Most people welcome spring and the return of warm days, colorful flowers and green grass. But millions of folks with allergies look to the growing season with a sense of dread. Spring means pollen, and lots of it. For many, that leads to itchy eyes, runny noses, coughs and other not-so-welcome symptoms.

Outdoor allergies are triggered by grass, trees, weeds and mold. If you’re allergic to one of these, your body reacts to the microscopic pollen or mold invaders as it would to a cold germ — and you get those familiar cold-like symptoms. Antihistamines and decongestants do the trick for most people, but if your symptoms are relatively mild, you may be able to treat your allergies the natural way.

For example, try boosting your intake of vitamin C and B5, both of which act as an antihistamine. (Histamines make your blood vessels swell and produce fluid — the culprit behind the itching, sneezing and congestion.) Fish oil has also been found to reduce asthma caused by allergies. It may sound unappealing, but some people swear by the Neti pot. It looks like a teapot, but you use it to pour a saltwater solution through your nose to flush out debris and toxins. Also, keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from getting inside. Avoid going outside on dry, windy days, when pollen is worse.

If mold is your problem, lower the humidity in your home to 40 percent or less to inhibit mold growth. A fan can help, but for really moist areas, you’ll need a dehumidifier. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can work wonders in reducing coughing and breathing problems. Put it in your bedroom, where you probably spend the most time.

If you’re not plagued by allergies and can enjoy spring in all its glory, consider yourself lucky. But don’t get cocky. Allergies can develop at any age.

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