Balsam


Balsam is the resinous exudate which forms on certain kinds of trees and shrubs. Balsam owes its name to the biblical Balm of Gilead.
File:Myroxylon peruiferum.jpg|thumb|180px|Myroxylon, the source of Balsam of Peru and Balsam of Tolu, is a genus of tree grown in Central America and South America. Pictured is Myroxylon peruiferum.

Chemistry

Balsams often contain benzoic or cinnamic acid or their esters.

The Balsam of Matariyya

The Balsam of Matariyya was a substance famous as a panacea among physicians in the Middle East and Europe during the Antique and Medieval periods. The substance has long been used as a medicine, with early references to the substance recorded as far back as 285 BC. The Balsam of Matariyya was said to be derived from an Egyptian plant and is sometimes also referred to as the balm of Gilead or the balm of Mecca.

List of balsams

Some balsams, such as Balsam of Peru, may be associated with allergies. In particular, Euphorbia latex is strongly irritant and is cytotoxic.