03/05/2026
Day one of the Eastnor Castle Chilli Festival and hats off to the Clifton Chilli Club with the Chilli eating competition!
Chilli First Aid (yes it’s a thing !)
The burning sensation when eating Chilli’s is caused by capsaicin, an oil-based compound that binds to pain receptors. Water will not help and may spread the oils, making the burning worse.
1. Mouth and Tongue Burn
Dairy (Best Option): Drink whole milk, eat yogurt, or consume sour cream. Dairy contains a protein called casein that helps break down capsaicin, acting like detergent on grease.
Starchy Foods: Eat bread, rice, or potatoes. They act as a physical barrier between the capsaicin and your mouth.
Sugar or Honey: Suck on a teaspoon of sugar or honey to help dull the pain.Acidic Foods: Lemon, lime, or tomato-based items can help neutralize the alkaline capsaicin.Fatty Foods: Peanut butter can help break down the oils.
2. Stomach Burn and Indigestion
Antacids: Take over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Maalox to neutralize stomach acid.
Nonfat Milk: If you have indigestion rather than just a hot mouth, try nonfat milk; high-fat dairy can sometimes worsen reflux.
Ginger: Ginger tea or ginger chews can settle a burning stomach.
3. Skin Burn (Hands/Face)
Dish Soap: Wash hands thoroughly with grease-cutting dish soap multiple times.
Oil Soak: Rub hands with vegetable, olive, or peanut oil to dissolve the capsaicin, then wash with soap.
Alcohol: Rinse hands with rubbing alcohol or high-proof liquor (like vodka) to dissolve the oils.
Baking Soda Paste: Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, apply to the skin, and let it dry before washing off.
4. Eye Exposure
Rinse Immediately: Flush eyes with clean water or saline for 15+ minutes.
Milk: Dab the eye area with a paper towel soaked in cold milk.
Do Not Rub: Avoid rubbing, as this can cause further irritation.
