An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Balsam

by Friedrich Kluge

Balsam, m., ‘balm, balsam,’ from the equiv. MidHG. balsame, balsem, m , OHG. balsamo, m.; Goth. balsan, with a very remarkable deviation; comp. Arab. balasân. The Germ. word is derived from Gr.-Lat. balsamum (βάλσαμον), whence also Fr. baume (E. balm), Ital. balsamo.