Burututu Root (Yellow) Raw,
You can decide to make your own body butter by combining some of our products.
OTI Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
Just like shea butter, coconut oil is popular for its moisturising properties. Whether on the skin, lips or in the hai, you can use OTI Organic Coconut Oil in place of shea products to keep your skin safe.
Do you know it can be used as a hand cream too?
Applying coconut oil into your hands will keep them soft and moisturised.
To use it as a lip balm, put some into a small container and place it in the fridge to solidify. Carry it around and use it regularly when you feel your lips drying up.
Pure Aloe Vera Drink
In a time where even the soil is drained of all moisture, it is essential to stay hydrated. Regularly taking Aloe Vera drink will not only hydrate but nourish your body with all of its rich nutrients. It is a good source of natural vitamin C while controlling blood sugar levels.
From treating constipation to reducing gum inflammation, you need to have this product stored at home.
Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help a person stay hydrated particularly during the dry season where water evaporates faster from the body. Aloe vera juice can be a low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks and fruit juices.
OTI Raw Wild Honey
One of the commonest effects of dry weather is the incessant colds and coughs. Notwithstanding, we have just the thing to help you through it.
Researchers say honey contains varying concentrations of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. It raises levels of disease-fighting antioxidants in the blood. Thus, making it easy for your body to fight against colds and coughs caused by harmattan.
Adding OTI Raw Wild honey to a cup of warm water and OTI Ginger powder will soothe your throat and cough in no time.
Cocoa Powder
Nothing beats hot cocoa on a cold and dry harmattan day. Our advice is that you stock up on OTI a
Alkalised or Natural cocoa Powder to help you keep your throat lubricated and body hydrated, not forgetting the health benefits.
Cocoa drinks in the morning and evening will help you keep the cold out of your system by providing you with some warmth.
In spite of all these, be sure to wear protective clothing including glasses, masks and long-sleeved clothes.
