Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a big role in love, sex and maternal bonding.

Scientists have found that if they put it in a nasal spray, users will feel more trust for strangers. They will trust the strangers with their money even after they've been betrayed by them.

The idea is to use it as a drug to help people who suffer from social phobia or even autism. A lack of naturally produced oxytocin is at least one of the causes for the fear experienced by social phobics.

The potential for abuse seems a little scary though. Imagine for example if the gambling casinos started pumping oxytocin into the air? That's just one example of where people may more easily part with their money if they inhale an invisible dose of the love and trust hormone.

See the report about oxytocin nasal spray at the BBC.

We could all use some more oxytocin. But there are natural ways of producing more in our bodies. Some of the most effective ways to produce more oxytocin naturally are through meditation, yoga, exercise, caring for a pet or joining some kind of support group.

Photo by Bakes2