Boswellia is praised by alternative medicine practitioners for its
anti-inflammatory capabilities. It is derived from the gum of boswellia
trees, which are indigenous to India. Also called frankincense, this
herb is thought to work by blocking leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are
substances that can attack healthy joints in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The NCCAM
acknowledges promising evidence of boswellia in animal studies, but
notes a lack of human trials. Boswellia is available in tablet form, as
well as topical creams.