'balm' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'baume', ultimately from Latin 'balsamum', and from Greek 'balsamon' (via a Semitic source), where these terms referred to fragrant resins or oils.

'balm' changed from Old French 'baume' (and Middle English 'balme') and ultimately came into modern English as 'balm' via borrowing from Latin 'balsamum' and Greek 'balsamon'.

Initially, it referred specifically to a fragrant resin or oil used as a medicine ('balsam'); over time it broadened to mean any soothing ointment and, figuratively, anything that comforts or soothes.