Last year at this time, I wrote about oxytocin, also known as the "cuddle chemical". Finlandia Natural Pharmacy founder Halan Lahti says that although the substance is best known for the role it plays in bringing on labour and childbirth and facilitating breast-feeding, oxytocin's has libido-boosting effects on men and women alike. Research has pointed to its positive effects on arousal, as well as apparent ability to bring on feelings of loyalty and empathy.

In the last article, Vancouver naturopath Brian Martin cautioned against buying oxytocin online, which, at the time, was the only way for Vancouverites to get it.

Now, local residents can fill a prescription for oxytocin at Finlandia. Lahti says that the natural pharmacy puts the substance in lozenges, nasal spray, or injectable form. The most popular is the lozenge, which dissolves under the tongue and comes in many flavours, most commonly mint.

"Oxytocin has been around for many years, but modern usage falls in the area of helping people with their love life," Lahti tells the Straight.

He points out that many doctors are unaware that they can write a prescription for the substance to help people increase their sex drive. "Physicians need to be aware of how to use it, when to use it, and appropriate dosages," Lahti says. "Everybody is individual, so how a particular product reacts to one person is different from another.

"I think it will become more common," the pharmacist adds. "It's known as a love potion."