Like getting rid of the hiccups, everyone has a tactic they swear by for quelling a burning tongue after eating something super-spicy. But what actually works? We did some digging and found the best advice—and debunked the worst—for those moments when your eyes are watering, your throat is melting, and you're pretty sure your lips have melted off. 

1. DON'T drink water.

It will only spread the fiery chemical around your mouth and make the burning sensation worse.

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DO reach for dairy.

The healthy fats in yogurt, sour cream, and whole milk will trap and dissolve capsaicin, the chemical compound that makes you feel the burn. 

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2. DON'T chug beer.

Because it's mostly water, beer will only add insult to injury.

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giphy / cbs

DO sip some hard alcohol.

It seems counterintuitive but booze can do the trick of dissolving any capsaicin in your mouth.(Plus, any buzz you get should help mellow things out.)

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3. DON'T look to soda.

Again, it's water-based and therefore dangerous.

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DO chow down on carbs.

Starches like bread and rice totally tame that hotter-than-hot feeling by soaking it all up.

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No, Regina, but butter would work, too. See #4.

4. DON'T overlook oil. 

It can dissolve capsaicin as effectively as the fats in dairy, so a spoonful of olive oil (or even peanut butter!) can do wonders for that mouth on fire.

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DO pour some sugar on it.

Granulated sugar and even honey can dilute spice. Just mix a tablespoon of sugar (or honey) into a glass of water and chug away. Or you can always try squirting enough honey into your mouth to coat your tongue.

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