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.