Red light for a cold? Yes, it can really help

Red light for colds - does it work?

Winter is drawing to a close. And then this: people are fighting coughs and colds on every corner. Yes, the next wave of colds is here. And it comes as a surprise.

Are you also ill? Then you should definitely read on now. If you don't have the flu, there are great home remedies and one or two treatments for your cold that don't require the use of chemicals. All we can say is: Red light can help.

A home remedy that can really work against your cold

Have you ever heard of red light to fight a cold? The use of a red light lamp for coughs and stuffy noses was known even in grandma's day. But is all this perhaps just humbug?

Let's take a look at how a red light lamp works.

Important: When this article talks about red light lamp, it does NOT mean the widely used red heat lamp. That is a completely different story again. A red light lamp does not heat. It works with infrared light. And with LEDs.

Back to the topic. Red light lamps emit a certain amount of infrared light when switched on. This light is not visible to your eye.

But what is special about this light?

Depending on the wavelength, infrared light penetrates the upper layer of the skin. Here it can have a special effect on the mitochondria - the power plants of your cells. Among other things, it can improve blood circulation. In addition, when using a red light lamp, your blood vessels can dilate, inflammation can decrease and your body can be supplied with more oxygen. Ideally, all this leads to a strengthened immune system.

Let's be honest: Does red light really help with colds?

As mentioned above, red light can have an effect on your mitochondria, improve your blood flow, and boost your immune system. But what's really interesting - especially when you're showing cold symptoms: By increasing blood flow and metabolic activity, pathogens can also be flushed out of your body faster.

However, all these positive effects can only occur when the light has a wavelength between 600 and 1100 nm. In this range it appears yellow, orange to red.

Wavelengths and light colors - The visible spectrum

How to use red light for your cold therapy

Red light can therefore help with colds. And is an exciting home remedy, if you want to do without tablets and Co. However, in order for the red light to really help with your cold, you should make sure that it is used correctly.

Red light for colds: what you need to do

It depends on the distance. Basically, it is recommended to irradiate the face specifically in case of a cold. The focus should be on the nose and the surrounding area. A distance of about 40 cm from the lamp is ideal. This way you irradiate your entire head including forehead and neck. And aren't these the very areas that are particularly agonizing when you have a cold?

It's all a matter of timing. The rays of the red light lamp do not have to shine on your face for hours. As a rule, 10 to 20 minutes is quite enough. This is what biologist Kathrin Rothfischer recommends in her article on red light for colds.

Our remedy of choice for colds

A red light lamp can be an exciting home remedy to combat colds, coughs and stuffy noses. In general, red light can help to alleviate cold symptoms. However, the effect on the disease has not yet been proven. What has been proven, however, is that infrared light leads to relief from the common cold.

You should never expect miracles with home remedies. But relief. And relief is most welcome in the case of an acute cold, isn't it?

The red light lamp can definitely provide relief. The deep effect of the rays can stimulate your blood circulation, fire up the immune system and fight viruses and bacteria more effectively. It is definitely worth a try.

FAQ: Red light lamps for cold

How long should I use a red light lamp for a cold?

Basically, as long as the lamp provides relief from your symptoms, its use is quite advisable. However, if your symptoms do not subside - or perhaps even increase over time - you should urgently consult a doctor.

Can red light be used for children's colds and runny nose?

If your child has a cold, you can also treat it with red light. However, your child should be at least six years old. In case of doubt, you should also talk to a doctor before using the red light lamp for colds. He will tell you whether the therapy is suitable. Important: If you treat your child's cold with red light, please do not leave him or her unattended.

What is the difference between a red light lamp and a heat lamp?

Red light lamps have been around for several decades. They are widely used. The big difference from the LED red light lamp: the heat lamp also emits wavelengths of the mid and far infrared. These wavelengths are absorbed by the body and generate heat. So if you get too close to such a lamp, you risk getting burned. The LED red light lamp emits little or no heat. However, its light output is comparatively higher. And that can increase the positive effects for a cold.