Supplements, taken daily or when you feel something coming on, are an effective and inexpensive way to get your immune system functioning. Even if you take a vitamin after you feel a cold coming on, it can give the feel of wellness on its way -- IF you make some other adjustments to your usual routine as well.

To get your immune juices flowing, here are five tried and true formulas that can work for cold cures or flu onset.

1. Be aware of a seasonal change.

We often keep moving at our same speed even though the seasonal environment is changing around us. Some things to keep an eye out for:

Being prepared with proper clothing, more or less depending on the seasonal change.

Our body energy is affected by the change in light.

More light = More energy.

2. Rest.

Be sure to be getting the proper amount of rest for your body. If for some reason you do not receive the amount you need, find a time to make it up. If you are having trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night, look into natural methods that will help you be able to rest. This is crucial for ongoing health and prevention of colds and other illnesses.

3. Eat for Energy.

Eating certain foods will keep your immune system functioning at a high level. Try the following:

Large leafy greens (especially watercress)
Garlic
Anis
Citrus peel
Sage

Avoiding or using certain foods in moderation will also help ward off colds. The big ones are:

Salt
Dairy
High levels of caffeine
High levels of refined sugar

Eating certain foods will boost your immune system. Try the following:

Parsley (fresh, simply chew)
Basil (fresh, brewed into a hot tea)
Ginger (fresh)
Garlic
Kudzu
Lemmon
Pepper
Cinnamon

Eat less. Immediately reduce food intake and move to a liquid based diet (soups, broths, tea) when you feel a cold or flu coming on.

4. Take a hot (as hot as you can stand it) bath.

Not a shower. Soak for at least 15 minutes. After getting out and toweling off, put on big, warm socks (or double layered), comfortable sweats and sweatshirt, a hat on your head and get in bed. Sweat it out. If you are really sweating, change your clothing before falling asleep.

5. Herbs.

Hold any in the following list in your mouth for 20 30 minutes before swallowing.

Dandelion
Burdock
Chamomile
Honeysuckle
Echinacea
Golden seal
Citrus seed extract

One Final Note:

Remember that your number-one goal is to "block" your cold right away! We're all bombarded with tons of germs and every day, so you have a limited amount of time to keep something at bay.

Your best bet is to keep yourself laying low within one or two hours of not feeling right. I can hear you saying, BUT .... I know, we all have lots to do. Would you rather do it feeling really great or sniffling, sneezing and coughing? Do well by you; you deserve it.