Ointment vs. Balm — What's the Difference?

A smooth oily substance that is rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes or as a cosmetic

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.

A highly viscous or semisolid substance used on the skin as a cosmetic, emollient, or medicament; a salve.

Any of several related plants in the mint family, such as the bee balm and the horse balm.

(medicine) A viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.

Any of various aromatic resins exuded from several trees and shrubs, especially the balm of Gilead (Commiphora) and related plants in the family Burseraceae.

A substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.

An aromatic salve or oil.

That which serves to anoint; any soft unctuous substance used for smearing or anointing; an unguent.

A pleasing aromatic fragrance.

Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation

A soothing, healing, or comforting agent or quality.

Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin

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.

A plant or tree yielding such substance.

Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.

(figuratively) Something soothing.

The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis

Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horse balm.

To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.

To soothe; to mitigate.

An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa.

The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or shrubs.

Any fragrant ointment.

Anything that heals or that mitigates pain.

To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.

Any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing

Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation