I was in such pain, couldn't find a comfortable position, couldn't sleep, didn't want to become addicted to Vicodin (though the doctor had diagnosed arthritis and given me a whopping big bottle of the stuff). This was about 6 months ago.

Then, in Time magazine, I read this article about pain and turmeric, a spice often used in Indian cooking.

I was desperate enough to try anything, so long as it wasn't an addictive pain medication. Two months later, I was virtually pain-free, except for occasional twinges and aches.

Naturally, I was skeptical. I thought perhaps it was just coincidence; that my pain had run its course (as if) and its cessation wasn't due to the turmeric. So I stopped taking it.

Within a few days, I was back to hobbling around, leaning on the backs of chairs and the edges of tables, unable to sleep for the pain. I resumed the 6-capsules-a-day regimen, and I'm a happy camper.

No side effects, except that occasionally, when I burp, I can taste it. Small price to pay.