Balsam
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Balsam is the resinous exudate (or sap) which forms on certain kinds of trees and shrubs. Balsam (from Latin balsamum "gum of the balsam tree," ultimately from a Semitic source such as Template:Langx) owes its name to the biblical Balm of Gilead.
Chemistry
Balsams often contain benzoic or cinnamic acid or their esters.<ref name="cmp">Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Cite EB1911</ref>
The Balsam of Matariyya
The Balsam of Matariyya was a substance famous as a panacea among physicians in the Middle East and Europe during the Antique and Medieval periods. The substance has long been used as a medicine, with early references to the substance recorded as far back as 285 BC. The Balsam of Matariyya was said to be derived from an Egyptian plant and is sometimes also referred to as the balm of Gilead or the balm of Mecca.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
List of balsams
- Acaroid resin (Xanthorrhoea spp.)
- Acouchi balsam (Protium spp.)
- Ammoniacum
- Asafoetida (Laser)
- Balm of Gilead
- Balm of Mecca
- Balsam fir - (Abies balsamea)
- Balsam of Peru
- Balsam of Tolu
- Balsam poplars - (Populus sect. Tacamahaca)
- Bisabol
- Bdellium
- Benzoin resin
- Bukhoor
- Cabreuva balsam (Myrocarpus frondosus, Myrocarpus fastigatus)
- Camphor
- Canada balsam
- Chinese lacquer (Toxicodendron vernicifluum)
- Copaiba balsam (Copaifera spp.)
- Copal
- Corneiba balsam (Schinus terebinthifolius or Lithraea brasiliensis)
- Damar
- Dragon's blood (Calamus draco)
- Elemi
- Frankincense (Olibanum)
- Galbanum
- Guaiacum officinale
- Guggul
- Gurjun balsam
- Imbauba balsam (Cecropia adenopus)
- Labdanum
- Mastic
- Myrrh
- Obira balsam (Apocynaceae)
- Opopanax
- Umiri balsam (Humiria floribunda)
- Rosin (Colophony)
- Sagapenum
- Sandarac
- Sarcocolla
- Storax balsam
- Turpentine
- Venice turpentine (Larch turpentine) (Larix occidentalis)
- Wallaba balsam (Eperua spp.)
Safety
Some balsams, such as Balsam of Peru, may be associated with allergies. In particular, Euphorbia latex ("wolf's milk") is strongly irritant and is cytotoxic.