Balm of Gilead
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: David Thompson
Posted on: April 29, 1999
As you can see from the topic, I am writing in reference to Balm of
Gilead, or Gilead's Balm.
I had several questions, and my reference material was pretty useless in
answering them, so I thought I'd turn to you folks, as you seem
extremely knowledgeable.
Question number one is: What, exactly, is the Balm of Gilead? I have
heard three seperate descriptions- one as a deciduous plant native to
the atlantic islands, one as a species of poplar native to our own
continent, and one as a smallish coniferous shrub native to the arabian
and north african areas. I suspect that all three bear the same name due
to the legendary healing power of the biblical herb, but I was in
essence attemting to clarify which was which, etc. It would seem obvious
that the one native to the mid-eastern region would be the one of
biblical reference, but I am uncertain of what type of plant it is... my
information is scetchy at best.
This is more than an idle concern, as I am facinated by the ancient
herb, and desire very much to obtain some. I am extremely curious about
it's legendary abilities.
I heard that the Balm of Gilead of Arabian origin is still produced and
used in the Middle East.
It is not surprising that you have had so much trouble finding information
about Balm of Gilead. The name refers to at least three different plants.
In North America, and on the bulk botanicals market, "balm of Gilead"
refers to a tree that grows in the eastern U.S., much of Canada, up to
Alaska. The North American tree is more commonly known as "balsam poplar"
and the scientific name is Populus candicans. The tree may reach as high
as 30 metres (100 feet), but usually it does not grow as high. In the
winter the resinous buds are collected and dried. They are aromatic and
medicinal.
Populus candicans buds are balsamic (hence the name "balm", a contraction
of "balsam"), expectorant and stimulant, according to John Lust in his
"The Herb Book" (available from Richters). They are used like other
poplars, the quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and the American balm of
Gilead or tacamahac (Populus balsamifera), in tea for external and
internal use, or in a soothing salve. The tea is used for coughs and as a
gargle for sore throat, and is used externally for inflammations, cuts,
wounds, and burns. The buds can also be used as an inhalant to relieve
respiratory congestion. The buds contain salicin which helps to explain
their aspirin-like pain relieving property.
Richters offers dried buds of Populus balsamifera. The buds are
erroneously listed with the scientific name Cedronella canariensis in the
1999 printed catalogue, but they are corrected listed in the web catalogue
on our website. The correct item number is H1241-100.
The false balm of Gilead, Cedronella canariensis, is a very different
plant: it is herbaceous tender perennial that reaches 1 to 1.5 metres (3-5
feet) in height. The leaves have a strong balsam scent excellent for
potpourris, but are not otherwise used in medicine as the poplar buds are.
Richters offers plants of this species (item number P1241).
The true balm of Gilead mentioned in the Bible is yet another plant,
altogether different from the above varieties. It is mentioned in Genesis
37:25 and Jeremiah 8:22. Acording to John Lust, the scientific name is
Commiphora meccanensis. The Commiphora genus includes several resin
producing trees from the Middle East such as the gum bdellium (Commophora
africana) and myrrh (Commophora myrrha), both available from Richters.
There are some who believe that the gum bdellium, Commophora africana, is
in fact the balm of Gilead of the Bible.
Gum bdellium is a slow growing small tree. It is not hardy, but will grow
as a pot plant in full sun. It cannot tolerate cool temperatures or
overwatering, so care must be taken to ensure that it gets appropriately
warm and dryish conditions. It is deciduous, losing its leaves over
winter in our greenhouses when nighttime temperature fall to 10 degrees
Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).
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