I have tried Dr. Christopher's formula with cayenne. I have tried a couple different brands of it, with slight variations in the formula. Let's see what others say, but here's my story.
Ultimately, I preferred the Ayurvedic formulas. I like triphala a lot. (I may try tumeric as an eye bath too.)
I have two concerns with Dr. Christopher's formula with cayenne. First, cayenne is heating. According to Ayurveda, as a general principle, you want to avoid heating herbs for the eyes. There may be individual exceptions, but as a general rule I would be cautious about regular use of cayenne as an eye wash, eye bath or eye drop.
Dr. Christopher claimed the cayenne pepper brings blood to the eyes, and he thought that was healing. I have my doubts about that theory. But if you buy into his reasoning, then that leads me to my next concern.
My second concern is that cayenne can damage the cornea. This happened to me from using one of the stronger versions of Dr. Christopher's formula with cayenne. The particular formula was created by an M.D. who did buy into Dr. Christopher's theory. Her formula had more cayenne (because the doctor thought that was an improvement to the original formula).
After using it once (exactly according to the instructions) I had to be rushed to my local eye doctor. I was in tremendous pain. The doctor thought I had gotten acid in my eyes because I had corneal erosion and there were pits (small "holes") in my cornea. The cayenne caused that, not acid. It healed in a few days, but it was a very unpleasant experience.
I guess that even at lower cayenne concentrations, while you probably won't get pits, there may be some stress on the cornea because cayenne is an irritant. Again, I simply do not buy into Dr. Christopher's theory about cayenne.
See this article for example:
Capsaicin: An Uncommon Exposure and Unusual Treatment - The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
https://westjem.com/case-report/capsaicin-an-uncommon-exposure-and-unusual-treatment.html
Capsaicinoids act as a direct irritant
__Ophthalmic effects include blepharospasm, conjunctivitis, corneal erosions, and periorbital edema__
INTRODUCTION
In 2017 the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 2,229 exposures to capsicum-containing peppers, 215 of which were treated in a healthcare facility. An additional 3,320 exposures to capsicum defense sprays were reported, and 833 of these sought medical care.1 Pepper sprays are prevalent and commercially available in the United States. They contain the active ingredient oleoresin capsicum, which is an oily extract composed primarily of capsaicinoids. These hydrophobic, fat-soluble phenols are produced by chili peppers and elicit significant pain and burning upon tissue and mucous-membrane exposure.2 Capsaicinoids act as a direct irritant, in addition to causing secondary neurogenic inflammation elicited by capsaicin’s (Figure) interaction with sensory neurons via the vanillin receptor subtype 1 (TRPV).3 The hydrophobic nature of these compounds explains why water and other hydrophilic solvents are minimally effective in alleviating their noxious effects.4
Figure
Capsaicin molecular structure, C18H27NO3. C, carbon, H; hydrogen; N, nitrogen; O, oxygen.
While oral mucosal exposures to capsaicin are fairly common, other body areas can be affected in situations such as military training, police actions, and self-defense where non-lethal means of subduing individuals is required. Effects vary based on the anatomic site involved. Dermatological exposures induce burning, hyperalgesia and erythema. Ophthalmic effects include blepharospasm, conjunctivitis, corneal erosions, and periorbital edema, whereas inhalation often results in dyspnea and a burning sensation in the chest.
Various strategies for neutralizing the pain and burning of capsaicin exposure have been explored including baby shampoo, mixtures of detergent solutions, milk, topical anesthetics, and antacid solutions such as calcium carbonate.7 Specialized decontaminants such as Sudecon wipes have been developed, as well as SABRE Decon and BioShield sprays commonly used by law enforcement. These methods use detergents, surfactants, or other hydrophobic molecules with the ability to displace and neutralize the compound. The following case report describes an unusual capsaicin exposure and subsequent effective treatment in the emergency department (ED).
