Tears Contain Natural Painkillers

That sense of release after a good cry isn't just your imagination; it's a biochemical process. The human body produces three distinct types of tears: basal tears that keep our eyes lubricated, reflex tears that flush out irritants like dust or onion fumes, and emotional (or psychic) tears. While they all appear the same, pioneering research by biochemist Dr. William H. Frey in the 1980s revealed that emotional tears have a unique and complex chemical signature. They serve as a vehicle for expelling excess stress hormones and other substances that build up during times of emotional distress.

This is why a cathartic cry can feel so cleansing. Emotional tears are packed with higher concentrations of proteins, manganese, and several hormones, including prolactin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which are linked to stress. Most significantly, they contain leucine enkephalin, an endorphin that acts as a natural painkiller. When you cry from sadness or frustration, your body is not only signaling distress but is also actively working to soothe itself. This dual-action effect—releasing a calming, pain-relieving compound while simultaneously flushing out stress-inducing ones—is a powerful, built-in mechanism for emotional regulation and recovery.