I was extremely excited by the rapid improvement in my knees. I had become embarrassed to get up when I was teaching in front of my students due to the grunts and groans and limitations in movement. After a week or two on Hea-n-Soothe my knees felt like had cushions and overall flexibility and movement was easier; specifically getting up and down to reach or perform minor household tasks.
Then I realized that I was hoarse on a daily basis. I'm a professional singer and voice teacher, so this was a serious issue. I also read on some sight that papain, the papaya enzyme can actually cause throat damage, a very serious concern given my work, not to mention that it was annoying.
Also, I started having itching throughout my body, including my hand, just little annoying tings, irritating at night especially. After discontinuing, I continue to have this side effect, though diminished.
I still recommend the product to my friends because I considered the positive aspect miraculous, especially because I thinking knee replacements would be in my future.
The company has been pretty responsive as I've asked for advice on these side effect issues and ultimately sent me a dietary book which supposedly has similar results over a longer period of time.
A friend also told me that papain has been banned in surgical procedures because it could lead to major heart problems, another good reason to be wary, yet given my very positive results, I still tell my friends.
I am, however, seeking other supplements and would like to find a medically trained professional for advice; perhaps online info will suffice. It's not fun have major movement restrictions, so I'm highly motivated.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend