BALM OF GILEAD

'Balm of Gilead' is a healing compound (a balm) made from the resinous gum of the North American tree species ''Populus candicans''.
It takes its name from the allusive phrase "balm in Gilead", referring to the balm or balsam carried from Gilead by the caravan of merchants to whom Joseph was sold by his brothers (Genesis chapter 37). In all likelihood, this ancient trade item was what is now known as balsam of Mecca, produced from the tree ''Commiphora gileadensis'' (syn. ''Commiphora opobalsamum''), native to southern Arabia.
Balm of Gilead is mentioned in Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven". The character believes that the balm of Gilead can heal his broken heart, because he is lamenting for the death of his love, Lenore. For literary mentions of "balm in Gilead", see balsam of Mecca.

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★ The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-05.