Aromatherapy to Address Psychological Distress in Emergency Department Patients.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ≥18 years of age * Admitted to the BWH Emergency Department (ED) Observation Unit * Able to provide written informed consent * Willing to participate in a 1-hour aromatherapy session Exclusion Criteria: * Acutely ill and unable to be approached for research, as determined by the treating medical team and/or physician investigator * Active gastrointestinal problems at the time of enrollment (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea), as determined by the treating team and/or physician investigator. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Current or planned treatment using sedating medications * History of, or current presentation with, significant cognitive impairment or acute delirium that would preclude informed consent or participation * Currently receiving supplemental oxygen * Acute exacerbation of asthma or COPD * Admission for an acute upper or lower respiratory tract illness (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, COVID-19) * Known allergy or sensitivity to lavender * Documented history of anosmia (loss of smell) * Documented hypotension during current ED presentation, defined as systolic blood pressure \<90 mmHg * Assigned clinical staff (physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider) with fragrance sensitivity prior to consent * Concurrent enrollment in another interventional drug or behavioral trial * Any condition that, in the judgment of the treating team or physician investigator, would make study participation unsafe or inapp…