Make Healing Balm

In Genesis 43, Jacob (Israel) told his sons to return to Egypt with gifts, including BALM, to appease Joseph (whom they did not yet know was their brother).

Healing Balm shows up in Bible verses all the time. It was both a real medicinal thing, and a terrific metaphor for the healing of God. In Israel's case, it was also a peace offering.

Here's an herbal webpage called shatulwellness.com (link removed-site no longer active) devoted to biblical balm, and how to make it. I'm sure there are many others.

Basically, you soak aromatic resins and plants in virgin olive oil just like the Hebrews would have done. Something kids could easily make and share as a symbol of healing, and sign that they wish for healing.

Balm Product Label Idea:

• Lip balm for reminding me to say kind words.
• Hand balm for reaching out in anger instead of care.
• Foot balm for not being there to help you, or for walking away when you needed me.
• Friendship Balm -mint to remind me not to be a stinky friend.
• What else!

Excerpts from their site:

The Hebrew Word for balm is tseri. The Strong’s concordance describes it this way: “From an unused root meaning to crack (as by pressure), hence to leak; distillation, that is, balsam: – balm.”

And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: (Genesis 43:11)

Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?  (Jeremiah 8:22)

Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. (Jeremiah 51:8)

Moderator notes: here is an easy lip balm recipe https://onelittleproject.com/homemade-lip-balm/. Just do an online search for recipes for making balms.