The PawpawShop, London

Pawpaw and Papaya are two different names for the same fruit. Pawpaw is the name in general use in Australia for the fruit although Phytocare have just taken the decision to rename their products as "papaya" in recognition of the name in use for the fruit in the rest of the world.

The Pawpaw/Papaya Ointments and Salves may be used as a local topical application on the following:

• Abscesses - Boils - Bruises - Burns - Carbuncles - Chafings
• Cuts - Cysts - Dry & Cracked skin on hands & feet
• Gravel rash - Heat rash - Insect stings - Mosquito and other bites
• Open wounds - Pimples - Scalds - Scars - Sunburn
• Swelling associated with injury - Splinters & thorns.
• Nappy Rash - Cradle Cap - Eczema - Psoriasis

but also view our Customer Comments page to see the other uses to which the ointments and salves have been put - they are many and varied.

Lucas Remedies Papaw Ointment - 25g, 75g and 200g

Lucas is the most widely known and popular of the products on this site. It has been produced by Lucas Remedies for over 80 years and has a world wide following. Here is an extract from the Company's product sheet which illustrates the history of the product:

" For some years Dr T P Lucas practised in London. Seeking a warmer climate he went to Australia in 1876, practiced in Melbourne for 10 years before moving to Queensland. It was here in Queensland looking for a natural remedy for disease he carried out his scientific studies and experiments which led to his formulation of Papaw Ointment. After years of research as a botanist with professional experience, he stated in his 1906 Handbook that he believed that the papaw was the finest antiseptic yet discovered. The antiseptic properties accelerated the cleaning of wounds. He believed that the properties of the papaw tree (Carica Papaya) made it one of the most outstanding trees in the world. Of the thousands of specimens which passed through his hands, that which commanded his closest attention and to which he devoted special study was the Papaw Tree. His investigations led him to believe that he had made an outstanding discovery. T.P. Lucas obtained many cures with remedies made from the Papaw Tree."

Active Ingredients:    The ointment contains 39mg/gm of fresh fermented paw paw, unguent Carica Papaya L, and 0.1mg/g of potassium sorbate as a preservative.    petroleum jelly based.

Simmons Paw Paw Salve - 25g and 100g.

Simmons Paw Paw salve is a petrochemical free topical salve that is excellent to use as a barrier cream (at nappy change time) and for healing chapped or dry skin, mild exzema, nappy rash and general wounds and bites.

Active Ingredients: The salve contains 51mg/gm of fresh fermented paw paw, unguent Carica Papaya L. The base of the salve is a mix of vegetable waxes, beeswax and oils (Rhus succedanea wax, glycerine, canola oil, hydrogenated castor oil, corn starch.).

Phytocare (formerly Pure Nutraceuticals) Pure Papaya Ointment - 25g and 100g

Phytocare Pure Papaya Ointment is another petrochemical free topical ointment for use in similar circumstances as Lucas and Simmons. The main difference with this product is that it contains coconut essence giving it a different scented smell and Calendula (marigold), which like paw paw, is believed to assist with the cure of many skin ailments.

Active Ingredients: Fresh fermented papaya - 48mg/gm, Calendula officinalis flower extract - 5%. The base of the ointment is a mix of of shea butter, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, fragrance derived from coconut, sorbitan olivate (olive derived emulsifier for smoothness), caprylic triglyceride (coconut derived) and vitamin E (tocopherol).

Phytocare (formerly Pure Nutraceuticals) Pure Papaya Balm - 10g

Pure Papaya Balm is a new product from Phtyocare. This is a certified organic product similar to the Papaya Ointment but it does not contain any ingredients derived from coconut so that it has a relatively neutral flavour and scent. Like the ointment it contains Calendula (marigold) for added power to assist skin healing.

Ingredients: Fresh fermented papaya, Calendula officinalis flower extract, sunflower oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, olive oil, grapefruit seed extract,parfum (natural preservative), shea butter, natural vitamin E and glycerin.

Phytocare (formerly Pure Nutraceuticals) Paw Paw Ointment - 30g

This is the original formula of this product which we are offering at a reduced end of line sale price of £3.25 (Use By Date is November 2011).

Active Ingredients: Fresh fermented papaya - 48mg/gm, Calendula officinalis flower extract - 5%. The base of the ointment is a mix of of grapeseeed oil, beeswax, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, castor oil, shea butter fruit, coconut flavour and vitamin E (tocopherol), benzyl alcohol.

Suvana Paw Paw and Honey certified Organic Lip Balm - 25g

This is another organic addition to our range. It has been certified organic by Ecocert (the world's leading organic certification body with a charter for beauty products) and Cosmebio (Europe's most recognised organic beauty association). It is made without any preservatives, chemicals, fragrances or animal derivatives and animals have not been used in any testing processes.

This luscious balm, which contains Paw Paw and Honey, both known for their healing properties, soothes, softens and moisturises. Although a lip balm it uses are not limited to the lips.

Active Ingredients: Fresh fermented paw paw. The base of the ointment is a mix of of castor oil, beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter, honey, jojoba oil, vanilla bean oil, candelilla wax, carrot oil, stevia rebaudiana bertoni extract, tocopherol (natural vitamin E).

What is the difference??

The texture of the Lucas, Simmons and Nutraceticals is very similar and the range of skin complaints that they each treat is also close.    Scentwise the Pure Nutraceuticals product is identified by the coconut scent, the other two products are fairly neutral. The major differences are the base content of the products - Lucas is petroleum jelly based and Simmons and Pure Nutraceuticals are based on natural waxes and oils;   and the amount of the active pawpaw ingredient - Lucas 39mg/gm, Simmons 51mg/gm and Pure Nutraceuticals 48mg/gm.

Suvana is advertised as a lip balm although it may be used elsewhere. It has a similar texture as the other three items but has distinctive yummy honey flavour.

We are unable to express any opinions on the benefits of any of these products. As always if any symptoms persist please seek professional advice from your GP or other medical practitioner.