Hot peppers add a spicy kick to many dishes and can be a flavorful addition to any meal. However, the spicy sensation they create can also be quite painful if you’re not used to eating them.

Whether you accidentally ingested a spicy pepper or intentionally tried to test your limits, a burning mouth can be uncomfortable to endure. Here are some tips to help soothe a burning mouth from hot peppers:.

1. Drink Milk

The protein casein found in milk is a natural antidote to capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat.

Drinking milk can help to neutralize the burning sensation caused by hot peppers, making it an effective remedy for soothing a burning mouth. For the best results, drink whole or 2 percent milk, as skim milk may not have enough fat to effectively neutralize the capsaicin.

2. Eat Something Cold

Cooling your mouth with something cold can help to numb the sensation caused by hot peppers. You can eat ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet to calm the heat. You can also try sucking on ice chips or drinking cold water to help alleviate the burning.

Avoid drinking hot beverages or eating hot food, as this can exacerbate the burning sensation.

3. Apply Yogurt

Yogurt contains a high amount of lactic acid, which can help to neutralize the spicy capsaicin in hot peppers. Applying a small amount of plain yogurt to your tongue and mouth can help to soothe the burning sensation.

Allow the yogurt to sit in your mouth for a few minutes and then spit it out.

4. Rinse Mouth with Salt Water

Mixing a teaspoon of salt with warm water and rinsing your mouth can also help to reduce the burning sensation caused by hot peppers. The salt in the water helps to neutralize the capsaicin and the warm water also helps to provide relief.

Swish the salt water around your mouth for a minute or two before spitting it out.

5. Chew on Lemon or Lime

Citric acid can help to break down the capsaicin in hot peppers and provide relief from the burning. Chewing on a lemon or lime wedge or sucking on citrus candies can help to reduce the heat in your mouth.

Be careful not to overdo it, as the high acidity content of citrus can cause irritation to your mouth.

6. Eat Starchy Foods

Starchy foods like bread, rice, and potatoes can help to absorb the capsaicin in your mouth, providing relief from the burning. Eating a plain piece of bread or rice can help to neutralize the heat of hot peppers in your mouth.

Avoid eating anything spicy or acidic, as this can worsen the burning sensation.

7. Use Honey

Honey has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the inflammation and burning caused by hot peppers in your mouth.

Apply a small amount of honey to your tongue or in your mouth and allow it to sit for a minute or two before spitting it out. You can also add honey to your tea or drink it with warm water to provide relief from the burning.

8. Use Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe the burning sensation caused by hot peppers.

Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to your tongue and mouth and allow it to sit in your mouth for several minutes before spitting it out. You can also drink aloe vera juice to help soothe your mouth from the heat of hot peppers.

9. Avoid Spicy Foods

If you’ve eaten hot peppers and you’re experiencing a burning sensation, it’s best to avoid eating spicy foods until your mouth has fully healed. Eating spicy foods can worsen the burning sensation and prolong your recovery time.

Stick to bland foods like white rice, plain pasta, or bread until the burning sensation subsides.

10. Seek Medical Attention

If you’re experiencing severe pain or swelling in your mouth or throat after ingesting hot peppers, seek medical attention immediately. You may be having an allergic reaction to the peppers or they may have caused damage to your mouth or throat.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.