Key Takeaways
· Infrared sauna health benefits range from clearing congestion and reducing inflammation to providing faster recovery from colds and flu.
· Incorporating sauna sessions at home with a luxury home sauna or infrared sauna blanket can ease aches, enhance sleep, and improve overall comfort.
· Safety tips like hydration and short sessions maximize immune support during sickness, and
· Symptoms typically improve when saunas are combined with other remedies.
Having a cold or dealing with the flu can be a miserable situation. Both are respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Symptoms tend to be similar so it’s not always obvious which one you have. In most cases, the flu brings worse symptoms, but a cold can still leave you drained for days.
The most common symptoms of a cold or flu include a sore throat, congestion, runny nose, and a cough. Fever is less common in adults but can occur in some cases. Cold symptoms often last about a week and you’re generally contagious for the first three or four days.
For as long as people have had colds, medication and other remedies have been used to reduce symptoms. In today’s modern world, over-the-counter pills are common. Staying hydrated and resting are classic advice, but many are turning to the added comfort of a sauna for relief.
Natural Remedies for Cold Relief
Eucalyptus leaves, found in some cough and cold medications, are a natural anti-inflammatory and can decrease mucus while expanding the bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs Using saline nasal sprays, humidifiers, and even simple remedies like honeyed tea or chicken soup can ease congestion and soothe sore throats.
How do Infrared Saunas Help with Colds?
It might seem surprising, but time in a sauna can also help with a cold. Infrared sauna health benefits range from relieving sinus swelling and congestion to reducing inflammation throughout the body. You can read the top 8 benefits of an infrared sauna for other benefits of your home sauna wellness.
Heat from a luxury home sauna or a simple indoor or outdoor infrared sauna relaxes sinus tissues and helps open blocked passages, which often relieves headache and facial pressure. Improved cardiovascular circulation brings more oxygen-rich blood and extra white blood cells, calming swelling and pain.
Sauna relaxation helps boost your immune system, which can speed your recovery. Plus, the heat triggers deep, restful sleep—giving your body more time to heal.
Learn more in: Discover how sauna use affects skin tone over time: benefits & cautions.
So, Is a Sauna Good for a Cold?
As we mentioned above, a sauna is an excellent option for anyone who has a cold. Infrared sauna health benefits include improved blood vessel dilation, enhanced white blood cell production, and faster removal of toxins. However, safety matters. Drink plenty of water, pay attention to signs of overheating, and limit your session if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Hydrating well and resting (alongside your home sauna sessions) creates the best chance for symptom relief. If you start to feel worse after using a sauna, or if symptoms linger for more than a week, consult your physician for further advice.
Tips and Safety for Sauna Use with a Cold
· Hydrate before, during, and after your time in the infrared sauna.
· Limit sauna session time. Listen to your body's signals.
· Always combine sauna use with other cold remedies, and make rest a priority.
· Leave the sauna and cool down if feeling faint or nauseous.
Closing Thoughts on Using a Sauna While You Have a Cold
When you’re under the weather, combining a home sauna or infrared sauna blanket session with standard remedies can accelerate comfort and recovery.
Sun Home Saunas offers a range of options for indoor, outdoor, and portable sauna experiences, as well as infrared sauna blankets, sauna accessories and red light therapy for integrated home wellness.
For specific questions, reach out to our sauna experts.
FAQ
Can saunas help relieve cold or flu symptoms?
Absolutely. Sessions in a luxury home sauna or infrared sauna relieve congestion, reduce inflammation, and help ease aches, resulting in faster comfort and improved sleep.
Is it safe to use a sauna if I am sick?
Sauna use is generally safe when you hydrate, limit the session, and listen to your body’s feedback. If you feel weaker or symptoms worsen, stop and consult a healthcare provider.
What type of sauna is ideal for at-home recovery from a cold?
A home sauna, indoor sauna, or infrared sauna blanket suits most users, providing flexibility, privacy, and consistent warmth for optimal symptom relief.
How long should sessions be when recovering from a cold?
Try 10–15 minutes and adjust based on your comfort. Proper hydration and cooldown are key for safe use.
Can I combine a sauna with other wellness practices for cold recovery?
Yes, pairing sauna use with hydration, sleep, and proven remedies ensures a comprehensive immune-boosting routine.
