Why Hot Peppers Seem Hot And How Milk Helps

Reactions takes a look at how capsaicin in hot peppers makes them seem hot and how milk helps.

You have probably had the burning sensation of eating a jalapeno or other tear-inducing pepper. What causes this painful fire in your mouth? The short answer is capsaicin. But what exactly is capsaicin? How does it work? Why do people drink milk to relieve the pain? Reactions has the chemistry to answer all of these sizzling questions.