'balmlike' originates in Modern English as a compound of the noun 'balm' and the adjectival suffix '-like', where '-like' meant 'having the form or nature of'.

'balm' comes into English via Middle English from Old French 'basme' and ultimately from Late Latin 'balsamum' (from Greek 'balsamon'); the suffix '-like' derives from Old English '-lic' meaning 'having the body or form of', which developed into Modern English '-like'. The compound form 'balm-like' (later 'balmlike') arose by straightforward combination of these elements in Early Modern to Modern English.

Initially 'balm' referred specifically to an aromatic resin or ointment; over time its sense broadened to include figurative soothing or comforting. Thus 'balmlike' originally meant 'resembling a balm' (literally) and is now often used figuratively to mean 'soothing' or 'consoling'.