what is it in milk that stops your mouth burning from spicy foods?

Question

Drinking milk after eating chilli or curry etc makes your mouth hurt less. But why? And are there any dairy free alternatives that do the same?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

The two fastest acting ways to settle the burn is sugar and citrus. Eat something sweet like a spoonful of honey or maple syrup or suck on a lime wedge. Milk does work but takes longer.