Balm vs. Balsam — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
Balm generally refers to any soothing ointment made for healing or pain relief, while balsam is a specific type of resinous substance obtained from certain trees, used in perfumery and medicine.
Difference Between Balm and Balsam
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Balm is often a thick, aromatic cream or ointment used to soothe wounds, burns, or to alleviate discomfort in muscles and joints. On the other hand, balsam is a naturally occurring resin from specific trees like fir or pine, known for its fragrant and medicinal properties.
The term "balm" has broader applications, encompassing various types of topical preparations, including lip balms and skincare products that moisturize and protect. Whereas balsam is typically used as a source of aromatic compounds in perfumes and as an ingredient in medical preparations for coughs and minor cuts.
Balms are typically composed of a mixture of oils, waxes, and sometimes herbs, each selected for their healing properties. Balsam, however, is harvested directly from trees and may be processed but is often used in its natural, resinous form.
The soothing effects of balms can be attributed to ingredients like menthol or camphor, which provide a cooling sensation on the skin. In contrast, balsam's healing properties often come from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory natural compounds.
While balms are primarily used for their therapeutic effects on the skin or muscles, balsams can also be found in various cultural and religious rituals, utilized for its aromatic and preservative qualities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Soothing ointment or cream
Resinous substance from trees
Uses
Healing wounds, skin care
Perfumery, medicine, rituals
Composition
Oils, waxes, herbs
Natural tree resin
Sensory Effect
Often cooling or soothing
Fragrant, sometimes pungent
Applications
Topical skin and muscle relief
Medical and aromatic uses
Compare with Definitions
Balm
An ointment used to relieve muscle soreness.
He applied muscle balm after the marathon to ease his leg pain.
Balsam
A resin used in cough syrups and lozenges.
His cough syrup was made with balsam of Tolu to soothe throat irritation.
Balm
A balm applied to skin to prevent dryness.
During winter, she regularly used a moisturizing balm to protect her skin.
Balsam
An essential oil derived from balsam used for therapeutic purposes.
She added a few drops of balsam essential oil to her bath for its healing properties.
Balm
A medicinal preparation used to heal skin.
The herbal healing balm helped reduce the inflammation on her skin.
Balsam
A clear balsam used in optical lenses and microscopy.
The microscope slides were mounted using Canada balsam for clarity.
Balm
A scented balm used in aromatherapy.
She inhaled the lavender aromatherapy balm to relax.
Balsam
A type of balsam used in perfumes and flavors.
The perfume contained Peru balsam, giving it a rich, warm scent.
Balm
A moisturizing ointment applied to the lips.
She used a mint-flavored lip balm to soothe her chapped lips.
Balsam
A fragrant balsam extracted from fir trees.
The Christmas candle was scented with fir balsam.
Balm
A chiefly Mediterranean perennial herb (Melissa officinalis) in the mint family, grown for its lemon-scented foliage, which is used as a seasoning or for tea. Also called lemon balm.
Balsam
Balsam is the resinous exudate (or sap) which forms on certain kinds of trees and shrubs. Balsam (from Latin balsamum "gum of the balsam tree", ultimately from Semitic, Aramaic busma, Arabic balsam and Hebrew basam, "spice", "perfume") owes its name to the biblical Balm of Gilead.
Balm
Any of several related plants in the mint family, such as the bee balm and the horse balm.
Balsam
Any of several aromatic resins, such as balsam of Peru and balsam of Tolu, that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters.
Balm
Any of various aromatic resins exuded from several trees and shrubs, especially the balm of Gilead (Commiphora) and related plants in the family Burseraceae.
Balsam
Any of several other fragrant plant resins, such as Canada balsam.
Balm
An aromatic salve or oil.
Balsam
A similar substance, especially a fragrant ointment used as medication; a balm.
Balm
A pleasing aromatic fragrance.
Balsam
Any of various trees, especially the balsam fir, yielding an aromatic resinous substance.
Balm
A soothing, healing, or comforting agent or quality.
Balsam
See impatiens.
Balm
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.
Balsam
A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants.
Balm
A plant or tree yielding such substance.
Balsam
A plant or tree yielding such substance.
Balm
Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.
Balsam
A soothing ointment.
Balm
(figuratively) Something soothing.
Classical music is a sweet balm for our sorrows.
Balsam
Something soothing.
Classical music is a sweet balsam for our sorrows
Balm
The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis
Balsam
A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
Balm
Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horse balm.
Balsam
The balsam family of flowering plants (Balsaminaceae), which includes Impatiens and Hydrocera.
Balm
To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
Balsam
A balsam fir Abies balsamea.
Balm
To soothe; to mitigate.
Balsam
Canada balsam, a turpentine obtained from the resin of balsam fir.
Balm
An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa.
Balsam
(transitive) To treat or anoint with balsam.
Balm
The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or shrubs.
Balsam
A resin containing more or less of an essential or volatile oil.
Balm
Any fragrant ointment.
Balsam
A species of tree (Abies balsamea).
Balm
Anything that heals or that mitigates pain.
Balsam
To treat or anoint with balsam; to relieve, as with balsam; to render balsamic.
Balm
To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
Balsam
Any seed plant yielding balsam
Balm
Any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing
Balsam
Any of various fragrant oleoresins used in medicines and perfumes
Balm
Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
Balsam
A fragrant ointment containing a balsam resin
Common Curiosities
What are the common uses of balsam in traditional medicine?
In traditional medicine, balsam is used to treat coughs, wounds, and as an anti-inflammatory.
How do you apply balm?
Balm is typically applied directly to the skin in a thin layer.
Where does balsam come from?
Balsam is extracted from the bark of certain trees, predominantly fir and pine.
What are the benefits of using a balm?
Benefits include moisturizing skin, healing cuts, and soothing sore muscles.
What is balm used for?
Balm is used for soothing pain, healing skin, and moisturizing.
What makes balsam unique?
Balsam is a specific type of natural resin known for its aromatic and medicinal properties.
Can balm be made from balsam?
Yes, some balms may incorporate balsam as an ingredient for its healing benefits.
Is balsam edible?
Some balsam, like Balsam of Tolu, is used in food and medicine, but not all types are edible.
Can balms cause allergic reactions?
Like any topical product, balms can cause allergic reactions depending on the sensitivity of an individual’s skin to specific ingredients.
Is balsam sustainable?
Sustainability depends on the harvesting methods; overharvesting can damage ecosystems.
How is balsam collected?
Balsam is typically tapped from the bark of trees, much like tapping maple syrup.
Are all balms aromatic?
Not all, but many balms contain aromatic compounds like menthol or eucalyptus.
What is the shelf life of a balm?
The shelf life of a balm can vary but generally lasts several months to a few years depending on the preservatives used.
What distinguishes a medical balm from a beauty balm?
Medical balms are formulated for specific therapeutic effects, while beauty balms focus on cosmetic benefits.
How is balsam used in perfumery?
Balsam is used for its sweet, warm scent as a base note in many perfumes.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Jacobite vs. Orthodox
Next Comparison
Bandana vs. DuragAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
