spiritual and physical healing

Commiphora gileadensis and Commiphora opobalsamum are small Middle Eastern trees with aromatic bark that exude resin which can be used for incense. They provide true Balm of Gilead, which is also called Mecca Balsam and Balsam of Gilead. 2. In the West the fragrant, resinous buds of several other trees are substituted for true Balm of Gilead. These include Abies balsamea (called Canada Balsam, American Silver Fir, Balm of Gilead Fir, Balsam Fir), Populus balsamifera (called Populus candicans, Balm of Gilead Poplar, Balsam Poplar, Eastern Balsam Poplar, Tacamahac, Hackmatack) and Populus nigra (called Black Poplar and Lombardy Poplar).

medium-sized fir of northeastern North America; leaves smell of balsam when crushed; much used for pulpwood and Christmas trees

Aromatic leaves of small African or Asian evergreen trees. Known to be soothing medication for skin. Used for fragrance in perfumes.

oil from this plant is used in ointments to soothe bruised, swollen, or irritated skin and stop itching from insect bites.

small evergreen tree of Africa and Asia; leaves have a strong aromatic odor when bruised