balm etymology

Etymology

The word "balm" comes from the Latin word "balsamum", which is derived from the Greek word "balsamon", meaning "resin". The term was originally used to refer to a fragrant resin obtained from certain trees, particularly the balsam fir (Abies balsamea).

Meaning

A balm is a soothing or healing substance, typically applied to the skin or mucous membranes. It can be used to relieve pain, inflammation, or irritation.

Origin

Balms have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. The ancient Egyptians used balms made from beeswax and oils to treat wounds and skin conditions. The Greeks and Romans also used balms, and the word "balsamum" was first recorded in Latin in the 1st century AD.

In the Middle Ages, balms were commonly used to treat plague and other infectious diseases. They were also used to anoint the sick and dying.

Today, balms are still used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Pain relief
• Inflammation reduction
• Wound healing
• Skin hydration
• Relaxation

Balms can be made from a variety of ingredients, including beeswax, oils, herbs, and essential oils. They can be applied directly to the skin or used in a diffuser.

balm relate terms

• balsam

  Etymology The word balsam derives from the Late Latin word balsamum which came from

• balm

  Etymology The word balm comes from the Latin word balsamum which is derived from the

• balmy

  Etymology The word balmy comes from the Middle English word bame which means warm

• balm

  Etymology The word balm comes from the Latin word balsamum which is derived from the

• barmy

  Etymology Origin unknown but possibly from the Romany language Gypsy dialect bar

• embalm

  Etymology From Old French embaumer to embalm from Late Latin imbal̆sămāre

• balm

  Etymology The word balm comes from the Latin word balsamum which is derived from the

• salve

  Etymology Salve is derived from the Latin word salvus meaning safe or healthy

• horseradish

  Etymology Middle English horsradysch early 13th century from Old English hrædic

• therapeutic

  Etymology The term therapeutic is derived from the Greek word therapeuein which mea

• remedy

  Etymology The word remedy comes from the Latin word remedium which means a cure or

• smirch

  Etymology The word smirch comes from the Middle English word smirken which itself de

• cure

  Etymology The word cure comes from the Latin word cura which means care The Latin

• empirical

  Etymology The word empirical comes from the Greek word empeiria meaning experience

• equivocal

  Etymology The word equivocal is derived from the Latin word aequus meaning equal

• woman

  Etymology The word woman comes from the Middle English word womman which in turn com