There are many things you can do for the common cold. Most are more useful if taken at the first signs of a cold. It's important to pay attention and notice when you get that first tickle in the throat; that first cough; that first chill. Denial is a bad thing.

In the clinic I have my standard recipe: Yin Chiao and Dong Ling Cao:

Yin Chiao the traditional form (various spellings) take 4 tablets, 3 or 4 times a day

Dong Ling Cao take ¼ teaspoon or more, 3 or 4 times a day

Continue with both for 1 day beyond the elimination of the symptoms.

If you don't have these available, other supplements that have been useful are:

Echinacea - get a good brand, tinctures are less likely to work

Zinc, especially lozenges - get those without sugar, use small doses often (every half hour to knock out the beginning of a cold)

Vitamin C - natural is better

The above tend to work best at the first signs of a cold to push the cold out before it gets a foothold. They also are good to knock out a cold that just hangs on. Once a cold gets in, you usually have to live with it for a while.

Also:

Try to keep warm, dress appropriately, and avoid drafts.

Eat a pristine diet – just whole foods, no sugars (they weaken your immune system) - this includes most juices, although orange juice might be OK.

Drink plenty of pure water (room temperature is best).

Sambucol (Elderberry extract) will help shorten a cold.

Rest helps the body recover faster.