The Balm of Gilead is referenced in the Bible in Jeremiah 8:22. It is mentioned as a healing ointment or fragrance. The term is used metaphorically to symbolize spiritual healing or soothing.
In the Bible "Gilead" means hill of testimony or mound of witness, (Genesis 31:21) . Balm of Gilead is a balm (healing compound) made from the resinous gum of the balsam poplar (Populus candicans), a North American tree species. It takes its name from the allusive Biblical phrase "balm in Gilead", referring to the balm or balsam carried from Gilead by the caravan of merchants to whom Joseph was sold by his brothers (Genesis chapter 37).Always referred to in a good light.
"There Is A Balm In Gilead" is a traditional African American spiritual that refers to the New Testament concept of salvation through Jesus Christ. "The Balm of Gilead" is a spiritual medicine able to heal sinners in Israel.
In Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," the phrase "the balm in Gilead" is a reference to a healing ointment mentioned in the Bible (Jeremiah 8:22). The speaker in the poem is lamenting the loss of his love, Lenore, and questioning if there is any spiritual or emotional remedy that can soothe his grief. The reference to "the balm in Gilead" emphasizes the speaker's deep longing for relief from his anguish.
perfume? balsam
The balm is combined with lard or oil and applied externally as needed.
Balm of Gilead is a healing compound (a balm) made from the resinous gum of the North American tree species Populus candicans. It takes its name from the allusive phrase "balm in Gilead", referring to the balm or balsam carried from Gilead by the caravan of merchants to whom Joseph was sold by his brothers (Genesis chapter 37). In all likelihood, this ancient trade item was what is now known as balsam of Mecca, produced from the tree Commiphora gileadensis (syn. Commiphora opobalsamum), native to southern Arabia. [edit] or. you can go to a better website and find a better answer because wikis are dumb as the person that looks stuff up on them.
The balsam poplar tree. The tree is a member of the Bursera family.
In general, Balm of Gilead is safe to use in small amounts for coughs and other minor health problems. Patients with kidney and liver disease, as well as pregnant and nursing women, should avoid internal use.
The balm is said to relieve respiratory infections, laryngitis and sore throats. The bark can be used for external treatment of bruises, minor skin irritations and as an analgesic.
The resin of the balsam poplar tree is collected when it seeps out of the tree. For the internal treatment of chest congestion, balm of Gilead is made into a tincture or a syrup.
'An aromatic gum resin obtained from several trees and shrubs of the genus Commiphora of India, Arabia, and eastern Africa, used in perfume and incense. Also called balm of Gilead.' extracted from Answers.com