Balm

Balm is a fragrant ointment or preparation for external use on skin. It is used to heal or smooth the skin, treat certain skin diseases, or for relief from certain types of aches etc. Anything that has comforting, soothing, or restorative effect is also called balm.

A tree yielding a fragrant resinous substance having used in medicine is also called balm. Several species of such trees are found in several families, especially of the genus Commiphora belonging to the family Burseraceae. The resinous substance yielded by the balm is also known by this name.

The word balm is also used in the names of several aromatic herbs of the mint family, such as bee balm, lemon balm, or sweet balm. The lemon balm or the sweet balm is a bushy herb. The leaves of this herb smell and taste like lemon. Its botanical name is Melissa officinalis, and it belongs to the family Labiatae.