Cleaning out the clutter and simplifying your life is a New Year's must.

Think of the last time you simplified the solution to life's annoyances: a canker sore or itchy eyes. Instinct in these busy times is to grab the latest cure-all from the drug store. But why not try a few home remedies for mental, physical and household worries?

We consulted some classics, including the Old Farmer's Almanac ($6.95, OA Publishing) and found fixes - some conventional, some offbeat - with a common thread: simplicity. Some are as solid as Mom's advice; others are so obvious you won't believe you ever opted for a different remedy.

Common cold: Researchers have found that both homemade and canned chicken soup really can help reduce the symptoms tied to the cold bug. The Mayo Clinic says it relieves congestion as it speeds mucus through the nasal passages and keeps the virus from setting up shop inside the lining of your nose. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, slowing the movement of immune system cells called neutrophils.

Canker sores: How can something so small be so distracting? Reduce discomfort with one of these mouth rinse solutions offered by Nemour's Kid Health: 2 ounces hydrogen peroxide and 2 ounces water; or 4 ounces water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda. Or dab equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide directly on the sore and follow with a milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) rinse. Don't swallow.

Sore shoulders: The morning commute is a killer, but shoulder shrugs and circles can help alleviate that unnecessary stress, says Shirley Archer, the author of "Fitness 9 to 5" (Chronicle Books, $12.95). Sit upright with shoulders relaxed, hands on the steering wheel. Exhale and lift shoulders up toward the ears as you tighten the muscles in your upper back, neck and shoulders. Inhale and hold the position. Exhale as you lower the shoulders and relax. Then roll your shoulders up, back, down and around for up to 30 seconds.

Hay fever: Allergic reactions to animal and plant pollen are a pain. Michael DeJong, author of "Clean Cures" ($10.95, Sterling), offers three remedies easily found in the kitchen. First, drink 8 ounces of water with a tablespoon of apple cider two to three times a day. Or, as needed, try a spoonful of honey. Or squeeze a half-lemon into 8 ounces of water and drink up to alleviate symptoms.

Kidney stones: It's something no one wants to experience, and there's an incredibly simple way to reduce your chances of this painful experience. Mayo Clinic doctors try to drink up to 2.5 liters of water a day to dilute the concentration of matter that creates or increases the size of existing kidney stones. Not sure how much water is too much? They say aim to make your urine light yellow or nearly clear.

Heading to the dentist: The Old Farmer's Almanac reverts to the moon's cycle for much of its decision-making, including when to take a trip to the dreaded dentist. In February, for example, the moon suggests you go on the first or 28th. Interestingly, Feb. 1 is also a good day to quit smoking or to wean animals or small children.

Blisters: Broken skin is a pain, and a bandage only covers up the wound. DeJong's simple cure is a baking soda and water paste you apply two to three times a day, then cover. Doing so will help heal the wound and reduce the chances of infection.

Constipation: Admit it, when you're not regular, you're not happy. Old school tricks, such as Karo syrup, or prune juice mixed with a little applesauce or apple juice, may be all you need, says the National Institutes for Health National Resource Center. Make sure you're spending enough time on the toilet, 10 to 15 minutes a day, twice a day, too, they suggest. Also, don't try an enema without checking with your doctor first.

Eye strain: The best cure for computer-weary eyes is to walk away from the screen. But if you can't, try some eye-strengthening circles. Archer's office fitness book suggests you sit upright with shoulders relaxed and your head still. Breathe normally while you look up and then down, three to five times. Look to the left, and then the right three to five times next. Circle your eyes clockwise three to five times, then counter-clockwise the same amount. The key here is to make your eyes move, not your head.

THINGS TO AVOID:

Consumers looking for simple solutions for their ailments need to be wary of outrageous claims.

Scam artists make billions of dollars a year off fraudulent health care claims, including what may appear to be homemade remedies, the Federal Trade Commission says.

The FTC and Food and Drug Administration encourage people to ask questions about the cures, which could be unapproved treatments and could cause serious harm. Among things to avoid:

• statements suggesting a product can treat or cure disease

• terms that describe a "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "exclusive product," "secret ingredient" or "ancient remedy"

• undocumented medical or consumer testimonials claiming results; ask for the scientific evidence

• advance payment requirements, or money-back guarantees saying your check will be returned

Consumers with questions about a questionable product can call the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 or visit www.ftc.gov. The state attorney general's office, state department of health or local consumer protection agency, listed in the phone book blue pages, also can assist. People experiencing a reaction to a product also can call FDA MedWatch at 1-800-332-1088.