balm

noun

• 1a fragrant ointment or preparation used to heal or soothe the skin.
• something that has a comforting, soothing, or restorative effect:the murmur of the water can provide balm for troubled spirits

• 2a tree that yields a fragrant resinous substance, typically one used in medicine.

  • Species in several families, in particular those of the genus Commiphora (family Burseraceae)
• the resinous substance yielded by a balm.

• 3 (also lemon balm or sweet balm) a bushy herb of the mint family, with leaves smelling and tasting of lemon.

  • Melissa officinalis, family Labiatae
• used in names of other aromatic herbs of the mint family, e.g., bee balm.