Tears in a Bottle

When we think about spell or potion ingredients we typically think about things like plants, oils, crystals, etc.. Personal ingredients like hair, nail clippings, and even blood can be added to some spells to create a bond with the person the spell is for or about (a small reminder about free will and consequences here). However, there is another energetically charged, and very personal, ingredient that we may not give much thought to. Tears.
Scientifically speaking, there are three kinds of tears. Basal Tears (the ones created by the body to moisten the eyes), Reflex tears (created to clean the eyes from outside stimuli like onion juices, smoke, dust, etc..) which typically contain higher levels of antibiotics, and Emotional Tears. These are the ones brought on by strong, emotionally charged situations. These tears are thought to contain more stress hormones like cortisol, and pain reduction elements like endorphins, which help bring the body back in to balance (a state of homeostasis). These tears would be most useful in a magical sense.
Historically, cultures around the world caught and bottled Emotional Tears, generally in times of mourning. Ancient Middle Eastern and Roman societies did this, often adding them to graves as a sign of love and respect. In Egyptian culture, it has been said, the more anguish and tears shed, the more important or valued the deceased was. Legend has it that some mourners in the procession were paid to cry and catch these tears in glasses. The more tears caught and the louder the crying, the more they were paid. In the Victorian Era (19th century), it became custom  to catch ones mournful tears in a small ornate bottle, usually silver with pearl, that had a special cap that allowed the tears to evaporate. Once the tears in the bottle were gone, the mourning period was over.
Magically speaking, tears shed in emotional times would not only be physically linked to the person who shed them, but also greatly charged with emotion. While we generally think of tears as a release for great sadness or grief, we can also shed them during times of anger/frustration, and great joy/happiness. What emotional release was happening at the time would greatly affect how you would use the tears in magic, but all could be used in some way (and should be stored separately and labeled if you are going to use them). Tears of sadness could be used in spells to help one let go of things, shadow work spells/rituals, or spells/potions regarding grief. Tears of joy/happiness could be used in spells for things like manifestation, self-love, or transformation. Tears of anger may be used in spells for binding, or protection. Tears could also be used as an offering (as part of self), if that is something your patron deity accepts.
Tears, like other bodily fluids, may  not be your typical “go to” for magical work. That said, they can add a deeply personal element to any spell, potion, or ritual. Tears, especially, can add a boost to your magical working due to their high emotional charge, which, as we know, is a key element in charging with intent. Your investment in what you are trying to create on all levels (physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual), is critical to the implementation execution of your work.
Personally, I love the Victorian Era idea of the tear bottle. While I don’t believe you can set a time limit on grief, it seems like a beautiful way to acknowledge your grief, if not a bit romanticized. Much like how we often carry the ashes of a loved one in a small capsule or charm to remember them by. What do you think?
So, have you ever used tears in your magical workings? Would you, or do you refrain from using any bodily fluids in your practice? Have you ever considered their magical potential before?