balm

The resin or gum of the balsam tree, used as a scent for oils and perfumes as well as a medicine to heal wounds (Jer 8:22). Often referred to as a “spice,” it was traded throughout the ancient Near East (Ezek 27:17) and was believed to have been planted originally by King Solomon, who received the trees as gifts from the queen of Sheba (1Kgs 10:10). The balm from Gilead referred to in (Gen 37:25) is probably not from the same plant, but was gathered instead from the mastic tree.