Amanita Muscaria

GABAergic / Disinhibiting / Dreamlike / Sensory-opening

Amanita Muscaria is known to act primarily on the GABAergic system, particularly through compounds such as muscimol, which modulate inhibitory signalling in the brain. This action is associated with reduced neural excitability, muscle relaxation, altered sensory perception, and a shift away from compulsive cognitive activity.

Internally, Amanita has traditionally been associated with dreamlike states, disinhibition, and subtle euphoria, not through stimulation but through a quieting of internal noise. This can lead to heightened bodily awareness, increased sensitivity to touch, and a softening of boundaries between sensation, emotion, and perception. For this reason, it has long been described as having aphrodisiac qualities, understood as increased receptivity and sensory openness rather than arousal or performance.

Applied topically, Amanita’s lipid-soluble constituents and aromatic signals engage the body through the skin and nervous system, supporting muscular ease, reduced tension, and a descent from mental dominance into somatic experience. Within GLOW, Amanita functions as the primary agent of nervous system settling and sensory deepening.

Saffron Oil

Serotonergic / Uplifting / Warming / Mood-brightening

Saffron is one of the most extensively studied botanicals for mood modulation. Its key compounds, including crocin and safranal, have been shown to influence serotonin reuptake pathways, and are often described in the literature as exhibiting SSRI-like activity, supporting mood elevation and emotional balance.

Saffron is traditionally associated with uplift, warmth, and emotional brightness, often used to counter low mood, mental heaviness, and emotional flatness. It is also linked with increased vitality and subtle sensual arousal, likely due to its combined effects on mood, circulation, and nervous system tone. In Ayurvedic contexts, this is sometimes framed as supporting ojas — the body’s vital essence.

Through topical and aromatic exposure, saffron contributes these same signalling effects via the skin and olfactory system. Within GLOW, saffron counterbalances the deep settling of Amanita by introducing lightness, warmth, and gentle uplift, preventing the experience from becoming sedative while supporting a felt sense of glow, pleasure, and aliveness.

Red Rose Oil

Anxiolytic / Soothing / Heart-softening / Harmonising 

Rose has long been associated with down-regulating emotional reactivity and softening states of inner tension. Its volatile aromatic compounds act rapidly through olfactory–limbic pathways, influencing mood, affect, and emotional tone.

Rose is traditionally described as anxiolytic and harmonising, often used to reduce emotional contraction and support feelings of safety, warmth, and relational openness. In the body, it is associated with gentle vasodilation and a sense of emotional ease, allowing sensation to be experienced without defensiveness.

Applied topically, these same compounds signal through the skin and nervous system, contributing to a softened emotional field and a receptive sensory state.

White Lotus Oil

Tranquil / Receptive / Quieting / Equanimous 

White lotus has been used in contemplative traditions to support mental quiet, perceptual spaciousness, and non-reactive awareness. It is not stimulating or sedative, but subtly modulating—often described as reducing mental noise while increasing sensitivity to subtle sensations.

White lotus is traditionally associated with acceptance, equanimity, and a gentle uplift in mood without activation. In the body, it supports a calm, receptive baseline from which sensation can be felt more clearly.

Through topical and aromatic exposure, these qualities translate into a softened attentional field and an open, unforced presence.

Red Reishi Spore Oil

Adaptogenic / Grounding / Stabilising / Restorative 

Reishi is classically described as an adaptogen — supporting resilience under stress while promoting calm vitality. Reishi spore oil, in particular, is associated with nervous system settling without dulling, supporting a state that is relaxed yet awake.

It has been used to modulate stress responses, support immune balance, and promote a sense of grounded stability over time. Many traditions describe reishi as strengthening the body’s capacity to remain calm under sustained demand.

Applied topically, reishi contributes to this same quality of settled vitality, supporting depth, endurance, and a calm internal tone rather than transient stimulation.

Pine Needle Oil

Invigorating - Clarifying - Circulatory

Pine needle preparations are traditionally associated with circulatory stimulation, respiratory clarity, and mental refreshment. Pine is often described as clearing stagnation—both physical and perceptual—and restoring alertness after fatigue.

Internally, pine has been used to support recovery after exertion, promoting a feeling of renewed energy without agitation. It is frequently associated with improved circulation and a lightening of bodily heaviness.

In topical use, pine needle oil provides this same reawakening signal, preventing excessive sedation and supporting a sense of freshness and internal movement after deep relaxation.

Agarwood (Oud) Oil

Grounding / Meditative / Depth-inducing

Agarwood is described as deeply grounding and centring, often used to stabilise the mind and reduce scattered or restless states. It is associated with slowing internal tempo and anchoring awareness.

Agarwood has historically been used in contexts requiring depth, containment, and sustained presence, rather than stimulation. Internally, it is said to calm excessive movement of thought while supporting emotional density and coherence.

Through aromatic and topical pathways, agarwood brings this same sense of gravity and depth, encouraging the body to remain present and settled during prolonged touch or ritual.

Spikenard Oil

Pacifying  / Nervous-system-calming / Protective

Spikenard has been traditionally used for nervous system calming, emotional integration, and relief of mental agitation. It is often associated with easing anxiety, supporting sleep, and helping process held emotional tension.

In the body, spikenard is described as deeply pacifying — quieting excess excitation while allowing underlying sensation and feeling to surface safely. It has also been linked to relief of muscular tightness associated with stress.

Applied topically, spikenard reinforces a sense of containment and calm, supporting the release of stored tension and a deeper descent into embodied awareness.

Bamboo Tabashir

Siliceous / Structuring / Stabilising

Bamboo tabashir is said to cool excess heat, support tissue integrity, and strengthen structural resilience. Its high silica content supports connective tissue, skin, and the nervous system.

Internally, silica-rich substances are often linked with clarity, coherence, and structural stability within the body. They are not stimulating, but organising — supporting the medium through which other processes occur.

In topical application, bamboo tabashir supports the formula's physical substrate, reinforcing skin integrity while lending a subtle sense of coherence and balance to the overall experience.