From the Research
To relieve pain caused by wasabi consumption, drink milk or eat dairy products immediately as they contain casein, which binds to the irritating compounds in wasabi. This is because wasabi contains allyl isothiocyanate, a compound that activates pain receptors in the mouth and nasal passages by temporarily irritating mucous membranes 1. The pain from wasabi is intense but short-lived, typically subsiding within 10-15 minutes naturally, as the compounds are volatile and evaporate quickly.
Some key points to consider when relieving wasabi pain include:
- Cold water can help wash away the capsaicin-like compounds, though it's less effective than milk
- Bread, rice, or other starchy foods can absorb the irritating oils and provide relief
- Honey or sugar can help neutralize the burning sensation by coating the affected areas
- If the pain is severe or persists longer than 30 minutes, rinsing your mouth with salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) may help reduce inflammation
It's worth noting that while wasabi has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its antibacterial properties 1 and its effects on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome 2, the most effective remedy for wasabi pain is still to drink milk or eat dairy products immediately. Additionally, recent studies have explored the benefits of wasabi supplements with 6-MSITC on memory functioning in healthy adults aged 60 years and older, showing significant improvements in working and episodic memory performances compared to a placebo group 3. However, this does not directly relate to relieving pain caused by wasabi consumption.