BALM, a fragrant herb, Melissa officinalis, of the deadnettle family (Labiatae) with opposite, ovate, crenulated leaves, which are wrinkled above, and small white or rose-spotted flowers. It is a native of central and southern Europe ; it is often grown in gardens and has become naturalized in the south of England and grows apparently wild as a garden escape in North America. The name is from the Greek yataca, the plant being visited by bees. Bastard balm is an allied plant, Melittis Melissophyllum, a south ern European species, found in the south and south-west of England. Balm of Gilead is a resin derived probably from the plant, Commiphora opobalsamum, a member of the family Burse raceae; other species such as Commiphora Myrrha yield myrrh, used in medicine and in incense.