The “Balm of Gilead” (often historically searched as bomb or balm of Gilead) is a famous, highly valued aromatic and medicinal resin referenced several times in the Bible.
​Biblical Verses Referencing Balm of Gilead
​The term appears in six specific verses across the First Testament, usually symbolizing healing, soothing comfort, or valuable trade commodities:
​Genesis 37:25
​"And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt."
​Genesis 43:11
​"And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:"
​Jeremiah 8:22
​"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"
​Jeremiah 46:11
​"Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured."
​Jeremiah 51:8
​"Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed."
​Ezekiel 27:17
​"Judah, and the land of Israel, they were thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm."
​Ingredients and Botanical Source
​The identity of the original biblical Balm of Gilead has been heavily debated by historians and botanists, leading to a few different variations of what it actually is:
​The Ancient Biblical Composition
​The Plant Source: Historically, scholars believe the authentic ancient balm (known in Hebrew as tsori) was extracted from small desert trees or shrubs native to the Gilead region and the Dead Sea valley. Candidates include Commiphora gileadensis (Balsam of Mecca) or Pistacia lentiscus (the Mastic tree).
​The Ingredients: It was a fragrant, resinous plant sap combined with rare spices and myrrh, cooked or pressed down into a rich, aromatic oil or salve used for treating wounds.
​The Traditional Folk Medicine Version (North American Balm of Gilead)
​In herbalism and traditional folk medicine, “Balm of Gilead” refers to a completely different plant that settlers named after the biblical remedy because of its powerful healing properties:
​The Plant Source: The Balm of Gilead Poplar (Populus x jackii or Populus candicans), which is a hybrid of the Balsam Poplar and the Eastern Cottonwood.
​The Active Ingredients & Salve Recipe:
​Resinous Buds: The sticky, deeply aromatic leaf buds harvested in early spring.
​Salicin: Poplar buds naturally contain salicin (a compound chemically similar to aspirin), which is why traditional herbal salves made from these buds are effective at reducing pain, inflammation, and soothing skin irritations, cuts, and burns.
​Carrier Base: Traditionally, the harvested buds were simmered slowly with a fat base (such as beeswax and lard or olive oil) to create a topical healing ointment.
If you l refer to frankincense, it is closely associated with the Balm of Gilead in historical and traditional remedies, but it is a distinct substance.
​Different Sources: Authentic ancient biblical references and historical trade records distinguish between the Balm of Gilead (derived from resinous plants native to the Gilead and Dead Sea regions, such as Commiphora gileadensis or Pistacia lentiscus) and frankincense (derived from the Boswellia tree).
​Shared Usage: In traditional herbal blends, skin-care formulations, and historical accounts (such as the gifts brought to Bethlehem), frankincense, myrrh, and the Balm of Gilead are frequently paired together because they are all precious, aromatic tree resins prized for their soothing and healing properties.
FrankincenseInvolvement
Frankincense is closely associated with the Balm of Gilead in historical and traditional remedies, but it is a distinct substance.
​Different Sources: Authentic ancient biblical references and historical trade records distinguish between the Balm of Gilead (derived from resinous plants native to the Gilead and Dead Sea regions, such as Commiphora gileadensis or Pistacia lentiscus) and frankincense (derived from the Boswellia tree).
​Shared Usage: In traditional herbal blends, skin-care formulations, and historical accounts (such as the gifts brought to Bethlehem), frankincense, myrrh, and the Balm of Gilead are frequently paired together because they are all precious, aromatic tree resins prized for their soothing and healing properties.
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