what is the difference between balm and balsam?

Answer 1

Balm can refer to:

Liniment, a topical medical preparation
Balm of Gilead, a medicinal resin from the North American species Populus candicans
Balsam of Mecca and other medicinal resins (compare Balm of Gilead (disambiguation))

Liniment

Liniment, from the Latin linere, to anoint, is a medicated topical preparation for application to the skin. Preparations of this type are also called balm. Liniments are of a similar viscosity to lotions (being significantly less viscous than an ointment or cream) but unlike a lotion a liniment is applied with friction, that is a liniment is always rubbed in.

Liniments are typically sold to relieve pain and stiffness, such as from sore muscles or from arthritis. These liniments typically are formulated from alcohol, acetone, or similar quickly evaporating solvents, and contain counterirritant aromatic chemical compounds such as benzoin resin or capsaicin. Opodeldoc is a sort of liniment invented by the physician Paracelsus. Absorbine Jr is a trade name for a brand of liniment for human use widely sold in the United States. The stronger version, Absorbine, is for horses.

Traditional Chinese medicine features a wide variety of different liniments, with applications ranging from topical anaesthetics used in bone setting to simple sore muscles and bruises, such as Dit Da Jow or Ligusticum

Balsam is a term used for various pleasantly scented plant products. They may be obtained from:

Balsam (flower) Impatiens
Balsam fir Abies balsamea
Balsam poplars Populus
Myroxylon and its resin (Tolu balsam or Balsam of Peru)
Balsam is also a traditional Latvian herbal liquer, whose full name is Rīgas Melnais balzams in Latvian or Riga Black Balsam in English.

Answer 2

Balsam is a term used for various pleasantly scented plant products. They may be obtained from:

Balsam (flower) Impatiens
Balsam fir Abies balsamea
Balsam poplars Populus
Myroxylon and its resin (Tolu balsam or Balsam of Peru)
The word Balm is an abbreviation of Balsam, the chief of sweet-smelling oils. It is so called from its honeyed sweetness

Answer 3

To my knowledge, a balm is a creamy medicinal substance, often consisting of other herbs and topically applied. Balsam is a type of wood.