noun

1. Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and Myroxylon of South America.

2. A plant or tree yielding such substance.

3. Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.

   "There is a balm in Gilead... (Spiritual)"

4. Something soothing.

   "Classical music is a sweet balm for our sorrows."

5. The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis

6. Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horse balm.