The common cold is, unfortunately, quite common.

In any two-week period during high-risk season, almost half of the United States suffers from a cold. However, why is it that three healthy people can breathe the same germs at the same moment and one may develop pneumonia, another a sniffle, and the third one goes unscathed? Some people can resist viral attacks while the immune systems in others are weakened or run down and they become susceptible. It comes down to available energy. The chemicals in the body that regulate stress are deficient and as a result the ability to adapt to stress is diminished.

According to Chinese medicine, the common cold can be caused by six different environmental co-factors: wind, heat, coldness, dampness, dryness and summer heat. When these factors are strong enough or a person is in a susceptible state then there is an invasion and illness occurs. For example wind cold types often occur with a change in weather or when one is exposed to wind and cold.

Cold symptoms should not be suppressed as it is your body's attempt to rid itself of waste, toxins and bacterial overgrowth that build up to the point where natural immunity cannot overcome them. Most drug store cold remedies halt the cleansing/balancing process, and generally make the cold last longer.

Natural remedies and a good diet are effective in speeding recovery and reducing discomfort.

Go on a liquid diet during acute stages to clean out infection and mucous.

When fever and acute stages have passed, eat light meals, including lots of steamed vegetables.

Take two tablespoons each of lemon, honey, and one teaspoon fresh grated ginger at night.

Avoid dairy products of all kinds. People who avoid dairy products while recovering have much less nasal congestion. Also avoid red meat, sugary, fried or fatty foods.

Drink eight glasses of liquids daily. Warm herbal teas are particularly good.

Try ginger, echinacea and for colds with sore throat and fever peppermint.

Open all channels of elimination with hot baths or showers, hot tonics and colon cleansers if necessary. Rest is also important during a cold, vigorous exercise should not be taken.

Here are some effective aromatherapy steams to try: Tea Tree oil -- combats infection.

Eucalyptus -- opens sinus passages.

Mint or chamomile -- relieves headaches.

Herbal tonics take edge off the common cold Nutritional supplements can boost your immunity to prevent colds and also ease discomfort and speed recovery. Try: Echinacea -- This wonder herb used extensively by Native Americans boosts the immune system and if you already have a cold, keeps the virus from multiplying.

Nelson's Coldenza -- this homeopathic remedy offers relief for cold and flu, accompanied by a sore throat, sinus congestion, fever, aches, pains and chills without knocking you out or making you drowsy.

Zinc lozenges -- One 15mg lozenge every three waking hours. Boosts the immune system. Keep on hand and use at first sign of a cold.

Tea tree oil -- For a sore throat add three-six drops pure tea tree oil to warm water and gargle. Repeat up to three times daily. This oil is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. No medicine cabinet should be without it.

Vitamin C -- Use buffered form such as Ester C.

Acidophilus -- replaces friendly bacteria to fight infection.