The plural of balm; soothing ointments or medicines, or anything that brings comfort or relief.
From Old English 'balm' via Latin 'balsamum,' from Greek 'balsamon,' ultimately from a Semitic language referring to a fragrant resinous substance used medicinally.
Balms have been precious since ancient times—aromatic resins from distant lands were worth their weight in gold because they actually did soothe pain and heal wounds, making 'balm' poetic and literal at once!
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