Known also as Balsam of Mecca or more commonly Balm of Gilead, this resinous gum from the Commiphora gileadensis (synonymous with Commiphora opobalsamum) tree has been used since ancient times as a perfume and medicinal ingredient.

Besides being mentioned in the bible, Gen. 37:25, Jeremiah 46:11 and Jeremiah 8:22, it also gets a mention in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”. So from ancient times to modern, the perceived effects of this resin is well known.

According to history Mary Magdalene’s father owned a balsam grove and as such he was under orders from the king to produce a consecrated oil. Judea kept a monopoly on balsam for quite a long time and exported it throughout antiquity. The ancient Egyptians used balsam for embalming and the production of the most precious and sacred salves. During the Crusades balsam arrived in Europe and was considered one of the rarest and most precious of the incense burning substances.

It has a lemony, gentle, herb-like, warm and velvety fragrance. Unfortunately it is very difficult to find pure balsam nowadays. Generally people are referring to Tolu Balsam when they are talking about balsam.

The tree known throughout the Eastern United States and Canada as Balm of Gilead is not the same thing. That tree is Populus candicans. Also known variously as Balsam Poplar, Canary Balm, True Balm of Gilead, Willow Poplar and Mecca Balsam.