Lavender scent tested as quick stress relief for ER patients

NCT ID NCT07328412

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a 5-minute session of smelling lavender essential oil can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve satisfaction in emergency department patients. 60 adults admitted to the ER observation unit took part. Half received a lavender-scented tube to sniff, while the other half got an unscented tube. The main goal was to see if the approach was acceptable and easy to use, not yet to prove it works for everyone.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: lavender essential oil
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help patients feel calmer in the emergency department.
What could go wrong: This was a small, early feasibility study with only 60 participants. The results may not apply to all patients, and the effect may be due to the relaxing setting rather than the lavender itself.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder Emergencies

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANXIETY AROMATHERAPY EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT STRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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