Could saltwater gargling help fight COVID-19? Scottish researchers at the University of Edinburgh have launched a clinical trial, ELVIS COVID-19, and are recruiting volunteers to test if seawater-based nasal rinses and gargles can combat SARS-CoV-2.
As detailed in a June 25, 2020, press release, this trial builds on a January 2019 pilot study published in Scientific Reports. The original research examined saltwater gargling and nasal rinsing for early cold symptoms.
Healthy volunteers with cold symptoms for less than two days were divided into two groups. One group gargled and rinsed nasal passages with saline solution; the other followed standard cold treatments.
Saltwater treatments significantly relieved cough and nasal congestion. Researchers noted reduced remission times and less need for conventional medications.
Reanalyzing the pilot data, the team found similar positive effects in participants infected with common cold coronaviruses. Saltwater appears to activate the immune system and weaken viral replication, potentially limiting spread to close contacts.
“We will now test our saltwater intervention in people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, hopefully proving it reduces infection effects and spread. It requires only salt, water, and basic technique—making it simple and cost-effective if successful,” said lead researcher Professor Aziz Sheikh.
The team is recruiting volunteers with confirmed COVID-19 and symptoms for less than 48 hours. Interested participants can apply via an online form.
