What Remedy too much pepper?

Answer 1

Chileheads suggest various things, some work better for some people than others. I have found over years of helping others deal with the painful sensation of capsaicin when they "bite off more than they can chew" of a Chile, that one of the best things to use is banana. It can quickly put the fire out for more people than most other suggested "antidotes". The burn goes away almost instantly. The mechanism is not fully understood.

There are many other things suggested, but as a dedicated "chilehead" who pushes the envelope when it comes to "fire eating", and who has been a charter member of the New Mexico State University Chile Institute since 1993 (founded by Paul Bosland as a scientific and educational institute for expanding chile knowledge and promoting its research and preservation), some of the other most effective fire extinguishers are any milk product (both the casein and the fat are the active ingredients that help), especially premium/high fat ice cream. Anything with oils or fats can help because the oils that hold the capsaicin from the pepper can be diluted by the addition of other fats.

Crackers, like plain soda crackers, can help absorb the oils from your mouth and allow you to swallow the pain with the cracker. Bread and other similar absorbent foods will also help, but not cure as quickly as banana and milk.

Alcohol, such as beer, is recommended by some to cleanse the mouth. I have found that it does aid in dissolving the oils and the cooling of the cold liquid can help your mouth feel better. But other alcohol beverages only seem to add burn to burn and make things feel worse. The same effect occurs from acid foods like cola soft drinks and vinegary foods. They may help in the long run, but initially the burn is worse.

Water, that most people instinctively reach for, only helps spread the oils and capsaicin around in your mouth so that it touches more places to register the burn more. It is not recommended.

Be especially careful about spreading the burn to your eyes or other sensitive areas from your hands (men should be very cautious about what chileheads call "chile willy"). To remove the oils and alkaloids from your hands, try cleaning with toothpaste or some of the mechanics' hand cleaners like Goop or soaps with pumice. The abrasive action seems to be required to help scrub the areas of your hands with all the fine wrinkles and finger prints where the oils can hide.

If you get it in your eyes, you may need to seek urgent medical attention. Some people have found relief by using a milk eyewash, but it would be best to get the advice of a physician or ophthalmologist. Avoid handling contacts until you are sure your hands are free of the oils and alkaloids.