balm
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balm
A thick, often pleasant-smelling ointment made from plant resins and oils, used for skin care or healing purposes. It can also refer to a hair conditioner.
Nach dem Sonnenbad trug sie einen kühlenden Balsam auf die Haut auf.
After sunbathing, she applied a cooling balm to her skin.
balm
Something that is experienced as very soothing, comforting, or calming for the mind or spirit. Often used in the expression 'Balsam für die Seele' (balm for the soul).
Nach der stressigen Woche war der ruhige Abend mit Freunden Balsam für meine Seele.
After the stressful week, the quiet evening with friends was balm for my soul.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if it is about skin, hair, or medicine, it means the nourishing ointment. If it is about feelings, comfort, or relaxation, it has the figurative, soothing meaning.
Dieser Lippenbalsam schützt vor trockener Luft.
This lip balm protects against dry air.
In the literal meaning, 'Balsam' (balm) is often used with verbs like 'auftragen' (to apply) or 'einmassieren' (to massage in). Common adjectives are 'kühlend' (cooling) or 'pflegend' (nourishing/caring).
Tragen Sie den Balsam dünn auf die betroffene Hautstelle auf.
Apply the balm thinly to the affected area of skin.
The expression 'Balsam für die Seele' (balm for the soul) is very common. It describes anything that feels very good and restorative emotionally or psychologically.
Ein gutes Gespräch mit einer Freundin ist manchmal Balsam für die Seele.
A good conversation with a friend is sometimes balm for the soul.
comfort / consolation
Trost and Balsam can both provide emotional relief after a disappointment. Trost refers to easing someone’s sorrow, while Balsam figuratively emphasizes the especially soothing effect of words or an experience. When talking about help for sadness, Trost is the right word; for a powerful soothing effect, Balsam is more appropriate.
Nach der Niederlage war das Lob seiner Freunde Balsam für seine Seele.
After the defeat, his friends’ praise was balm for his soul.
Nach der Niederlage war der Trost seiner Freunde für ihn besonders wichtig.
After the defeat, the comfort he received from his friends was especially important to him.
