balm of Gilead
Quick Summary
The term "balm of Gilead" has multiple meanings. Primarily, it refers to something that soothes or heals. It can also denote a small evergreen tree native to Africa and Asia, Commiphora gileadensis, or the fragrant resin derived from it. This resin, sometimes called balm of Mecca, is similar to myrrh and comes from the Arabian Peninsula. Historically, the "balm of Gilead" was a mastic obtained from Pistachia lentiscus and was used medicinally. In North America, the term is also applied to certain poplar trees, such as Populus jackii or balsam poplar, whose resinous buds are used in cough syrups. The name originates from Gilead, an ancient region in Palestine known for its balm.123
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