Soothing a Burned Tongue: Tips and Tricks for Quick Relief
Feeling like you ate a flaming pepper and now regret it? Don't worry, we've all been there. But fear not, we've got some science-backed solutions to help you put out the fire.
The burning sensation comes down to a chemical reaction with a compound called capsaicin, found in chili peppers. This capsaicin binds to pain receptors in your mouth, setting off a fiery response. Water might seem like an obvious choice to cool down, but it doesn't work because capsaicin dissolves in fats, oils, and alcohol, not water.
So, what can you do to find a measure of relief? There are several options:
- Dairy: Whole milk or full-fat sour cream or yogurt are your friends here. Like how soap cuts through grease, these dairy products can help remove the capsaicin from your mouth.
- Alcohol: If you're 21 or over, a few sips of a high-proof liquor could do the trick. Capsaicin also dissolves in alcohol, which can neutralize the burning sensation.
- Oil: Olive oil or peanut butter, if you're feeling adventurous, serve as a fatty barrier between your taste buds and the capsaicin.
- Starches: Rice or bread might not be as effective as the above options, but they can help soak up the capsaicin and cool down your mouth.
- Sugars: A spoonful of sugar is more than just a nursery rhyme - it can help counteract the burn from spicy food. The Scoville scale, a measurement for the spiciness of food, is actually based on the amount of sugar needed to neutralize the spice.
Remember, these remedies are just temporary solutions, and using them won't affect any potential health benefits of capsaicin, like a boost in metabolism or potential cancer-fighting properties. So, go ahead and enjoy your spicy foods, but be prepared to reach for a glass of milk if the heat becomes a little too much to handle.
After understanding that water isn't effective due to capsaicin's affinity for fats, oils, and alcohol, you might consider using dairy products as an oral care method. Whole milk or full-fat sour cream or yogurt can aid in removing the capsaicin from your mouth, similar to how soap cuts through grease. Furthermore, if you're 21 or above, high-proof liquor could potentially neutralize the burning sensation because capsaicin also dissolves in alcohol.
