'balsam' (base of 'balsaming') originates from Modern English via Old French 'basam' and Medieval Latin 'balsamum', ultimately from Greek 'balsamon' and Latin 'balsamum'; the word entered English referring to the aromatic resinous substance used for medicinal and anointing purposes.

'balsam' changed from Medieval Latin 'balsamum' and Old French 'basam' and earlier Greek 'balsamon', itself likely borrowed from Semitic languages (e.g. Hebrew 'bosem' meaning 'spice' or 'aromatic'), and eventually became the modern English 'balsam' (and derived verb forms such as 'balsam'/'balsaming').

Initially, it meant the aromatic resin or substance used for anointing and medicine; over time it retained that literal meaning and also developed figurative senses of 'soothing' or 'comforting', which carry into adjectival uses such as 'balsamic' or 'balsaming'.