Balm of Gilead

Cedronella canariensis

"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?"
Jer 8:22

There are several plants which carry the common name of Balm of Gilead and it is not known which is the original mentioned in the Bible but it is thought to be a relative of myrrh and is definitely not this plant which comes from the Canary Islands (hence the name).

You can get Balm of Gilead today made from the resin of a North American tree.

Cedronalla canariensis is mostly used in pot pourri and smells lovely. A little like eucalyptus.