[Lewis Thomson (OP)]

Peter would like our thoughts on this situation they've noticed.

"Having recently (more or less) completed a “Salt Room” in our cellar, the transformation of my (rather poor, hitherto) lung-health, has been very noticeable indeed.

This involves exposing a substantial surface area of rock-salt (natural salt crystal) which, over the ages, has been credited with a range of curative powers, from air purification to migraine relief and protection against airborne germs.

The ‘entropy’ (? perhaps I mean 'decay/breakdown') of this material releases ‘negative ions’ it seems, as occurs in natural settings such as the countryside, forests, waterfalls, beaches, mountain ranges etc.

I also understand that negative ions emitted from the process not only affect the mammalian brain/mood/electromagnetic-bombardment etc. significantly, but they can, and do, enter the lungs (being small enough) acting as an antimicrobial agent against airborne germs and reducing symptoms of allergies (my particular problem) sinus problems, “brain fog” and insomnia.

It occurs to me that protection in the lungs/airways by negative ions could perhaps counteract the entry of/protection from the Covid virus for the most vulnerable.

I have read somewhere that the NHS were looking at this phenomenon to benefit other problems but what about for Covid?

What do you reckon?"

Indeed, what do you reckon about this idea? Discuss in the comments below...

[alancalverd]

Male bovine faeces. But harmless,  unless used as a substitute for vaccination.

[alancalverd]

That said, salt does indeed relieve a lot of sinus problems, but sniffing saline solution is more convenient than hewing out a cavern in a salt mine.

If the walls emitted negative ions they would acquire a positive charge and make your hair stand on end. And do check your cellar for radon - that can really harm you.

[Bored chemist]

I have read somewhere that the NHS were looking at this phenomenon to benefit other problems

I hope they realised it was hogwash.

[evan_au]

If salt releases negative ions, it will also release a similar number of positive ions.
- There is an error here in assuming negative=good, positive=bad.