What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is an endogenous hormone, often called the "bonding" or "cuddle hormone." It plays a role in social bonding, trust, birth and breastfeeding. In the scene it is used for mood, a sense of closeness and general wellbeing, usually nasally.
How it works
Oxytocin acts at oxytocin receptors in the brain and influences social and emotional processes: more sense of connection, trust and relaxation in social situations. Because of the very short half-life, each dose acts only briefly and pointedly.
Use (nasal or subcutaneous)
Often nasal, but also works subcutaneously.
- Nasal: a spray/drop per nostril, relevant especially for the social effects.
- Subcutaneous: a small amount with the insulin syringe, use the calculator above.
Dosing
Members only
Dosing recommendations are visible to logged-in members only. Logging in is free.
What the research shows
Oxytocin as a hormone is well researched, especially its role in birth, breastfeeding and social behavior. For targeted self-use to optimize mood or social function, the data is mixed and less clear-cut than often portrayed. Stay honest: an effect exists but is individual and not guaranteed.
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated, occasionally headache or irritation of the nasal mucosa.
- Rarely nausea.
Storage
Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.