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Revision as of 11:02, 24 February 2017
Balm of Gilead was a rare perfume used medicinally, that was mentioned in the Bible, and named for the region of Gilead where it was produced. The expression stems from William Tyndale's language in the King James Bible of 1611, and has come to signify a universal cure in figurative speech. The tree or shrub producing the balm is commonly identified as Commiphora gileadensis. Some botanical scholars have concluded that the actual source was a Terebinth tree in the genus Pistacia.
Although the term balm of Gilead traditionally refers to a perfume, it has also been widely used throughout history for a number of health conditions, as it has rather powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and diuretic properties, amongst others. It is derived from a species of Arabian shrub bearing the scientific name Commiphora gileadensis. The plant bleeds or leaks the Balm of Gilead, where it can be collected, processed, and applied for a number of purposes. As it is an Arabian shrub that also may have been present in parts of Egypt, its use dates back thousands of years. As one of the oldest and most respected herbal remedies, it remains an important remedy for many herbalists across the world.
Common name
- English - Balm of Gilead